Running a mailserver

[thomask]

Hi
If I signed up for an account, I'd quite like to be able to run a mail server. Please excuse my ignorance in this area, but I don't understand how the SMTP process works, and how I could set up an SMTP daemon to forward mail from my address onto the internet. Would I have to buy SMTP hosting from someone else? Could I test it out with only an IP address, or would I have to register a domain name first? One of my prime reasons for renting a VM would be to replace my current email service in order to host my own.

[hezekiah]

To answer your question directly, yes, you can do this. The simplest/cheapest plan (The 32) would probably be fine for your needs, as long as you only have a few accounts on the VPS.

That said, there will be a rather significant learning curve if you are not at all familiar with setting up such a system. Don't let this discourage you! You should just be aware of it before you dive in. There is also some upkeep required to keep your system properly backed up and secure.

There are a lot of wonderful resources/tutorials/HOWTOs online to help in setting something up like this. I have an account here (the 32) and I use it primarily for email, with a little bit of personal web work as well. It works well, if a little slowly at times. I have recorded most/all of the steps I used in setting up the system and I would be happy to share this info if you or anyone else is interested.

Good luck on your decision! If you have the time and interest, I'd recommend giving it a shot. I've had a lot of fun setting my own system up, and learned a huge amount in the process.

[stopmotion24]

http://www.qmailrocks.org/

this site has and qmail installation guide for RedHat, Fedora, Debian.

I've used this guide several times to setup a mailserver with success.

good luck,
stopmotion24

[matta]

This thread could also be helpful.

http://www.unixshell.com/forum/showthread.php?t=90