SpamAssassin book from Packt Publishing.

I was pleased with this book which was neither too short, nor too long. Firstly you dont need a book like this to get SpamAssassin working – but it definitely helps if you are new to some of the concepts – or just want someone to hand hold you through the install process.

Some time ago I installed SpamAssassin on my own Linux mail server with just the online documentation. My setup is “working” but straight away this book explained a few things which I had not quite gotten straight in my mind.

It talks about how to link SpamAssassin to a number of different MTAs (Mail Transfer Agent) including the one which I was using (Postfix). I need to double check to see whether I have done this properly. It also talks about executing SpamAssassin using procmail whenever a piece of mail comes in. It talks about the relative merits of running SpamAssassin as a demon or a new process for each mail.

It also explains the rules system which most people happily ignore. It also explains a fair bit about the Bayesian checking of SpamAssassin where you teach it what is spam and what isnt.

The main problem with this book is that 25 UKP seems a lot for such a small subject. I realise that the publishers wont be selling millions of copies but I am not sure that I am happy about this. I suppose it will mostly be bought by companies rather than individuals but is that any reason to justify spiralling costs of computer books?