Filtering Spam in FirstClass Mail Client

Summary

This document is designed to assist ECE affiliates in setting up mail filters in their FirstClass Client program to decrease the amount of "junk mail" (also known as Spam) viewed in their Mailbox. This "Basic" form of Spam filtering uses the spam level header to filter junk mail into a separate folder that can be examined at your leisure.

FirstClass Client software is used with FirstClass mail servers. However, the changes made to the mailbox using FirstClass Client will affect mail filtering in the user's FirstClass account, whether viewed by FirstClass Client or any other mail client connecting to the FirstClass server.

These procedures apply both to the FirstClass Clients for Windows and Macintosh. Minor differences are noted.

	Step 1: Create a mail folder
	Using FirstClass Client, connect to your account on a FirstClass server. (The example here is the server IRPSMAIL.) Open your personal Mailbox. Click on the folder icon to create a new folder. Note: To see this new folder, you may have to change the window 'Split' under the View menu to 'Split Horizontal'. Right click (for Mac, Control-Click) the new folder, select rename, and call the folder 'Spam.'
Step 2: Create a mailbox rule
Click on 'Collaborate' and select Rules. A window will appear named Mailbox Rules. Click on the button labeled New Advanced Rule.
Note: Click on picture for a better view.	Step 3: Configure the rule.
	In the window called Advanced Rule, type a name for this rule, such as "Move Spam." Besides 'If', click to change "All" to "Any" of the following criteria match. Below 'If' select 'The internet header.' In the next space, type the words 'X-Spam-Level.' (This header tag is case sensitive. Don't include the quote marks.) Then, in the middle drop down list select 'Contains the phrase.' In the right most field type the word 'Level' followed by a space and the number of asterisks at which you want to filter. One asterisk (*) indicates a low probability of being spam; five (*****) indicates a very high probability. Four (****) is a general guideline. Next, under 'Then' select 'File in Folder.' Type the folder name 'Spam' in the next box. Note: you must have created this folder, as detailed in the first step before the rule can be successfully created. Click Save and close the Mailbox Rules windows.

From now on, all incoming e-mail which appears to be "spam" will be automatically moved to the new folder you created. Note that it is possible for legitimate e-mail to be accidentally marked as spam. It is recommended that you periodically check the contents of this folder to ensure that this has not occurred before deleting its contents.