Summary

Mail servers require disk space and a commitment from the administrator to monitor traffic and usage. An improperly configured mail server can be used to spread spam and viruses to remote clients around the world. Before setting up a server, you should first evaluate whether a local server is truly needed, and what alternative solutions are available.

Assuming that you decide to enable Postfix, most installations will want to install a server such as UW imapd to deliver messages to client applications such as Eudora, Outlook Express, and Mail. In addition, web clients can be added to create a mail solution that enables users to access email from anywhere there is web access.