How to install mail server in ubuntu 14.04

Installing a mail server in Ubuntu 14.04 involves several steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you set up a basic mail server using Postfix, Dovecot, and MySQL:

Step 1: Install necessary packages

Open a terminal and run the following command to install the required packages:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install postfix dovecot-imapd dovecot-pop3d mysql-server

Step 2: Configure Postfix

Postfix is the mail transfer agent (MTA) that will handle email delivery. Edit the Postfix configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/main.cf

Add the following lines to the end of the file:

mydestination = localhost
myhostname = mail.example.com
myorigin = /etc/mailname

Replace example.com with your domain name.

Step 3: Configure Dovecot

Dovecot is the IMAP and POP3 server that will handle email retrieval. Edit the Dovecot configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/dovecot/dovecot.conf

Add the following lines to the end of the file:

mail_location = maildir:~/Maildir
first_valid_uid = 1000
first_valid_gid = 1000

Step 4: Configure MySQL

MySQL will store the email accounts and passwords. Create a new database and user:

sudo mysql -u root -p

Create a new database:

CREATE DATABASE mail;

Create a new user and grant privileges:

CREATE USER 'mailuser'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'password';
GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON mail.* TO 'mailuser'@'localhost';

Step 5: Configure Postfix to use MySQL

Edit the Postfix configuration file:

sudo nano /etc/postfix/mysql.cf

Add the following lines to the end of the file:

user = mailuser
password = password
hosts = localhost
dbname = mail

Step 6: Restart services

Restart the Postfix and Dovecot services:

sudo service postfix restart
sudo service dovecot restart

Step 7: Test the mail server

Use the following command to test the mail server:

sudo telnet localhost 25

This should connect you to the Postfix server. You can then send an email using the mail command:

echo "Subject: Test email" | mail -s "Test email" [email protected]

Replace [email protected] with the email address you want to send the email to.

Step 8: Configure DNS

You'll need to configure your DNS settings to point to your mail server. You'll need to create a MX record that points to your mail server's IP address.

That's it! You now have a basic mail server set up in Ubuntu 14.04. You can use the mail command to send and receive emails, and you can use a mail client like Thunderbird or Evolution to access your email accounts.