Every user of the Internet knows about spam, viruses, pop-ups, and spyware. A new book from McGraw-Hill shows ordinary users how to fight those pests; it is a practical how-to guide for WinXP users and does not require any special technical knowledge. The author discusses readily available tools, how to use them, and techniques for achieving a high `kill' rate.

The book is in parts that each discuss a specific issue: spam; viruses; spyware and adware; and pop-ups. Even though the reader may have been using anti-virus software for some time, the discussion of viruses is a timely reminder of the current state of the problem and methods of protection - especially in a WinXP environment.

Spam is not easy to deal with. Spammers devise cunning ways to avoid filters, and users have to be just as cunning in devising ways of using filters. The discussion is quite detailed and explains the various elements of a filter system, something that has to be appreciated in order to make the best use of available tools. For example, it is important to get message rules in the right order because they are processed sequentially. Most ISPs offer a filter - some apply it regardless of user preferences, and others require their clients to activate the service and apply their own individual settings.

The next line of defence is usually a facility built in to mail clients; a number of those are described with advice on configuration and setting up custom rules.

One mail client not mentioned is Pegasus Mail, a freeware product from New Zealand and which probably offers the best available client-side content control and filtering. It uses regular expressions, offers a real manual (you have to pay for it), has extensive online help, and comes with an extensive set of pre-configured content control rules that are easily edited.

Spyware, adware, and pop-ups are a nuisance; spyware can be malicious and protection is important. The book explains the tools that are available in various Microsoft products (especially the security features in service packs) and how to use them. A companion CD contains trial software that includes AdsGone, LavaSoft, McAfee, SpyBot (freeware), TrendMicro, and ZoneLabs.

A comprehensive, plain language guide that every WinXP user should have. A sound source of information for ordinary users who want to know about spam, viruses, pop-ups, and spyware.