How do I setup a mail server on Mac OS X Server? (NO TROLLING, Criticism, etc)

[BertyBoy]

Originally Posted by edesignuk

I may be wrong, but I read "I got a copy of Mac OSX Server 10.5.4 and installed it on my MBP" as "I downloaded/acquired a copy".

Well some don't like to be accused of being pirates. Maybe he's s lazy spoilt rich kid (no offence meant) who's purchased it from Apple. There's some posts for help here and on Apple Discussions - new Mac, usually laptop, with no original discs or sales receipt, no charger, and they're forgotten their account password. Just screams STOLEN, but we just can't accuse them. I'm not implying in any way that there has been any theft in this case.

[nullx86]

Originally Posted by edesignuk

I may be wrong, but I read "I got a copy of Mac OSX Server 10.5.4 and installed it on my MBP" as "I downloaded/acquired a copy".

nullx86, no need to be rude. People are simply pointing out that because you're not happy with your current provider doesn't mean the next logical step is to set up your own.

Originally Posted by BertyBoy

Well some don't like to be accused of being pirates. Maybe he's s lazy spoilt rich kid (no offence meant) who's purchased it from Apple. There's some posts for help here and on Apple Discussions - new Mac, usually laptop, with no original discs or sales receipt, no charger, and they're forgotten their account password. Just screams STOLEN, but we just can't accuse them. I'm not implying in any way that there has been any theft in this case.

Ok, edesignuk, you wouldnt like it if I accused you of pirating would you? Please dont do it to me. Also, I have tried many different mail providers, and like i said above, I know the risks of setting my own mail server up. I dont want people telling me what I should or shouldn't do; I am quite capable of making those decisions on my own. What I want (and the whole point of this thread is) is to get some info on how to set up the mail server on Mac OS X Server.

BertyBoy, thanks. I actually got the 10.5.4 from a friend who was working in IT, and I got a trial copy of Snow Leopard Server directly from Apple. So, I guess i will rely on Apple's documentation rather then the people here, who most only seems to be able to troll and yell "Piracy!".

[BertyBoy]

Again, you will need to make sure that the OSX 10.5.4 Server is legit, with a serial not in use by any other client. Anyone who's finished with Leopard Server, having moved already to Snow Leopard Server (which is how I presume you have access to the original install media and licence key), will almost certainly have an "up-to-date" licence, meaning (strictly speaking) that their OSX 10.5.4 Server licence is not available for use by you. You just need to make sure.

Anyway, the documentation is a big read, and it's not due to a lack of knowledge, or an unwillingness to help from users here that's the cause of the lack of response, setting up a mail server is no easy feat - well it wasn't in 10.3 Server, and when I read the 10.4 manuals it didn't seem any easier. Basically someone would be posting the full contents of the manual here to get you through the setup. Even then it would have to assume that the installation and setup was completed correctly - the software installs easily, it's the initial setup that still frightens me. i've heard it's a lot better in 10.5 and 10.6.

[CorporateFelon]

Server Preferences -> Turn Mail Service On.
Server Admin -> Mail Section configure host and domain name.
Open up ports in router and forward to your server.
Point DNS entries and MX records.

not much harder than that. Tons of other settings though. And I'm joining the chorus on this one. Apple made this one particularly easy, if you couldnt figure the basics out on your own I really dont think this is the best choice for you.

And to echo another point that was made, if you laptop isnt hooked up and left on all the time you WILL miss email. You NEED a dedicated server for this type of thing.

[bigandy]

Originally Posted by BertyBoy

Anyway, the documentation is a big read, and it's not due to a lack of knowledge, or an unwillingness to help from users here that's the cause of the lack of response, setting up a mail server is no easy feat - well it wasn't in 10.3 Server, and when I read the 10.4 manuals it didn't seem any easier. Basically someone would be posting the full contents of the manual here to get you through the setup. Even then it would have to assume that the installation and setup was completed correctly - the software installs easily, it's the initial setup that still frightens me. i've heard it's a lot better in 10.5 and 10.6.

10.5 is easier. 10.6 is a doddle. If you can buy yourself a copy of 10.6 server, use that because it's a piece of cake.


I'd recommend for 10.5 Server over anything else (including Apple's documentation), the Lynda.com training. Yes, that's 11 hours of video, but it sets you right up for everything. You can dip in to the sections you need, but I'd completely recommend starting at the beginning and working your way through. This way you'll understand the importance of DNS working correctly on the system (if you don't get it right first time you can be looking - potentially - at a complete reinstall of the OS).

Just as Ballmer said "Developers! Developers! Developers!", I - and Lynda.com, the manuals and all the OS X pros I know - say "DNS! DNS! DNS!".



Alternatively, look at 10.6. I'm evaluating the upgrade path for our couple of racks of Xserves, and have been hugely impressed by how simple the setup can be. It's just in a different league from anything else on the market, but the proper config ability is still there for the admins who need the raw customisation.

All in all, what you get back from OS X Server is what you put in. While it sounds like people are fobbing you off, they're really not. You can't do a thorough job without going through documentation (and/or something like the Lynda.com training) - and the posters above are right - if we listed what exactly to do, we'd end up quoting the manuals.


Best of luck with your quest for Mail, and if you do have any issues with specific parts of the configuration, I know we'll be happy to help.

[Consultant]

For anti-spam check out SpamSieve or similar apps.

[belvdr]

Originally Posted by CorporateFelon

And to echo another point that was made, if you laptop isnt hooked up and left on all the time you WILL miss email. You NEED a dedicated server for this type of thing.

That depends on how often it is down. Mail usually will get held for around 3 days before it is removed from the queue.