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What is Postfix?
Postfix is an open-source Mail Transfer Agent (MTA). It is the software that runs on a server to send and receive emails using the SMTP protocol. It is known for its security, its speed and its ease of configuration compared to older alternatives such as Sendmail.
Why run your own mail server?
- Full control: You own your data, your emails are not stored with a third party.
- Unlimited addresses: Create as many addresses, aliases and forwards as you want for your domain.
- Learning: It is an excellent project for understanding how the Internet works.
Warning: Running a mail server comes with significant responsibilities, particularly regarding security (fighting spam) and deliverability (not being flagged as a spammer).
Prerequisites
- A Linux server (Ubuntu/Debian) with a static IP address.
- A domain name (e.g. `example.com`) whose DNS records you can modify.
- An `A` DNS record pointing to your server's IP (e.g. `mail.example.com`).
- An `MX` DNS record pointing to your `A` record (e.g. `MX @ mail.example.com`).
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