Email authentication helps prevent spam. new settings in your mail server attempt to equip email messages with verifiable information so that the nature of incoming and outgoing messages can be detected automatically.

These strategies have existed for some time, however with the rising prevalence of spoofed and forged email, many email servers are now using these techniques to attempt to lower the burden of unwanted email messages. Free email services such as Hotmail and Gmail, to name but two, have started to enforce these standards.

The definitions follow, although the principle is a little difficult to grasp. All the end user has to know is that mail that originates from a server that is either incorrectly setup or intentionally attempting to cloak its real identity will probably not be delivered unless the user chooses to accept all malformed email identifiers. These changes should never affect valid “real” messages. If you feel that emails are being incorrectly blocked then you should alert the sender that their email server may not be correctly setup or compromised. Although it is possible to whitelist any server or domain, this is considered a last resort and should never be done unless there is no other option.

DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail) is a means of verifying incoming email. It ensures that incoming messages are unmodified and from the sender from whom they claim to be. This feature works to prevent incoming spam messages.

The SPF (Sender Policy Framework) system allows you to specify servers and IP addresses that are authorized to send mail from your domain(s). This feature works to prevent outgoing spam messages.

I wonder how the good folk over at M$ make their Live mail work? In fact, I wonder if they would host our mail.

Well folks and BP customers, get set for your fun filled migration to Windows Live mail. They promise you will get to keep your beloved ?you?@bigpond.com or even you older user who have a bigpond.net.au address.

Telstra will not disclose the details of the deal of course, but I suspect it will not be pocket change if my long held opinion of M$ is anything to go on. I reckon I and the rest of Emu Park would be able to retire of the amount in the deal. But that’s OK, it only our Aussie battler’s savings and invest. Go on guys why not give yourselves a bonus for a job well done. Hotmail plus costs twenty bucks a year. Suppose BP did a fantastic deal and pay only ten per user. That’s about $45 mil per year of your hard earned.

Hmmmm, I wonder if I can elect to not have a BP email address and get a few $ off my fees?

The warning here? If you are not very careful when using web site you have an account with, you may find you have purchased something you were not certain you wanted.