08-02-2017, 03:49 PM
Setting up an Ubuntu system as an e-mail server
Introduction
Setting up an email server is a difficult process involving a number of different programs, each of which must be configured correctly. The best approach is to install and configure each of the components one by one, making sure each one works, and gradually build your mail server.
Mail transfer agent
A mail transfer agent (MTA) is the program that receives and sends the email from your server and, therefore, is the key part. The default MTA in Ubuntu is Postfix, but exim4 is also fully supported and in the main repository.
1. Postfix: This guide explains how to configure Postfix.
Mail filtering
You can add filtering in your mail chain, mainly to detect spam and viruses.
1. PostfixAmavisNew - this guide explains how to integrate amavisd-new with Postfix.
2. PostfixGreylisting - this guide explains how to install Postgrey to implement greylisting
3. EximClamAV: This guide explains how to integrate the antivirus with the Exim mail server
Mail delivery agent
In order to allow you or others to download e-mails from other locations, you must configure an IMAP or POP3 server. Again, there are many of these, with different advantages and disadvantages. All the servers presented here can be found in the main Ubuntu repository, which means that you receive security updates as needed.
1. Dovecot: This guide explains how to configure Dovecot as a mail server. Dovecot is a good mail server that is simple to configure.
2. Courier: This guide explains how to configure Courier as a mail server. Courier is also very simple to use and can be used with an external database to manage virtual users. It is widely used.
3. Mail Server Courier Spam Assassin: This guide provides an example of a full mail server using Courier MTA and Spam Assassin.
4. Cyrus: This guide explains how to set up Cyrus as a mail server. Cyrus is one of those MDAs the most complicated server. However, it is the most scalable and widely used server. It only supports virtual users. Warning: Cyrus has been removed from main. It is in the universe in dapper and edgy and therefore does not necessarily receive security updates.
Web mail
Web-mail allows you and your email users to view your email through your web browser from anywhere in the world. You will need to configure an MTA, an MDA, and a web server (see Apache page) to work.
1. Squirrelmail: This guide explains how to set up Squirrelmail web mail.
2. Open Web Mail: This guide explains how to configure the Open Web-Mail application.
Introduction
Setting up an email server is a difficult process involving a number of different programs, each of which must be configured correctly. The best approach is to install and configure each of the components one by one, making sure each one works, and gradually build your mail server.
Mail transfer agent
A mail transfer agent (MTA) is the program that receives and sends the email from your server and, therefore, is the key part. The default MTA in Ubuntu is Postfix, but exim4 is also fully supported and in the main repository.
1. Postfix: This guide explains how to configure Postfix.
Mail filtering
You can add filtering in your mail chain, mainly to detect spam and viruses.
1. PostfixAmavisNew - this guide explains how to integrate amavisd-new with Postfix.
2. PostfixGreylisting - this guide explains how to install Postgrey to implement greylisting
3. EximClamAV: This guide explains how to integrate the antivirus with the Exim mail server
Mail delivery agent
In order to allow you or others to download e-mails from other locations, you must configure an IMAP or POP3 server. Again, there are many of these, with different advantages and disadvantages. All the servers presented here can be found in the main Ubuntu repository, which means that you receive security updates as needed.
1. Dovecot: This guide explains how to configure Dovecot as a mail server. Dovecot is a good mail server that is simple to configure.
2. Courier: This guide explains how to configure Courier as a mail server. Courier is also very simple to use and can be used with an external database to manage virtual users. It is widely used.
3. Mail Server Courier Spam Assassin: This guide provides an example of a full mail server using Courier MTA and Spam Assassin.
4. Cyrus: This guide explains how to set up Cyrus as a mail server. Cyrus is one of those MDAs the most complicated server. However, it is the most scalable and widely used server. It only supports virtual users. Warning: Cyrus has been removed from main. It is in the universe in dapper and edgy and therefore does not necessarily receive security updates.
Web mail
Web-mail allows you and your email users to view your email through your web browser from anywhere in the world. You will need to configure an MTA, an MDA, and a web server (see Apache page) to work.
1. Squirrelmail: This guide explains how to set up Squirrelmail web mail.
2. Open Web Mail: This guide explains how to configure the Open Web-Mail application.