Spam is a big problem on the Internet today for a lot of people. It seems like it is everywhere and it has become more than an annoyance to some people. But what exactly is spam?
Spam is, by definition, any type of unsolicited e-mail or files sent to your computer from an outside source. Mostly, you will find spam in your inbox - identifiable by the many e-mails from lots of vendors and people you’ve never heard of - often accompanied by subjects pertaining to depression, debt and other equally engaging topics.
Dangerous and Unsolicited
While this is annoying to say the least, spam can also be dangerous if it carries a virus or worm with it. This is one way viruses spread so fast on the Internet. And unfortunately, since the Internet is public domain, there isn’t much anyone can do to stop it entirely.
You can however, attempt to block it with anti-spam programs that you can download. Some e-mail providers and ISPs offer protection from spam as well. A good thing to remember is never to open an e-mail from an unknown sender, especially if it has a questionable subject line.
Anti-Spam Laws
There have been many efforts made to help reduce the amount of spam we see today - the most recent, in the United States, being the Anti-Spam Law of 2003. Amongst other things, this law states that:
- All commercial, unsolicited e-mails must be correctly identified - no misleading subject lines.
- All pornographic materials must be labeled as such.
For more information on anti-spam laws, actions taken against it and what you can do, go to www.spamlaws.com.
