Spam -- We all get it, we all hate it. But there are several methods you can use to cut down on the amount of spam you get. Many of these methods go hand in hand with good computer protection, so it's good to follow up on all of them:

1. ALWAYS keep your anti-virus active and up to date.

   There are a LOT of viruses out there waiting to get onto your system and steal data, including your email address, and those of your friends. Not only dose this help to cut down on the spam you receive, it can also save your computer.
   

2. BE CAREFUL going though your email.

   Not expecting an attachment from someone? Take your time and contact them to make sure they sent it to you. Also NEVER EVER open emails from someone you don't know, or aren't expecting an email from, especially if the subject is a random mess of letters and numbers. There's a very good chance this is either a viruses, or spam.
   

3. NEVER respond to spam.

   It's so tempting to hit that 'remove me' button down at the end of the spam, or respond with a 'remove me' request. But DO NOT. The reason is simple, and can be given from experience. Responding to any spam message at all automatically validates your email to the spammer. Even though you may get removed from one list, you'll end up on hundreds more. Just delete the spam, and forget about it.
   

4. Be careful who you give your email address out to.

   Some privacy policies will tell you outright your email will be sold. Other times, a new company takes over an old business, and changes the policy to allow them to do that. Some of those 'Win a free I-pod' offers or such will also gather email addresses to send you advertisements. And while it's easy to get ON these lists, it's next to impossible to get off.
   

5. Have a 'junk' mail address.

   This is especially important if you're going to join mailing lists, or internet programs. If you post your email address on the web, there's a very good chance it will eventually be collected by a program, who's only reason for existing is to harvest email addresses. Using a junk mail address for this purpose means you will end up with a 'clean' account, which you can use for family and friends, and a junk account that will end up spammed, which is just for internet things.
   

6. Do NOT confuse mailing lists with Spam.

   Mailing lists you need to op into. Likewise you are given the option of getting out of them, usual either by emailing them, or offered a link to unsubscribe yourself. Confusing these mailing lists with spam can get you into trouble, especially if you report them. Reporting agencies may not take you as seriously, or you could get a true newsletter shut down. It's best to be careful you keep track of which email lists you subscribed for, and which you didn't. Normal email lists WILL include information about the company, as well as contact information, their web site or mailing address, and a method to unsubscribe yourself.
   

7. Report spam

   Sites like Spam Cop are great resources to use. Not only do they track lists of known spammers, but you can also report any spam email you get to them, and they will list it. It can help to sort out the difference between what is, and what isn't spam.