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SpamKiller scores: 
SpamKiller is the brainchild of McAfee. McAfee is a well known and respected name in computer software circles and it was only a matter of time until they brought out an anti spam software. But did this software giant get it right? Is SpamKiller the solution to all your spam worries?
In this unbiased review we will highlight the pros and cons of SpamKiller.
Features
SpamKiller comes with a host of features. We have highlighted some of the more important ones:
- Blocks spam using both lists and preset filters
- Updates filters automatically
- Supports POP3, Hotmail & MSN
- Monitor and filter unlimited email accounts
- You can create your own filters with the filter wizard
- Quarantine spam for 30 days
- Users can report spam, which gets added to new filters
Installation and Set Up
Installation of SpamKiller is a snap, as you would expect from any brand name software. In most cases, SpamKiller will automatically configure your existing email accounts.
It is very easy to import existing address books into your "friends list" to make sure their emails are not blocked.
SpamKiller also comes with over 300 preconfigured filters, not to mention you can set up your own filters if the 300 is not sufficient.
Support
Because SpamKiller is designed and distributed by McAfee support is quite good. They have the online Answer Center which will solve most problems, and if that does not help other contact options are available.
They also have a comprehensive online tutorial to help you get started with as little fuss as possible.
Does SpamKiller Work?
SpamKiller does cut your spam down, but it certainly does not get rid of all your spam. Even worse is that it does block some valid emails.
The reason for this is how SpamKiller works:
When you install SpamKiller on your email account, it creates hundreds of automatic filtering rules, for instance that all email with the same address in "To" and "From" is regarded as spam. Or with a certain term that uses "FREE" in the subject line.
These emails are sent directly to your spam folder and although most of them will undoubtedly be spam, a few valid emails do fall through the cracks.
Now, we have to mention that you can actually do something about this. You can set up new filtering rules or change existing ones, based on the type of emails you receive. In short, you can personalize it.
This will significantly cut down on valid emails being sent to the spam folder. However, it will have a much smaller impact on the spam still received in your inbox.
It has been reported by a lot users that without adding custom rules, as much as 25% of spam still get through to your inbox and 2-4% of valid emails gets sent to your spam folder.
Conclusion
Although SpamKiller is developed by software giant, McAfee, the product really lets them down.
Some people love it, some people hate it. Unfortunately more people hate it than love it!
And while there probably is not a spam blocker with a 100% success rate, SpamKiller's success rate is below what a decent spam blocker should achieve.
If you are looking to spend $30-$40 on anti spam software, there are certainly better alternatives. However, if SpamKiller is bundled with AntiVirus or Internet Security, then we suppose it will not hurt to give it a go.
SpamKiller scores: 5/10
