HTML enables spammers to embed Webbugs and other tracking devices to see whether a particular e-mail was read. That lets spammers know they've got a live one (live e-mail address that is), which means you get a lot more spam. And depending on your mail client and operating system, HTML e-mail can leave you more vulnerable to attacks from e-mail worms.

For optimum safety, instruct your mail client to present email in plain text only. In Outlook, select Tools | Options from the menu, then select E-mail Options on the Preference tab. Select "Read all standard mail in plain text" and click OK. In Outlook Express, click Tools | Options. Select the Read tab and then select "Read all messages in plain text".

Ease your high-tech fears with LAPTOP's 31 security tips >>