ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 is a very good Windows-based desktop spam blocker that also blocks e-mail viruses and phishing attacks, and automatically protects your inbox from online threats.

How it Works: ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 is a spam blocker, not a spam filter. It is permission-based, with an option to use several features to deal with e-mail from unknown senders and the ability to create rules for special situations.

ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 contains one list of people from whom messages are always allowed and another list of senders that are never allowed. If the sender is on neither of these lists, the ChoiceMail One user can select the option of having the system send a new message, a query, back to the sender of the original message giving them the ability to prioritize delivery of their message.

When the sender responds to the query, ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 presents the identification of the sender to the user for approval. For situations such as mailing lists, newsletters and e-mails from tech support departments that require special handling, ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 provides virtual e-mail addresses to allow such e-mails to come through unchallenged. The result with ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 is that the user controls the e-mail inbox with minimal effort and optimal certainty.

User Interface: The ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 main interface is straightforward and uncomplicated. From the main interface you can initiate all product functions. It’s basic, easy to understand, and very effective.

Value: A one-user license for ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 is $39.95.

Integrated Support Options: A good Help system is included with the product.

Top Features

• Ability to leave mail on server. You can leave the mail on the ISP server of a number of days. When the time expires, ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 will remove the message from the ISP server.
• Can be run as an application or as a Windows service.
• Address book import capability for whitelisting.
• Enables you to view messages directly from your server.
• Enables you to create virtual e-mail addresses on the fly for chosen vendors.
• 30-day free trial.
• Good protection.
• Supports multiple POP3 accounts.
• Configurable challenge message.

Pros

• ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 creates a “whitelist” of all the e-mail addresses in your address book. Every time you send a message to someone new, ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 adds them to the list, so it is always up-to-date.
• Only approved messages get into your inbox.
• Blacklisting and whitelisting are convenient.
• All users are entitled to five free virtual e-mail addresses.
• Messages deleted accidently can be restored.
• Bounced mail launches a mailer daemon, leading spammers to infer that your e-mail address is invalid.
• Works with multiple e-mail addresses.
• Lets you automatically query unknown senders to find out who they are and what they want before their e-mail gets into your inbox.

Cons

• Setup can be complicated if you want to configure individual preferences.
• Limited customer support; no phone support available.
• Software assumes all e-mail is spam unless configured otherwise.

Installation: Installation is straightforward, easy and fast. The settings are easy to configure. Application size is approximately 20 MB for installation.

System Requirements: ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 supports Windows NT, 2000, XP Vista (all versions), POP3.

Phishing Protection: ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 provides protection against phishing attacks.

Supported Platforms: ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 works with any POP3 e-mail client (MS Outlook, Outlook Express, GoldMine, Eudora, Netscape, Pegasys, Incredimail, The Bat, etc.

Customer Support: ChoiceMail One Version 4.5 provides e-mail support for customers. There is an extensive knowledge base and downloadable product documentation online.