[NTLUG:Discuss] new mail server options

[Paul Ingendorf]

If you have never done this sort of thing before be prepared as it is not
easy to get all the pieces in place.  I currently run a TLS SSL pop3 and
imap server and for me it wasn't easy to get setup, it wasn't my first bbq.
This is mainly do to configuration changes within postifx and a lack of
clear current documentation.  So understanding that it isn't easy to get
setup I would recommend if you are looking at redhat you stick with postfix
they have an rpm for spamassasin that will keep your pain level to a
minimum.  As for client mailbox access I think redhat is almost entirely
dovecot now which isn't that hard to setup but it is different from the
paradigms setup by previous pop/imap servers.  For your virus protection,
the best bet is to remove dangerous attachments and process the e-mails for
potential malignant embedded tags.  I use anomy to perform these functions
that way if a new virus comes out I have less to worry about with my users.
They can still send/recieve attachments but items like external image
references are removed, files that end in executable extensions are removed,
and other potentially dangerous files have the extensions renamed to prevent
accidental execution.

In the end with sendmail vs postfix they will both get the job done but I
would go with postfix on redhat because they are supporting it.
Squirrelmail works ok for basic mail access but there are alternatives most
of them more difficult to get setup again there is an rpm to install
squirrelmail in redhat.  For virus protection clamav is ok but you are
better off using something that prevents accidental e-mail attachments from
being executed because that will protect you from future virus outbreaks as
well.  Maildir should be less cpu intensive while accessing individual
messages and should provide for a lower memory footprint while clients
access mail.

-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces at ntlug.org [mailto:discuss-bounces at ntlug.org]On
Behalf Of MontyS at videopost.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 12:58 PM
To: discuss at ntlug.org
Subject: [NTLUG:Discuss] new mail server options


Greetings.

I would like to get opinions on various packages for email.  (Not trying to
start flame wars, just wanting pros & cons and possibly alternatives...)

Postfix vs. sendmail?
Which IMAP server is preferred?
Squirrelmail for web-based email?
clamAV for anti-virus?
We will also be running Spamassassin.
The OS is Red Hat ES3.  (We are a Red Hat "house" already.)

We are replacing an old WinNT/Exchange 5.5 server.  We will still be using
Outlook for the client, but we don't use the "collaboration features" of
Outlook.

What are the benefits/problems of using the maildir format over mbox?

I am going to try to not run pop, if possible.

Should I run the packages as bundled with the Red Hat distribution, or
download them from their respective web/ftp sites?

>From my web research, Postfix, Squirrelmail, clamAV and of course
Spamassassin seems to be the way to go at this time.  I can't get a clear
indication of which IMAP server is "best".

Any other thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Monty
_______________________________________________
https://ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss