My company has recently taken over a small community network thoughout a village. They currently use MDaemon to do the emails but I would sooner take it out and replace it. Now as all good hosts im aiming to use linux as its free and stabe. I installed redhat as from reading in here this is one of the better distros to use for a hosting company. Only problem Im suffering from is how the hell do I configure it? Im quite a linux newbie and really do want to start learning it. So if there is a better/easier solution then please tell me. I have looked at this and was going to attempt to use this (http://rhems.sourceforge.net/), I have the weekend to get something running, but before I did I thought I would ask here.

Suggestions?

I would go with a base redhat install, and read up securing it. The visit www.lifwithqmail.org and install qmail as your mail server. Qmail is the best out there IMHO. If you follow lifewithqmail to the letter you will end up with a nicely running mail server in about 2-3 hours. They also have a very active mailing list where you can get help for most problems right away.

If you really want to save time you can use E-Smith http://www.e-smith.org/

It's based on RH Distro and works very well.

I've used it for half a dozen SME clients I have.

It's secure from the initial install, with web-based management, and has a large user community.

Anyhow read up on it, at first I was hesitant and wanted to roll-up my own install, but spending more time to re-invent/develop something means less time earning money.

Just my 2cents input.

Would e-smith do for external use? I dont see why not, and im a fan of such distros I found one other thats a mail server also but I cant get it working due to a bug.
Ill give that e-smith a try before I go back to redhat again.
Im certainly after an email server I can leave alone cept when adding/deleting new accounts.
I take it with e-smith u have to download the developer release or dl these (http://gd.tuwien.ac.at/opsys/linux/e-smith/releases/current/iso/)?

Tnx for the info guys.

BTW the link meant to be www.lifewithqmail.org ?

Yes the developer release is free with community support.

I myself have not used 6.0 but currently use 5.6 & 5.5.

I plan to test out 6.0 which has a lot of features that in 5.6 are considered contribs.

As I type this I am download the security patches for 5.6 for one of my clients.

Remember the install will automatically format the HD.

If you have old hardware lying around this would be perfect, there is no X server install, it's a lean install.

Ok ill go with 5.6.

One other item I forgot to mention is Antivirus.

You can download and purchase A/V from http://www.dungog.net/sme/

He has a host of other e-Smith contribs.

Originally posted by Dot5Mark
I would go with a base redhat install, and read up securing it. The visit www.lifwithqmail.org and install qmail as your mail server. Qmail is the best out there IMHO. If you follow lifewithqmail to the letter you will end up with a nicely running mail server in about 2-3 hours. They also have a very active mailing list where you can get help for most problems right away.

qmail is not a basic, easy mta to install. especially for a self confessed linux newbie

something with an officially supported rpm would be a better option. easier upgrades, less configuration if you dont want to, and installed in 1/10th of the time of qmail

Right I tried e-smith but found I couldnt configure relaying which I really need to. For ease of use I cant really go with Qmail. One other option from experiance is to use clarkconnect. This is simple and allows administration of relaying. Before I fall on this has anyone got any other suggestions?