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What is Bayesian filtering?

Question

I have heard the term "Bayesian" used in the description of effective Anti-Spam techniques, what is Bayesian filtering?

Answer

Bayesian filtering is a system based on Bayes’ theorem, and involves the application of probabilities based on prior knowledge and experience.

Quite simply, each individual incoming email is scanned, and checked against a dictionary containing examples of words that occur in good and junk email.

Based on the contents of the email, and a comparison with the dictionary, the system calculates a probability of whether the message is good or junk.

Based on how strict you set the filter, the mail will either be rejected or quarantined, or allowed to pass.

See Also:

Keywords:Bayesian, filter, anti spam

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