POPFile is an extremely versatile program. You can have it just filter spam from non-spam e-mail, but what makes POPFile unique is that it is designed to be more than a simple filter.

For each type of mail you want classified you need to setup a bucket. A bucket is just what it sounds like - it's one of any number of folders that your email can be classified into. You can separate your work, personal, and junk mail, filter between a dozen projects that you get email about, or just filter spam from non-spam. It's up to you.

If you've just installed POPFile and you're looking at the web interface for the first time, you'll either be looking at a blank 'History' or 'Buckets' page. You need to start on the 'Buckets' page so click on the 'Buckets' tab at the top of the interface if you aren't already there.

To set up your buckets, let's assume that you want three buckets: work, personal and spam. A little way down the 'Buckets' page, there's a 'Maintenance' tab, with a box labelled 'Create bucket with name:'. Create each bucket in turn - remember, tailor them to whatever you want - spam and real, or work, home and spam - or one for each of your projects.

Note: The more buckets there are, the longer it will take to train POPFile, but make as many buckets as you think will be useful.

When all the buckets you want are created, POPFile is ready to start training. Now its time to get your e-mail program to talk to POPFile.

See also

• Configuring Specific Mail Clients
• What's the minimum and maximum number of buckets POPFile can support?
• How long will it take until POPFile will reach a decent accuracy?