How do I set up my own email server?

Question

What kind of software and hardware would i need?

Answer 1

you will need to install a software that runs SMTP and POP/IMAP protocols in a computer that will serve as mail server in you local office or network.

Answer 2

Where to start...

I guess it depends on what you are wanting.  If you want something reliable and don't want to get into trouble with Spam, you might look into a hosted e-mail solution.

There are a lot of options out there for email servers, and most of them require some expertise.  One of the best e-mail programs I've come across for setup is Kerio Mail Server.  It provides business class e-mail just as good as Microsoft's Exchange server, but is much easier to setup and maintain.  It isn't as expensive either.  It can run on Windows, Mac, or Linux.

Another mail server I like is Zimbra.  It was actually bought by Yahoo, but there is a free version, which is nice, and it's web mail interface is great.  This will need to be run on a linux server.

The hardware you need will depend on software you are using for your email server.   Just look up the minimum system requirements.

Here are some options for hosted mail services as well, that are pretty reliable.

Google Apps - You can get your own domain hosted through gmail as well, it is part of their google apps.

KerioMailHosting.com - This is a hosted service of the kerio mail server that I talked about above.

and you can always just do: hotmail, yahoo mail, or gmail.

Answer 3

u actually dont need anything as long as u have internet. u need to create a site, u can do this by learning html (this is the hard the way) and making ur own site. or u can host a site using a webstie hoster. freewebs would be an example. most website hosters make u pay for the site and to have ur own email domain there.