1 minute HOWTO: Update SpamAssassin Rules / Filters

The script "sa-update" is used by SpamAssassin to download configuration files such as rules and scores.  Here are the small steps that you must take in order to keep your spam filter rules up to par and able to knock the incoming spam mail to the floor.

1. Change your path to your SpamAssassin rules and global configuration directory. "cd /usr/local/share/spamassassin" or "cd /usr/share/spamassassin" - of which either one would exist depending on your platform installation method
2. Execute sa-update with the -D parameter so that you may see what updates are being downloaded and to output debug information.  You may type "whereis sa-update" if sa-update is not in your path.  So, after changing directories in this list #1, enter as root "sa-update -D"
3. You will see a current version and the new version listed at the bottom of the output.  If their is a new definition, the new will be shown in difference to the current.
4. Restart spamd.  This may be done with the following, one of which will work depending on your operating system and installation method: "/etc/init.d/spamassassin restart", "/etc/init.d/spamd restart", "/usr/local/etc/rc.d/sa-spamd restart"

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Main Entry: spew Pronunciation: \ˈspyü\
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English spīwan; akin to Old High German spIwan to spit, Latin spuere, Greek ptyein intransitive verb
Date: before 12th century

1. VOMIT
2. to come forth in a flood or gush
3. to ooze out as if under pressure : EXUDE

transitive verb

1. VOMIT
2. to send or cast forth with vigor or violence or in great quantity <a volcano spewing out ash> —often used with out —spew·er noun

- [edited source] Merriam-Webster