Windows 7: Hotmail introduces its latest anti-spam feature – Aliases

Microsoft revealed its latest anti-spam feature for Hotmail on Thursday.

Aliases allow users to simply create another @hotmail.com email address that directs mail into their existing mailboxes. The feature works by filtering all mail for that particular alias into a folder within a users mailbox.

Microsoft says the feature will be used by consumers who don’t wish to give out their real email address due to spam fears. Dharmesh Mehta described the feature in a company blog post on Thursday:

“Let’s say you’re in the market for a new car. There are a bunch of websites that will email you price quotes, sales alerts, etc. During your car search, these messages are helpful, but once you’re done, they become clutter that can be difficult to stop. By using an alias on these websites instead of your main email address, you can avoid this. And when you’re done, just turn the alias off, ensuring future unwanted messages that are sent to that alias don’t land in your inbox.”