Viruses are not the only reason we so often have to turn off the HTML acceptance in our e-mail programs. More often than not, there are alternatives. In this case, one such alternative is called NoSpyMail. Designed to detect and disable the “nasties” that some HTML-based e-mail contains, it offers a blanket of protection without the need for disabling HTML e-mail.

The program’s author defines spymail as “any e-mail message sent to you which attempts to collect information about you, your computer, or your e-mail habits without your permission.” NoSpyMail detects and blocks Web bug elements in e-mail messages without requiring you to turn off HTML in Microsoft Outlook (versions 2000 through 2003) e-mail client software.