A Turing number, named after the father of modern computer science, Alan Mathison Turing, is a randomly generated security code displayed as an image that users read and submit to complete a form online.

Turing numbers are used to ensure that a human - and not an automated 'bot' program - is making the submission.

And this helps me how? Well, it helps in a number of ways. For one, it prevents automated programs from submitting unwanted information to you. If you want x-rated information, I'm sure you can find it on your own.

You're saying it reduces spam? Absolutely. But wait... there's more.... If you order right now we'll ship you a second pocket fisherman free. ...that's not right. Wrong pitch. Let me get back on point.

There are automated programs running amuck on the web that are only there to harvest e-mail addresses. Once your address is found and added to the spammers distribution list, more and more spam gets sent to your in box.

Like I asked. This helps me how? I'm not being clear, am I? Well, you can't harvest an e-mail address you can't find. When we place a form on your website, we use a behind-the-scenes script (program) that hides your address from view. Not only is the address not visible on the site. It's not visible in the underlying source code, either.

OK. Got that. And the Turing number? The Turing number prevents other automated programs from entering information into your form. A Turing number needs to be read, typed, and verified. If it's not, the information is never mailed.

Can I ask for specific information? Absolutely. You create the questions. We construct and place the form.

Very Nice. In conclusion? You control the information requested. The form we place hides your e-mail address from the bad guys. The Turing number makes sure that it's a human who wants to communicate with you.

Do you have a working example?Sure! We use a Turing Protected Form on this very site. Feel free to give it a test run. Drop us an e-mail and say Hello. Our Turing Protected Contact Form is Here. Thanks for stopping by.