Using SpamAssassin

SpamAssassin uses a series of heuristic tests on mail headers and body text to identify spam. Each message is given a score based on the number of tests which are positive. The higher the score the more likely the message is unsolicited email. SpamAssassin is configurable in various ways, but it is an automated flagging mechanism. It is quite possible that real emails will be flagged with the special header, just as it is possible that junk mail messages will get through without being flagged. Mail which has been flagged as spam will contain this header that are useful for filtering:

        X-Spam-Score: ********* (9)

The header will be added to any message which scores over the default (conservative) threshold of 5. The X-Spam-Score will have a series of "*"s equal to the numeric score of the message. This header allows individual email clients to set their own minimum score for spam. (see below for filtering details)

It is  recommended you use the headers to filter email into a separate folder. That way, you can periodically review the folder to make sure no legitimate mail was flagged by mistake and bulk delete the messages in the folder.  The docs STRONGLY discourages clients against automatically deleting spam via filters in your mail client. You run the risk of deleting legitimate non spam email. If this does happen, there is no way to restore deleted messages.

Instruction for Netscape 4.x (Windows)

Netscape 4.x allows you to create a custom filter. You can supply the special x-header information to Netscape 4.x by doing the following:

1. In the pull down bar at the top of your Netscape 4.x window, go to "Edit-> Message Filters". A new window will open.
2. Click "New". Click "Advanced". A new window will open.
3. Enter "X-Spam-Score", click "Add", click "OK". The latest new window will close.
4. In "Filter Name" enter "SPAM Filter"
5. In the pull down list, select "X-Spam-Score".
6. In the "contains" box, enter "*****". Adding additional "*"s will decrease the filter's sensitivity. You should filter on at least five "*"s, when using less than four you risk filtering legitimate email into your spam folder.
7. In the "Perform this action" pull down list, select "move to folder".
8. Click "New Folder" and create a spam folder. (you should create this folder under "Local Mail" so spam does not count against your quota) It should then be selected in the pull down list of your folders.
9. Click OK.
10. The next time you check your mail, check to see if any messages were automatically filtered into your spam folder!

Instruction for Netscape 7.x (Windows)

1. Open Netscape Mail-->Messenger-->Tools-->Message Filters
2. Click "New"
3. Enter name for filter, "SPAM" for example
4. Select "customize" from drop down list for incoming messages
5. Type in a new Message Header called "X-Spam-Score" click on "Add"
6. Select your new header, "X-Spam-Score"
7. Then next to the "contains" box enter at least 5 *****
8. Then select the folder you want to move the Spam email into.

Netscape 4.x (Mac)

1. Open Netscape Mail-->Edit-->Message Filters
2. Click "New"
3. Enter name for filter, "SPAM" for example
4. Under Filter Action, select "customize" from the drop down menu
5. Click "New" and enter a new Message Header called "X-Spam-Score"
6. Select your new header, "X-Spam-Score"
7. Then next to the "contains" box enter at least 5 *****
8. Then select the folder you want to move the Spam email into.

Netscape 7.x (Mac)

1. Open Netscape Mail-->Messenger-->Tools-->Message Filters
2. Click "New"
3. Enter name for filter, "SPAM" for example
4. Select "customize" from drop down list for incoming messages
5. Type in a new Message Header called "X-Spam-Score" click on "Add"
6. Select your new header, "X-Spam-Score"
7. Then next to the "contains" box enter at least 5 *****
8. Then select the folder you want to move the Spam email into.

It is very important that you regularly review and delete the messages in your spam folder.

• From within Outlook Express, click on Tools and select Rules Wizard
• Click on New to add a new rule
• select Check messages when they arrive and click Next
• In the Conditions box, check off with specific words in the subject
• In the Rule description box, click on specific words and enter ***** (5 asterisks)
  • This will now filter any emails with a SpamAssassin score of 5 or more (see below for more details)
• Click Next
• In the What do you want to do... box, select move it to a specified folder
• In the rule description box, click on specified
• You should be prompted to select a folder. Click New to create a new folder. Name the folder Spam and click OK. Click OK and then click Next.
• At the Exceptions box, click Next
• You should now be asked to name your rule. Name it Spam Rule. Please ensure that there is a check in the Turn on this rule selection box.
• Click Finish

  The above example will move any email with a SpamAssassin score of 5 or more to your Spam folder. If you find that important messages are being flagged as spam and moved into your Spam folder, you can adjust the rule by adding asterisks to the Rule Description (e.g. ****** will move all spam flagged at 6 and above).

IMPORTANT:
It is recommended that you regularly review and delete the messages in your Spam folder.

To view an email's SpamAssassin score, look at the end of the Subject line. The score is also available in the X-Spam-Score mail header.

• Open the email message
• Click on View and select Options
• The Internet headers are shown in a window at the bottom of the dialog box. Scroll down to the bottom of the Internet headers to find the line with "X-Spam-Score:"

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