If you’re getting tired of seeing this …
$ You have new mail in /var/spool/mail/username |
You can delete by running this command from the Terminal
$ > /var/spool/mail/username |
Install Exim4 On Ubuntu Server
Exim4 is a MTA or message transfer agent that runs on Linux systems. It’s freely available under GNU Linux. If you need to run mail from a server or send an email through an app, you’ll need to install Exim4. It can be installed in place of Sendmail or Postfix.
To install Exim4, open up your Terminal.
$ sudo apt install exim4 |
Configure Exim4.
$ sudo dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config |
You’ll be asked several questions.
- Select “internet site” for type of mail configuration.
- Enter your domain name when asked about system mail name.
- Answer “127.0.0.1 ; ::1” when asked about incoming SMTP connections
- Answer the default answers for the next 3 questions.
- Answer “No” for Dial on demand.
- Answer “mbox” for delivery method for local mail.
- Answer “yes” to split configuration into small files.
If you need to reconfigure Exim4, just re-run the reconfigure command.
Don’t try to edit the /var/lib/exim4/config.autogenerated file.
Test if Exim4 is sending out emails.
$ mail -s "Your Subject" recepient@email.com $ Hello there. This is the body of the message. |
Type Ctrl-D to send the message.
Another way to test if Exim4 is working is to use WordPress. There’s a lost password link below the login page. Click on that. Supply a valid user email address. You should received an email directly from WordPress.
Zoho Mail
Running your own mail server has its own benefits and drawbacks. If you want full control, then running your own is the ideal option. You will be able to personalize your own email, have access to your server logs, and access to the raw email files. The are a few drawbacks such as, configuration is complicated, troubleshooting problems is a pain, downtime can result in lost emails, and the need to run your own spam and virus filtering. Your system can also be exploited if not properly secured.
The other option is to have a hosting company run it for you. You can use your own domain as well to personalize email addresses. Zoho is an email hosting company that offers free email accounts. The free version is limited to 5 email users, 5GB of disk storage, and one domain. Zoho also offers other paid options. There are two business plans starting at $2.50 and $3.50 per month. The setup is easy and straightforward. It’s definitely much more easier than setting up your own email server.