Email server

[Scooba Da Bass]

Ok, looks like the compnay is on a bit of a spending spree, we are going to replace the DSL router computer/email server. What package is going to be easiest to set up and use (bearing in mind I don't have the time to learn to use any *nix varient)?

 

[old.GateKeeper]

how many users are we talking about???

Is it an ethernet based based DSL setup + is it one connection or lots in a load balencing setup?

I use Clarkconnect but that is Linux based (quite easy to setup though) on which you can run any number of email packages.

my £0.03 (inflation)

GAteKeeper

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

About 20 users, it's a 2Mbit DSL line via an ethernet router. Web access side is fine, I just need to sort out software and hardware for the machine it'l be connected to.

 

[Summo]

So... little... information...

We use Exchange 5.5 (because FECKING IMPENDING OUTSOURCING is preventing a 2000 server migration) which works a treat and is (relatively) easy to set up. Expensive, mind.

What sort of network and servers are you running now and how much money do you have to spend?

 

[Testin da Cable]

I'd go for a *nix package mate. Get some person you know to set it up for you heh. Going to exchange seems rather harsh
no time...I know

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

Ok, assuming I go for a #nix variant, how much work will be entailed in setting up the box to pass on emails and handle the router. What software will be needed to do that, and to interface with the rest of the network (NT/2K based). Also, what kind of spec will it need?

This is obviously bearing in mind that I've never used any *nix before, so easy setup without pages of archaic text commands would be nice.

 

[Summo]

As we're only talking 20 or so people, sticking a Linux box in an existing NT/2000 network seems illogical. Especially as there would appear to be little or no Linux knowledge there (same in my brain). That said, Exchange would be overkill.

Though I've never used it myself NT Mail is in use in some of our schools and has been praised by our critical schoools infrastructure team. Certainly worth a look.

 

[Testin da Cable]

well if you happen to have an NT license sitting about and feel like you can purchase a package like NTmail then that is the smart thing to do. I imagine you know 'average' NT based specs off by heart.
On the other hand a *nix based thing is free* the diverse mailers for it are both free and commercial. It will run on nearly any spec above 'uber-low'. In my minds eye I see a reasonable duron with 128megs ram. Raid capable mobo with two 18gig drives mirrored [raid1]. a linux or a BSD with postfix installed. perhaps a pop package so the users can pull mail to their workstations, or an IMAP if you want it left on the server [in the last case perhaps bigger drives would be a good idea]
for connectivity to admin the box you'll need something like PuTTY on your Admin's workstation. Your users will be able to talk to the box through their mailer. a possible downside is that your Admin will have to do that evil command-line stuff heh.

I'd have to advise buying a mailserver app for NT in the intrests of speed and easy setups.

If you can manage to wait two weeks I can do a column detailing exactly how to setup an OpenBSD based mailserver running PostFix and Pop3.


*or not if you want to pay

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

I think both solutions are overkill, 'specially the system specs for the *nix system, considering our current machine is an AMD K2 350. The only reason I'm actually considering upgrading is because Mdaemon is so pants.

I'll sit down and do a bit of research when I get the time and work out what I can justify spending just for ease of use.

Thanks for the help peeps

 

[Summo]

Bah. Use a shared .txt file which people can type message on.

 

[Testin da Cable]

Originally posted by Scooba Da Bass
I think both solutions are overkill, 'specially the system specs for the *nix system, considering our current machine is an AMD K2 350.

reinstall on the current one then
I've heard of middle-sized corps pumping mail through very low powered hardware [running unix] because they never had the need to upgrade.

 

[Scooba Da Bass]

I'm inclined to go down the *nix varient road, altho the thought of learning it does kinda turn me off. Oh well, I guess it could come in handy somewhere down the line.

Looks like I'm going to be waiting for your column TDC