Lockspam 3 Pro

By Kurt von Behrmann

Lockspam Pro 3's Interface

Lockspam is one of those plug-ins that actually does do what it promises. Compaired to others I have tried, this one has the highest accuracy. Easy to install, easy to use and effective, Lockspam is a well kept secret.  If you use Outlook and or Outlook Express, this is one worth checking out soon.  Plus, it does not cause issues in the host programs.

Lockspam Pro 3 

11/13/2004

www.lockspam.com 

Price: $ 29.95, check their web site for changes in pricing.

A free version is available. 

Requirements

1. Pentium processor
2. 64 Mb of Ram
3. Internet connection, clearly
4. Win 98 through to XP
5. Outlook 2000, Outlook XP, Outlook 2003
6. Outlook Express 5 to 6
7. Eudora Four or later
8. Foxmail, The Bat!, Pegagus Mail and several others formats

Finding irritating spam in your in box is a real pain.  You go to the trouble of going online only to find junk your email box you did not ask for or even want. 

Fighting spam has been an ongoing process.  For Outlook users of the latest version, a spam filter is built into the program. However, Outlook Express does not have this built in, and many other programs do not as well.    

Often the spam filters that are added on may not have the power, configurability or ease of use most people want.   

Lockspam has been producing a decent spam killer for a while now. As a plug in for Outlook, it has been a truly useful program.  Accurate, and working effectively within Outlook, the only thing that hampered Lockspam’s success was its ability to work with Outlook Express. 

Lockspam Pro 3 solves that problem. The new pro version brings the same protection to Outlook Express. The only caveat is that it does not work with hotmail accounts from within Outlook Express. Other than this limitation, the program is effective. 

Periodically, Lockspam 3 Pro is issued updates.  Changed from the previous version is that the program now installs at start up and has an icon located in the far right corner of the task bar.  An unobtrusive bar appears on the Outlook and Outlook Express menu bar. It proves access to email blocked, unblocking and an accessible way to see the percentage of email captured. 

In contrast to McAfee’s spam killer that requires you to enter information manually, Lockspam configures itself and installs seamlessly.  In sharp contrast to other plug—ins I have seen with Microsoft Office programs from third party vendors, this one works and does not upset the other functions of Outlook.  For those dependent on the program, this is a blessing.  Naturally, this program overrides the built in spam blocking of Outlook.  For those hoping that Lockspam would be configured for Outlook Express, that same reliablitiy is here. 

The expected ability to block, unblock and learn as you go is here. The accuracy rate is pretty high. No product like this is 100 percent effective. But, if you can get about 80, you are doing well. In my informal tests, it was rare to see good email make it into the bad pile.  But don’t just hit the delete key. You will need to go through your spam filter email box to be sure.  Running at 80 to 90 percent accuracy, sometimes good email makes it.  Rarely, I did seem spam make it into the in box, but by and large this program does a very good job of keeping the obvious out. 

Summation 

With a painless installation, good accuracy, and the ability to learn as you own it, Lockspam has turned in a solid plug in for Outlook and Outlook Express. Support for other popular email clients is here. Simply check out the lockspam site for changes and updates. Lockspam has been regularly underogoing changes answering the requests of users.  As a good solution for those that use Outlook, Lockspam is a well designed plug in that should help in the war against spam.