The AVG Anti-Spam component can modify the subject of the email (which has been identified as spam) by adding a special string (the default value is [SPAM], this can be changed in the AVG -> top menu Tools -> Advanced settings -> Anti-Spam -> Settings). You can then easily filter your emails (according to this string) in your email client. For more information about the settings of filters in your email client, please use your email program’s help feature or contact the email software provider‘s technical support.

The AVG Anti-Spam component uses a regularly updated database for the detection of spam. It is also possible to use RBL servers (public databases of "known spammer" email addresses) and to manually add email addresses to your Whitelist (never mark as spam) and Blacklist (always mark as spam).

AVG Internet Security edition uses licensed solution from MailShell company (www.mailshell.com) for Anti-Spam protection. This program component used for this protection connects to this server only for checking of Anti-Spam library license, during the scanning of emails (if there is higher level than “Low Memory” set on "Tools -> Advanced settings -> Anti-Spam -> Performance” dialog) or for the update of database. This is all done for increasing the level of Anti-Spam protection. No personal data (AVG license etc.) about the user is sent during this communication.

If scanning of your e-mail messages takes a long time and the Anti-Spam component is installed, we recommend that you disable the on-line checking option in Anti-Spam configuration or set it up to the lowest level. Please note that the level of your protection is not affected significantly.

To disable the on-line checking option please follow these steps: 

• open AVG User Interface
  
• from the top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option
  
• use double-click on the "Anti-Spam" item to expand its settings
  
• click on the "Performance" option
  
• untick the "Enable on-line checking" option

You can change the Engine performance settings up to the lowest level on the same dialog as follows:

• move the slider to the "Low memory" position
• then confirm the settings by clicking on the "OK" button

If there are some SPAM e-mails which are not detected by AVG Anti-Spam please add the senders' e-mail address (or whole domain) to the Blacklist*. You can do it this way:

• Open AVG User interface
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option
• Double-click the "Anti-Spam"  to expand the tree structure
  
• Select the "Blacklist" option and then click on the "Edit" button
• Enter the e-mail address (or domain) you want to be blocked - e.g. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or just domain.com
  
• Confirm by clicking on the "OK" button

* If there is some correct e-mail marked as a SPAM, you can add the senders' e-mail address to the Whitelist the same way.

You can also train the Anti-Spam component to recognize similar spam e-mails next time they come. Please do the following to train the Anti-Spam component:

• Open AVG User interface
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option
• Double-click the "Anti-Spam"  to expand the tree structure
  
• Select the "Settings" option and then click on the "Train Anti-Spam" button
  
• There are some possibilities available (every possibility is enabled only if the appropriate e-mail client is installed):
• Folder with EML files
• MS Office Outlook
• Windows Mail (Outlook Express)
• The BAT!
• Mozilla Thunderbird
• Choose if you want to train for SPAM or HAM (wanted e-mails)
• Choose the program and exact path/folder where spam or correct e-mails are stored
• Use the "OK" button to close all dialogues and save the configuration

If you want to add some senders' e-mail address (or whole domain) to the Blacklist. You can do it this way:

• Open AVG User interface
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option
• Double-click the "Anti-Spam" to expand the tree structure
• Select the "Blacklist" option and then click on the "Edit" button
• Enter the e-mail address (or domain) you want to be blocked - e.g. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or just domain.com
• Confirm by clicking on the "OK" button

From now, all e-mails received from the e-mail address (domain) that is "blacklisted", will be ALWAYS marked as SPAM.

If you want to add some senders' e-mail address (or whole domain) to the Whitelist. The procedure is similar as for Blacklist:

• Open AVG User interface
• From top menu "Tools" select "Advanced settings" option
• Double-click the "Anti-Spam" to expand the tree structure
• Select the "Whitelist" option and then click on the "Edit" button
• Enter the e-mail address (or domain) you want to be allowed - e.g. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or just domain.com
• Confirm by clicking on the "OK" button

You can also use the "Import" button, which will allow you to import e-mail addresses from Windows Address Book or Microsoft Office automatically.

From now, all e-mails received from the e-mail address (domain) that is "whitelisted", will be NEVER marked as SPAM.