A software application that filters specific messages from an e-mail server is disclosed. A user specifies filtering criteria within the application, which then detects the arrival of an e-mail fulfilling the specified criteria, and notifies the user accordingly. The notification can consist of blinking an icon on a Set Top Box (STB) TV screen, making an audible sound, or activating a pager. The subject of the filter criteria can be an Instant Message or telephone call using Caller ID, instead of an e-mail message.