I understand what a MTA (Mail Tranfer Agent), the component of the mail system that handles the recieving and sending of mail over the SMTP protocol. The MDA (Mail Delivery System), control the delivery of mail into the users mail box(POP,IMAP and etc..).MUA, The component that the end user uses to view the e-mailOutlook,Thunderbird,Evolution and etc..

I have several domains registered. I have not setup any websites or anything.When setting up my MTA or Sendmail I guess I would choose the domain that I will be using,a static IP from my ISP, and then configure sendmail around that. Can someone point me in the right directions. I have never done this before.

You're on the right track. However, you would need to setup DNS (BIND) as well if you wanted the outside world to be able to mail to you instead of just on your LAN. Pretty much a simple breakdown is:

1. Setup BIND. Create a MX record for your domain pointing to the IP address of your linux box
2. Setup a MTA (I like to use exim since the config is a bit more human readable than sendmail)
3. Setup a simple pop daemon, qpopper is an example.

Since you're a first timer, I would tackle these first. After you get these all configured, then we can go into more detail about security and other packages that you want installed. Good luck.

-twantrd

Even though I have registered the domains how to do I get e-mail traffic to point to Example@Example.net. Do I have to configure redirecting from the company that I registered the domains with to point to the MTA or is that already done when I create my web servers? I am a little confused thanks.

It depends on your registrar. Some registrars allow you to specify your mail servers and web servers. I don't remember which ones but usually you want to control everything since you're the almighty admin . In this case, just set the nameservers in your registrar to point to YOUR dns servers. When you get your DNS servers up and running, this where you would set the MX (Mail eXchange) and A (Address) records. Take a look into Bind and see how to set one up.

-twantrd

I have my bind setup so what I would do it just go to my registrar and and point my nameserver from my registrar to my DNS server which is my unnatted real IP Address right. thanks

That is correct. Allow 24-48 hours for the dns changes to propogate.

-twantrd

I have two question: I currently have one IP address that is not static from my ISP. This IP address will remain the same until either my lease finishes or I restart my Cable Modem. If I am going to be setting up a web server and MTA for e-mail should I lease two more IP addresses for each one or just use one and just natt it:

XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX - my network (cable modem)
|
|
Firewall-------XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX - web server on the DMZ
|
|
XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX - MTA running SMTP for e-mail

What is better security wise?

If your ip address is not static, you might not want to go with the route of having your own DNS server but instead go with something like http://www.dyndns.com/.

I would go with another ip address just so that in case someone does break in to your box, they'll be able to mess around with either your web server or MTA server. Then they'll need more time to break into your other box. But, you can go with one IP address and have it natted. Just remember to harden your box as much as you can and e-mail you reports of your system daily of what has changed and etc. Pretty much, it really depends on how well you secure your box.

-twantrd

Hi,
I use Dyndns.com for my website and my email server and it works great. I use sendmail and have no problems. I use mailexchanger for my email. I don't use bind at all there is really no need. Bind looks like a nightmare to set up for me that is. I think sendmail is the best out there but alot of people say it is hard to set up, well after alot of digging it really isn't at all. I have never had any problems with it at all. It RUNS. I do want bind eventually for my network. There are only a few things to tweek on sendmail, not much at all. I don't use pop just mta. I don't like to many ports open for the BOZO's out there!! Good Luck
Rick

wylie1001,

how many ip addresses are you using with your web server and your MTA server. I am going to assume you are using one. So if I am understanding correctly you are using the dynamic ip address from you ISP and just simply using DYNDNS to forward traffic to your MTA and you website,right!

Hi Metallica1973,
Yes I have Dyndns and purchased there custom dns package. I set it up using just one ip address which I have a dynamic address from my cable company. Lucky for me they don't renew the ip addresses to often so I have the same ip for many many month's lucky me.. Setting it up was tricky but I got it going also I purchased from them my own domain name which is nice and I have no problem since they have alot of DNS servers all over the world I believe. If you want I could tell ya what fields to input for mail and the server.
Oh let me answer your question I did forward using DYNDNS to my server when I did not have my own domain name it was easier when I purchased the domain it wasn't that expensive and the domain is mine now and also looks better for email like xyz@mydomain.com and alot of users can be off one Sendmail server. Sorry so winded here.
Email me if you have any questions.
Rick

many thanks, I am going to give it a shot!