Filter Out Junk Email

Q. I use Outlook as my e-mail application, and I get loads of spam—unwanted junk mail. Is there some way to block that mail without loading some fancy add-on program?

A. While it’s not foolproof, Outlook is able to block, erase, highlight with color (so you can spot them easily), or move most junk or adult content mail to some designated place. Here’s how it’s done:

In Outlook, click Tools, Organize . Click on the Junk E-Mail link, which opens this pane:

Notice that you have two choices: one for Junk messages and one for Adult Content messages. And for each you have two further choices: either color the mail or move it. The menus change as you make a selection.

You can set up exceptions to these filters. Select Tools, Rules Wizard .

Then click New and the following menu appears:

With a few more clicks, you can put together a list of spam senders. If a spam e-mail slips past the filter, just add it to your list.