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When it comes to personal computing, ease of use is paramount. Most personal computer users are doing some pretty basic stuff, like checking email or Facebook. They may find their inbox full of unwanted spam, but there are some good free products that will rid your email of unwanted messages.

Block Spam For Free

The causual computer user prefers to use free software and services whenever possible, and there are some free anti-spam programs out there that work pretty good. Most reviewers recommend Mailwasher. It not only does a fairly good job of getting rid of the spam, it does it before it downloads into your mailbox. That means you download mail faster, and that stuff gets dumped before it gets to your computer. Spam often contains viruses and malware, so a free program that washes the mail before you get it will definitely show up on most reviewers “best of” lists. Other choices include XTerminator and SPAMfighter Standard.

The Best Anti-Spam Money Can Buy

Like anything in the world, you get what you pay for when it comes to a spam filter. Therefore, the easiest to use and most thorough programs will cost a little money. However, at less than $100 a year, their well worth it if they save your hard drive from overcrowding or some pesky virus or malware.  Cloudmark Desktop shows up on several reviewers’ lists, so for $40 or so, it would be a good buy. It uses the input of millions of users to constantly battle the spam masters. It also never blocks legitimate email.

What works today to filter spm might not work tomorrow, so keep anti-spam updated.