LinuxSA Mailing list archives

  From: Andrew Reid <andrew.reid@plug.cx>
  To  : Dan Shearer <dan@tellurian.com.au>
  Date: 08 Nov 2001 22:17:41 -0930

Re: Best Mail Server

On Fri, 2001-11-09 at 15:09, Dan Shearer wrote:

> This is one possible way, of many.

Of course, Dan.

> There are some assumptions here about how you want to operate, not so much
> with Postfix (which is extremely flexible, like each of the other big
> MTAs) but the notion that you will be using plain BSD format files for
> storing your mail (which is all UW can do, unless you count the other
> little-known formats it supports) and that you will be using POP (which
> can be functionally completely replaced with IMAP, with many benefits and
> no disadvantages that I know of, unless your mail clients are extremely
> ancient.)

OK, I've assumed that BSD-format mbox files will be acceptable seeing as
the original poster seemed to indicate that this would only be for a
small setup. BSD-format mbox files are acceptable for several thousand
messages, so it's probably going to be quite adequate for a small setup.

Now, I referenced to POP because the original question asked for a
"...mail server to use that does POP3/SMTP...". I didn't see a reference
to IMAP, though I take your point.

> I prefer to advise that you work out what your needs and constraints are,
> then what protocols and finally what software you want and need.

Hrm, well, I suppose that's something that you've got to decide when you
write the e-mail. Postfix+BSD-mbox+UW-POP3d isn't such a bad combination
for a small setup. It's dead easy to setup, making it (arguably) the
best way to get a quick solution to the problem.

> > Finally, assuming you want to be able to have all staff instantly
> > contactable through one address, you have two options available.
> > 
> > Firstly, there's the incredibly simple method of adding an entry to your
>     :
> > Which brings you to the second option, install a mailing list manager. I
> 
> And options three through to fifty-seven which cover doing this with
> database-backed systems (including LDAP) at both the server and client
> end.

Yeah, but seriously Dan, who could be bothered when you're talking about
something that's small.

Perhaps if Matthew had said,

    "I've got 6000 clients who each require e-mail access. I want to
    provide this through a Linux-based server solution. I want to be
    able to send an e-mail to everyone@domain.com and have all 6000
    users receive the message. I'd also like to be able spread the load
    amongst multiple servers as well as having the ability to provide a
    company directory listing all the clients and their e-mail
    addresses."
    
... or whatever, I'd have put a few more options down on the table. But
frankly, I couldn't be bothered for something that's small. I daresay
that Matthew wouldn't be either. Then again, who am I to say what
Matthew's thinking :-)

   - andrew

--- Andrew J. Reid           "Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem  ---
--- andrew.reid@plug.cx       mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane ---
--- +61 401 946 813           mittam"                                ---


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