Labs

Cloudmark Desktop is available in two versions, for Outlook or Outlook Express. You have to choose which before you buy, and both cost the same. This seems a bit tight considering other anti-spam programs work with a wider range of email programs.

The software is virtually identical to Cloudmark SafetyBar, which we reviewed last

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year. This in turn was very similar to SpamNet, reviewed the previous year. All these programs work in a similar way. They plug in to a large database of spam messages maintained by other users.

With most anti-spam programs, blocking or unblocking a message helps to train the built-in filter. However, with Cloudmark's software this information is fed back to the central database. This means that your actions affect one big filter's ability to detect spam, which in turn helps protect other people.

Previously we've been suspicious about the ongoing effectiveness of such collaboration systems, but Cloudmark's has worked well. If you use Outlook or Outlook Express then this is a good choice.

If you use an alternative email client or want an all-in-one security package with a top anti-spam engine, Trend Micro's PC-cillin 14 is the best option. But Allume's SpamCatcher will do the job for less cash.