discuss: Step-by-step guide to building a server (was: Re: docs)
Subject:
Step-by-step guide to building a server (was: Re: docs)
From:
"Rodolfo J. Paiz" ####@####.####
Date:
2 Nov 2003 16:45:05 -0000
Message-Id: <6.0.0.22.0.20031102101706.024a03c8@mail.simpaticus.com>
I've changed the subject so that we can continue this discussion on a
tangent while not disturbing the original "docs" thread. I'm describing
here for jdd's benefit the direction I will take in writing my first series
of docs and inviting him/her to help, but I would welcome help, comments,
and feedback from anyone else as well.
Rodolfo
At 01:58 11/2/2003, jdd wrote:
>as an example, I have to setup my own mail server. Friends said "it's
>easy!!!". It's not. Not on a running and active server when the mail must
>not be stopped.
>
>I hope to be able to write in a short future a "build a server made easy"
>doc, with a list of the Internet protocols to serve, at least one
>application that do that for each and it's configuration - as you said I
>can install products on a snap, but configure them is not so easy.;
I suggest that it is easier to maintain things if you write separate
documents for mail, web, and network servers (where the network server
includes DNS, DHCP, NTP, and other services). These HOWTO documents can be
interrelated and complementary, but all together they'll be too bulky.
Working on this idea, it is my intention to expand and convert the
"Sendmail SMTP AUTH HOWTO" I just wrote into a "10-Minute Mail Server
HOWTO" covering the following steps for several distributions (e.g. Red Hat
Enterprise Linux 3, Fedora Linux, Mandrake, Debian). I would be happy to
have your help and knowledge in writing these, and working together we
could then do translations to Spanish (my native language) and French (yours).
I also suggest that, in a perfect world, it is best to offer the reader
alternatives not just for distros but also for packages. Ideally the
contents of the "10-Minute Mail Server HOWTO" will be:
For any user:
* Installing the necessary packages (ideally, for a distro that offers
functionality like Red Hat's kickstart, offer kickstart configurations such
that the reader doesn't even have to go through package selection on the OS
install)
* Setting up an MTA (Sendmail, Postfix)
* Activating network connections and unencrypted SMTP AUTH
* Setting up a POP/IMAP package (UW, Qpopper)
* Setting up a Webmail package (Squirrelmail, IMP)
* Setting up users to send/receive mail
* Setting up aliases, virtual users, and forwarding addresses
For a more advanced user:
* Encrypted SMTP AUTH or encrypted transport of messages
* Using Webmin/Usermin with SSL to manage the server
* Courier as an integrated alternative to everything else
Even though at first I have to start with one distro, and one package or
tool for each purpose, I think that's more than enough content for a single
document. In parallel to this document I will also begin working on two
others: the "10-Minute Network Server HOWTO" and the "10-Minute Firewall
HOWTO" using the same concepts. Later on complementary documents on Apache
and LDAP will be needed.
Cheers,
--
Rodolfo J. Paiz
####@####.####
