Though it may seem impossible, setting up your mail server is quite simple. Following up with this tutorial will help you set up your own mail server on an Ubuntu 14.04 server with Mail-in-a-Box (Miab). Anyone looking to gain greater command over their email—be it a computer enthusiast, small business owner, or casual user—will find something useful in this article.
Key Takeaways:
Configure Hostname: Ensure your server’s hostname is properly set.
Modify /etc/hosts File: Update this file to match your hostname settings.
Create Glue Records: Set up custom nameservers and glue records with your domain registrar.
Install Mail-in-a-Box: Run the installation script on your Ubuntu server.
Access Mail-in-a-Box Dashboard: Log in to the dashboard to manage your server.
Access Webmail & Send Test Email: Verify that your mail server is functioning correctly.
How Does Mail-in-a-Box Work?
An open-source, self-hosted email server solution, Mail-in-a-Box bundles numerous powerful capabilities into one convenient package. It’s similar to having your own Gmail, except you don’t have to depend on any third-party services. Miab allows you to host your website, manage contacts and calendars, and send and receive emails—all from your server.
Required Items
Please ensure that you own the following before we begin:
- Run Ubuntu 14.04: One option is to use an existing computer; another is to use a virtual machine. You don’t need fancy gear to run Miab.
- A web address: A domain name, such as mydomain.com, is required in order to run an email server. You should think about getting one from a domain registrar if you don’t already have one.
- Common knowledge of command lines: Don’t worry; I’ll show you the ropes when we use the terminal.
1): Set up Ubuntu 14.04.
Install the latest version of Ubuntu: 14.04 Make a fresh instance if you’re utilising a cloud service. Put Ubuntu 14.04 on your home PC if you choose.
Manage your server remotely: Get into your server’s SSH environment using your terminal. If you’ve never used Secure Shell before, it’s basically a safe method to access your server from anywhere.
Also Read: How to Access Your Comcast Email Account?
2): Configure Domain Name System Records
Change the DNS settings: To add the following DNS records, visit the website of your domain registrar:
- For example, mail.mydomain.com would have an A record that points to the IP address of your server.
- A mail server address (MX) that points to mydomain.com.
- With the value v=spf1 a mx -all, a TXT record can be used for email authentication.
3): Final Step: Set Up Mail-in-a-Box
- Download and run the installer:
curl -s https://mailinabox.email/setup.sh | sudo bash
- Just go with the flow: Your email address, domain name, and other configuration details will be requested by the installation. Think carefully about your answers.
4): Go to the Control Panel
- Fire up your internet browser: Access the admin panel at
https://mail.mydomain.com/admin. - Sign in: Enter the password that was generated for you and the email address that you used during installation.
5): Sign Up for Email Accounts
- Participant list creation: To create an email account for yourself or anybody else, go to the admin panel, click on “Users,” and fill out the form.
- Set up email programmes: Establish a connection between your server and your preferred email client (Thunderbird, Outlook, etc.).
FAQs
Q: Can my company use Mail-in-a-Box?
Without a doubt! Everyone from individuals to small enterprises and even multinational conglomerates can benefit from Miab. You should check that your server is capable of handling the traffic.
Q. Security, though?
A: Security is a top priority for Miab. It comes with encryption, automatic spam screening, and frequent upgrades. Nevertheless, make sure that your server and Miab are continually updated.
Q. Would it be possible for me to host a website as well?
I would say yes. A web server is a part of Miab. It is possible to host a basic website in addition to your email services.
In summary
Contrary to popular belief, managing your own mail server is actually quite simple. You will be the master of your digital domain and have full control over your email using Mail-in-a-Box. Go ahead and configure your server; then you can send emails like an expert. ✨
