The Bayesian anti spam filter

Introduction

The Bayesian filter is the main `Spam fighting' technology of GFI MailEssentials. Whilst the other anti spam features are important too and complementary to the Bayesian filter, it is the Bayesian filter that will allow you to virtually eliminate spam from your network.

Bayesian filtering technology is an adaptive, `artificial intelligence' technique that is much harder to circumvent by spammers.

However it pays administrators to take a moment to understand the Bayesian filtering technology, in order to be able to gain the most from it.

This chapter explains how the Bayesian filter works, how it can be configured and how it can be trained.

IMPORTANT: Don't judge GFI MailEssentials' spam detection rate until you have allowed the Bayesian filter to run for at least 1 week! GFI MailEssentials can achieve the highest detection rate compared to other anti spam solutions because it adapts specifically to your mail. Be patient and wait at least a week before you evaluate it!