Using Gmail IMAP means Mail downloads spam too - viruses?

[ToffeeApple]

I've changed from using POP to using IMAP on my Gmail account, but it means that every day about 40 spam messages get downloaded to my Mac.

I'm worried about viruses etc. Can I stop Gmail doing it? Or make Gmail just delete the spam?

 

[26139]

huh?

Dude, there aren't any viruses to worry about. I have lots of spam too (I use gmail though apple mail). Just set the junk to erase on quit and you'll be fine.

 

[ToffeeApple]

Dude, there aren't any viruses to worry about.

What do you mean?

 

[RaceTripper]

What do you mean?

He means just that, Mac has no viruses. Even if your spam has Windows viruses, they will have no affect on your Mac.

I also use Mail.app with GMail IMAP. The spam goes into my Junk folder. Cmd-Opt-J deletes it instantly.

 

[ToffeeApple]

Macs have no viruses at the moment. I don't want to risk being one of the first to have my computer wiped.

And I also don't want to pass on Windows viruses.

 

[26139]

Dude...

Macs have no viruses at the moment. I don't want to risk being one of the first to have my computer wiped.

And I also don't want to pass on Windows viruses.

I understand your concern, but that is like wearing a raincoat and umbrella every day because there's a CHANCE it could rain. Doesn't seem worth it.

You won't pass on Windows viruses if you don't forward attachments, period.

 

[TBi]

I've changed from using POP to using IMAP on my Gmail account, but it means that every day about 40 spam messages get downloaded to my Mac.

I'm worried about viruses etc. Can I stop Gmail doing it? Or make Gmail just delete the spam?

It might be worth logging into GMail's web interface and marking these as spam within gmail so they don't get downloaded.

However i wouldn't worry as long as your mac catchs them as spam. Better to be safe than sorry though.

 

[RaceTripper]

And I also don't want to pass on Windows viruses.

I personally don't feel like it's my responsibility to protect Windows users from viruses, regardless of their origin. I'm not installing a virus scanner on my Mac because the Windows OS has problems with them. Windows users can either manage their own virus protection, or switch to another OS like Linux or Mac. I don't have anything against Windows users, but their problems are their own, not mine.

 

[clevin]

I don't have anything against Windows users, but their problems are their own, not mine.

obviously you have different philosophy than the OP. So your suggestion might just not fit him..

To the OP, I sinserely think gmail is at its best when used through web-UI.

If you can't stand using it in a browser, try mozilla prism (if you are using firefox, or on Tiger 10.4), or fluid (if you are on Leopard and using safari). they offer an independent webapp for gmail(or any website).

 

[pjrobertson]

I thought the reason IMAP was so good was that it didn't have to download all your unwanted messages.
*Goes off to search the web*
aha!

# IMAP on a diet - Speaking of large files, here’s another great feature of IMAP. You can configure your IMAP client to only download what it needs to. On my palm, for example, it’s configured to only download the first 5000bytes of every message. That’s enough to get the text of all but the longest rants, and plenty enough to know whether I’m going to delete the email, forward it, file it in a folder, or wait until I’m back at a real keyboard to respond. Same thing with any attachments. I can download them if I want, but by default, they stay on the server. I can still delete the message, move it to a folder, all without actually getting the entire message on my palm. This saves tremendously load on the network, on the device, and just plain makes sense.

There you are!
You can also go into Mail's settings
CMD +, -> Accounts -> Advance and tell mail not to store message attachments on locally.

 

[IgnatiusTheKing]

I've changed from using POP to using IMAP on my Gmail account, but it means that every day about 40 spam messages get downloaded to my Mac.

I'm worried about viruses etc. Can I stop Gmail doing it? Or make Gmail just delete the spam?

This link might help.