I'd like to make a web site/domain that allows users to send anonymous e-mails to each other. In other words, their actual e-mails will be stored in a mySQL database, randomized forwarding addresses will be made on the fly, and incoming e-mail will be examined for those addresses and sent to the appropriate person. (The way in which Craigslist handles anonymous e-mails for its classified ads is a good example of what I'm trying to do.)

Although I've gotten a handle on PHP and mySQL, I'm pretty unused to manipulating mail servers. I have a couple of questions:

1. Can you suggest a good hosting solution for the above functionality? I see some companies that offer VDS/VPS with the ability to control the mail server, but I'm not sure if some are more reputable than others.
2. What mail server would you suggest I use, given that I have no experience with any and am trying to learn?
3. Any resources -- books, web sites, forums -- that would help teach me how to use your suggested mail server would be awesome.

Thanks so much for your help!

I think linode.com should fit that!

Ejy,

Did you find a VPS host yet? I am working on some projects that require custom PHP configurations, and virtual hosting just cannot suit my needs. My current budget cannot support a $120 dedicated server right now. I have been reading about VPS/VDS technology and this sounds like it will work out pretty well. There seems to be quite a few hosts out there. With some searching I found 3 promosing hosts: www.linode.com , www.apollohosting.com, and www.rapidvps.com.

Any thoughts?

I bought my virtual server from rapidvps.com last week and I have been extremely impressed. I bought the Rapid.TWO plan which gives me 10 gigabytes of space and 250GB of datatransfer (A LOT!!) for only 30 dollars per month. I would highly recommend them, I host the website googlebomb.net and I hope to turn it into a form where people can talk about website rankings and such. The Rapidvps staff helped me understand the plesk control panel they offer and they even have these flash videos so you don't have to read manuals.

If your looking for a virtual server provider, I would say definately go with Rapidvps. www.rapidvps.com