This is just a 'For What It's Worth' post, about the independent mail virus checker, Benign, from Firetrust, the Mailwasher people.

I've noticed a few times recently that when I've installed Norton or AVG on some customer's machines, the mail system seems to get screwed up, and stops functioning correctly.

The problem seems to be connected to the method both these apps use to check mail, which is to 'divert' the mail by changing the pop setting to include a port that suits them.  For example pop3.xtra.co.nz might become pop3.norton.antivirus.

AVG does a similar bit of sleight of hand and other AV's probably do the same.

Thinking that a separate, 'free-standing' mail checker might be worth investigating, I stumbled across 'Benign' from Firetrust.  Seeing as I already use their sister app, Mailwasher, I thought it was worth checking out.  So far it seems pretty good.  I won't go into more detail, suffice to say I'm sticking with it for now.

If you're interested, read the blurb here:
http://www.firetrust.com/products/benign/


Ian Porter
Computer Guys Inc.
Arrowtown
New Zealand
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The NOSPIN Group
http://freepctech.com

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