FAQ (frequently asked questions)
We answer many of the same questions regularly, so for clients who enjoy doing their own research we've compiled this list of common questions. Feel free to scroll through this list to get a basic primer in using our hosting services.
Q: What is an "email client"?
A: An email client is the software that allows you to view your email. Outlook and Outlook Express are typical examples found on computers running Windows (PC) or Macintosh operating systems. We provide technical support to our PC and MAC customers using the Eudora, Outlook, Outlook Express, Opera, and Netscape email clients.
Q: How do I create secure passwords that reduce my vulnerability to cyber criminals?
A: When creating a password use eight (8) or more characters, upper case, lower case, punctuation, and numbers while avoiding actual words, birthdates, street addreses and Social Security numbers. Read this short article to improve your understanding of passwords and learn some tricks to create "strong" passwords that you can remember.
Q: Can ZoneAlarm and other firewall software interfere with my ability to send or receive email?
A: Yes.
Q: Do I have to create my own password?
A: We can create a password for that will provide excellent security.
Q: Will WebHostWorks.net "remember" my password in case I don't?
A: Customer passwords are stored in an encrypted form and we never access them. If you forget your password, we can make a new one for you, but we can't retrieve your old one.
Q: I get a lot of unwanted email; what can I do to help prevent spam?
A: Limit the distribution of your email addresses and enable SpamAssassin.
Q: I can't send email.
A: The Allow Authentication box needs to be checked.
- Netscape example---Place a check in the box next to Use name and password Select Always under Use secure connection (SSL)
- Outlook example---Just check the My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication
- Opera example---Note that Plaintext, under Authentication is selected in both places. Please include your username and password wherever possible.
Q: Which email client is most frequently the target of malicious attacks?
A: Microsoft Outlook
Q: Are there other email clients that are less susceptible to malicious attacks?
A: There are several email clients that can be downloaded for free or purchased. We provide technical support to our PC and MAC customers using Eudora, Outlook, Outlook Express, Opera, and Netscape.
Q: How do I reduce the amount of spam I am currently receiving?
A: Enable SpamAssassin by clicking on the link below. Use the User Name and Password supplied to you by WebHostWorks.net
SpamAssassin (this will open a new window)
Q: I have enabled SpamAssassin but I still get unwanted email that I consider to be spam.
A: Enabling SpamAssassin will cause incoming email from senders or domains to be delivered to you with a message of your choice in the subject line. The default subject line message (*****SPAM***** ) will help you to quickly identify the unwanted email. Using the Blacklist feature will NOT cause your email to be deleted or become un-delivered. You must configure filtering/folder redirection within your email client in order to manage the unwanted email. The unwanted email can be directed to a location where it will be deleted.
Q: How can I retrieve email remotely?
A: Get to a web browser and enter http://mail.webhostworks.net into the address line. Enter your user name and password.
Q: Spam Assassin didn't delete my spam.
A: SpamAssassin does not delete spam, but it does clearly identify it for you by placing this message (*****SPAM*****) into the subject line of the email.
Q: Why doesn't WebHostWorks.net delete my spam?
A: Since some of the email, that you WANT, also looks like spam to a spam filtering program, there is chance that we could delete email that you want.
Q: What is the most "powerful" change I can make when configuring SpamAssassin?
A: Reducing the value in the Required Hits (this is a threshold value) field under SpamAssassin Preferences.When this number is lowered, more email gets flagged as Spam.
Q: What if I set my Required Hits to zero?
A: All mail, whether it's good or bad, will be flagged as Spam.