Re: [cobalt-users] Off topic - Does email server take a lot of resources

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

"P.V.Anthony" wrote:

> I need a mail server. After buying the Cobalt 4i, I am very happy with
> Linux.
> 
> I have a dual pentium Pro 200 and a dual Pentium III 500 machine. I am
> thinking of using one of them.
> 
> Does a mail server take a lot of power? I have about 200 mailboxes or
> accounts.

You haven't said if you'll have things like huge mailing lists or if
your users move tens of thousands of emails a day, or if you want them
to have webmail.

In general, the dual Pentium Pro 200 will handle 200 mailboxes without
any problems.  In fact, in general a 100 Mhz Pentium or 486,
single-processor system, will also do it, and probably for a lot more
mailboxes.  A 386-33 running Linux can saturate a T-1 line (depending on
what it's being used for); how many T-1 lines do you want to saturate
<wry grin>?

> I will be running linux on them.
> 
> Any advice is much appreciated.

You're going to be responsible for setting up your own mail server, and
for it's security, including security against spam-relaying.  While I
won't get into the religious war of telling you which mailserver I
prefer, it's NOT sendmail.  There are easier-to-use, faster, more
secure, more efficient mail servers.  Do some research.  Of course if
you know how to secure and maintain sendmail, it may still be the best
choice for you.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Linux and Cobalt/Sun/RaQ Consulting
nobaloney.net, P. O. Box 52672, Riverside, CA  92517
voice: +1 909 778-9980  *  fax: +1 909 548-9484