Not sure if this is the right place to post. Anyone know how to setup a mail server and what software I can use? I am running Apache to host my site.
thanks

First thing you need is a domain and DNS Service. Also, make sure your ISP doesn't block mail from a dynamic assigned IP address.

After this, you'll be ready to start. You going windows or linux?

For Unix, either Qmail or Exim are my recommended MTAs (mail transfer agents).

Regards,

Martyn

Personally, I would recommend qmail with qmailadmin installed so it is easy to manage the accounts, more information can be found here:
http://www.inter7.com/index.php?page=qmailadmin

Although, I do use exim myself, however I use cpanel to manage the mail accounts.

Dont forget to have your firewall on by making sure that its not going to interfear with any Apache settings to send and recieve. I know programs like MacFee is a great softwre for firewalls, but you have to actually make sure the settings in it wont interupt your Apcache Sending and recieving any tpye of mail or whatever.

Does this make any sense? LOL I just woke up.

Not really, Apache does not deal with Mail Transfers, except when it is using a formmail or something that will send the mail to the MTA, the MTA is what you have to be worried about accessing the internet.

I am currently using sendmail as my MTA, but I will soon switch to postfix in a couple of months ~

Postfix will outperform all of those MTAs previously posted. I'd go with postfix if possible.

I was actually thinking of changing the operating system to either windows 2000 advanced server or windows 2003 server. Any freeware mail software I have found either do not work with XP or is to complex for what I need. I tried installing an evaluation copy of Novell NetMail, but gave up because it was looking for stuff I didnt have. Thanks for your suggestions I will try the software names you guys gave me. thanks

Sorry not sure how to edit my last post. Ok I have been thinking, I am about to give up on windows. It drives me nuts. I was reading online about using Linux Debian to host a web/mail server. I have a few questions before I go and install Linux.

Does Debian come with the software like Apache and Sendmail pre-installed? If not is there a version that does?

Does anyone have any tips or tricks on how to use or setup Linux for a first-time user?

How would I configure my ports (I use port 880. Not sure exactly why but thats what I read online. ) and webpage?

How do I install software on Linux? (remember I am new to it)

Is there a version of linux that not only will do web/mail server but FTP and Telnet?

If I were to use FrontPage on my laptop to create my webpages, would I still be able to load them onto a Linux server? (I am currently using a windows based version of Apache)

And last, Any tips or tricks would be appreciated

Thanks