Review of Canning Spam: You've Got Mail (That You Don't Want) (Paperback)

A very easy to read book that goes through various aspects of spam, and how to minimise your exposure to it. Of course, you need to be familiar with email, because you're getting spam, aren't you? But other than that, the technical background needed to understand the authors' points is minimal.

They explain clearly and in simple terms why spam exists, and the common ways in which spammers can get your email address and the typical characteristics of the spam that they send.

Various simple antispam techniques are shown. These are mostly aimed at the end user. For example, they suggest that you do not post your email address widely on the net. Or, if you post it on your web page, you choose something like drawing it in an image, so that a spam bot cannot harvest it. Or having an obscure address, like j0e3892@someisp.com, instead of a simple joe@someisp.com. So that your address cannot be found by a dictionary attack.

The problem with the authors' suggestions is that they undermine a lot of the usefulness of email. For example, having a short and simple address helps others remember it and type it correctly. And being able to just disseminate addresses widely was and still remains a core utility of email.

Product Description

Bad things can come in small packages. Have you ever innocently opened a vicious email? Have you ever wondered how some spammers have acquired your email address? And who are the people behind these messages? We've all been victims at one time or another. Canning Spam - You've Got Mail that You Don't Want is a book for all of us who use email. The author demystifies viruses and spam, explaining how spammers gain access to email addresses, how attackers can trick users into opening messages, how email clients can help and hurt, and how spammers can use corporate email servers as a front for their unwanted messages. The book contains stories about spam, viruses, and hackers that make for entertaining and informative reading.Each chapter includes practical advice for administrators setting policy and installing filters to block spam, as well as tips for users to help them avoid becoming part of the problem.

From the Inside Flap
People are talking about 'Canning Spam'

"Sinister spammers are determined to pack our email boxes with unsolicited advertising, steal our identities, and expose our systems to harmful computer code. In 'Canning Spam,' Jeremy Poteet reveals the inside information, tips, and tricks that every user needs for self-defense. Don't read or send another email message until you've read this book!"
--Joe Kraynak, author of dozens of best-selling books including The Complete Idiot's Guide to Computer Basics, Que's Internet Yellow Pages, and Best of the Internet

"'Canning Spam' is an invaluable resource for those who suffer from one of the most -- if not the most -- annoying and debilitating misuses of the Internet. With this book, readers will become educated on the many faces of spam, how it works, and most importantly, what to do to rid your PC of it."
--Marc Saltzman, syndicated consumer tech journalist and author

"Spam is the worst thing about using the Internet -- if you're like me, you almost dread looking in your inbox every morning, knowing that you'll be besieged by come-ons, scams, and offers to enlarge certain private body parts. 'Canning Spam' will help you take back your inbox. It offers real-world, hands-on advice that will not only clean out your inbox, but help keep you off spam lists. And its in-depth explanations of how spam is created and how you can stop it will help you figure out spam-fighting techniques on your own. Buy this book and get back your inbox."
--Preston Gralla, author of 30 books, including How the Internet Works, and columnist for Ziff-Davis

"'Canning Spam' is a detailed examination of the spam and virus problems facing all computer users today. Not only does one learn the stories behind the problems, the author also provides common-sense solutions that one can use to reduce the incidence of spam and other email-borne annoyances. Particularly interesting are the real-world "case studies" that the author uses to demonstrate how regular users are affected by these pesky attacks. All computer users should take the precautions recommended in this book!"
--Michael Miller, President, The Molehill Group; author of more than fifty best-selling books including Absolute Beginner's Guide to eBay

"Spam is a big problem. People are tired of weeding through tons of useless information, wasting their precious time, and being exposed to a continual barrage of electronic harassment. This book will prove valuable to you in describing the true definition of spam, its origin, and the many techniques and measures in order to prevent it."
--Christian Kenyeres, Consultant

"Do you want to understand spam, email viruses, and all the other mysterious malicious things that go bump in the Internet night? If so, Jeremy Poteet's 'Canning Spam' is the book for you. You'll find more useful info than you ever knew existed, as well as every safe-email tip known to mankind. Once you read this book, you will not only have that wonderful sense of security that comes from knowing what you are doing, you'll be able to hold your own with any of the local neighborhood nerds (not to mention your 12-year-old nephew)."
--Harley Hahn, humorist, computer expert, philosopher, author of Harley Hahn's Internet Yellow Pages

"Unwanted email wastes users' time and employers' money by exploiting both human and technical weakness. 'Canning Spam' combines plain-English descriptions of technical attacks with real-world examples of how and why they work, even when users think they know enough to avoid becoming victims. Until we get to the point that books like this aren't needed, this is one worth recommending to many email users and to every email administrator."
--Peter Coffee, Technology Editor, eWEEK

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