We are implementing new anti-spam tactics based on the strategies described in last month's newsletter.

Mail addressed to businesses is now processed through an incoming mail server which only rejects messages from the most blatant spammers. SpamCheck's “spam criteria” is also much more lax on this server than on the server processing email addressed to Cove users.

High scoring spam is now diverted away from your

average of 33 million bytes of spam from reaching your inboxes every day.

We are building a new incoming mail server and POP server to handle the ever-increasing load of spam.

Once this new equipment is in place we will be ready to implement the Spam Wizard. The Spam Wizard will help you decide the best way to keep spam out of your inbox.

Having trouble reading attachments? Is your browser giving you error messages all of a sudden?

If so, your computer has probably been

“updated” by Microsoft! These “updates” are usually automatic and happen without you being advised about any changes.

Most of these “updates” increase the

security on your computer, which is a good thing. Modifying the security settings in your email program and browser will get your computer functioning normally again.

We will be managing our own dialup access lines towards the end of January.

The new dialup access lines will have local access numbers in Beverly, Gloucester,

Newburyport, Salem and Topsfield.

The change to your dialup settings will only affect the number you dial. All other settings will remain the

same. As before, we will create easy instructions on web pages for you.

We expect to have the new numbers available sometime in mid-January.

Please do not make any changes to your dialup settings until you receive word from us that the new lines are active.

It was a quiet month at the help desk.

Most calls were for account setup information.

If you ever need help, please select tech support (Option 2) if you call our main office. This

will enable you to get our dialup access numbers, email settings or our toll-free help desk number.

Please remember, our help desk team is available to you 24 hours a day and the direct, toll free number is
877-221-2116.

This was mainly a quiet month on the network.

Our dialup line provider only had minor outages during December.

Work continues on the new incoming mail server and POP

server, the new radius server and terminal server for our new dialup access lines and a new web server for our virtual web hosting customers.

Once the mail servers are in place, we will be installing our Spam Wizard for you to use.

Are you pleased with our service? Do you know someone who is unhappy with their current Internet or On-line service?

Why not do them and yourself a favor?

Just recommend our service. If they subscribe, we'll give you a free month of access!

They will appreciate your advice and you'll save a little money.

Again this month, over a dozen subscribers are getting their access in January for free - just by referring new subscribers.

Everybody wins!