Running an email service for your family
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Thread: Running an email service for your family

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2000
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    Running an email service for your family

    Is it hard to run an email service for say 5 or 6 people. I don't want to take on a job that I will regret later. I admit I've just heard of this, I don't even know where to start or what the cost is.

    Please give me suggestions. Thanks.
    Philo

    Running: (1) Windows 7 Home Premium (Dell Studio 540)
    and (2) Windows XP Home SP3 (Dell Optiplex 330)

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Idaho Falls, Idaho, USA
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    Were you going to set up your own e-mail server, or use a web based service hosted by someone else? Are they going to be using your computer to send and receive e-mail, assuming that they don't have their own computers (or access to one). More details on exactly what you are planning might be helpful.

  3. #3
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    Set up my own email server, they would log on from their computer, not mine.
    Philo

    Running: (1) Windows 7 Home Premium (Dell Studio 540)
    and (2) Windows XP Home SP3 (Dell Optiplex 330)

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    If you are setting up and running your own e-mail server, there are several things to consider:

    1. You need a static IP address from your ISP for this server. Your router also needs to be set up to make sure that the correct ports are forwarded to the e-mail server.

    2. Uptime. You need a UPS to make sure power glitches don't cause problems for users connected during a glitch. The e-mail server, router, and any associated hardware needs to be connected to the UPS.

    3. Backup. You need to have a decent backup system set up so e-mail doesn't get lost.

    4. Anti-spam. You need a GOOD anti-spam soltion. Most spam filters are junk. They let most spam through, but delete legitimate bulk e-mail. You don't want to have to white list every legitimate e-mail address.

    5. Hardware. You need decent although not ultra-powerful hardware with lots of storage.

    6. E-mail software. You need to decide what e-mail software to use. Good e-mail software might not be cheap, and it has to be able to support a GOOD anti-spam program.

    7. Tech support. If something goes wrong, you need resources to help you get it fixed ASAP.

  5. #5
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  6. #6
    HAN's Avatar
    HAN is offline Virtual PC Specialist!!!
    Join Date
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    As Doc notes, Gmail is pretty good. Or, if you want/need your own domain email (and more), Google Apps http://www.google.com/enterprise/app...s/pricing.html (A free one for up to 10 users (with limited features) is available.)

    We transitioned 27 email addresses to paid Google Apps over a year ago and have been very happy. Eliminated all the hassle at a good pricing point.

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