Tutorial: Setting Up the SMTP Service

Help, configuration and tips.

Tutorial: Setting Up the SMTP Service
This page explains how to use the SMTP service and how it can be configured securely. For more detailed information on what each option of the 'SMTP Settings' dialog performs then visit the SMTP Settings section.

The Purpose of SMTP
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol and is the protocol in which the majority of all mails are transferred around the Internet. For Ability Mail Server to be able to receive emails it uses a built in SMTP server which handles and processes all the incoming mail. SMTP is an essential part of Ability Mail Server and in most circumstances should always be enabled.

Understand the Incoming and Outgoing SMTP
The 'SMTP Settings' dialog is split into 2 distinct areas. The first is the 'Incoming SMTP' and the second is the 'Outgoing SMTP'. Although SMTP is mainly intended for the delivery of incoming mail, it also provides the facility for sending mails. Ability Mail Server's SMTP server can act as both incoming and outgoing. Both parts of the SMTP are in the same subsystem and there is little difference in behavior other than the concept of incoming and outgoing. However, the 'Incoming SMTP' should only permit emails addressed to local accounts and should prevent relaying to external accounts. However, the 'Outgoing SMTP' should allow any email address, both local and external. Both parts can share the same port or can be set to separate values, though the 'Incoming SMTP' should usually be running on 25.

SMTP Security
It is important that you secure your Outgoing SMTP so that only you and selected others can use it to relay mails onto external accounts. This can be done by enabling SMTP Authentication and/or setting ranges of IP's which can use it. These options are available in the 'Access Control' area of the 'SMTP Settings' and if used wisely will ensure that you mail server is secure. For more information on this subject please read the Important Security Considerations section.

Configuring Your Mail Client
When configuring your mail client you should ensure that the outgoing server settings are correct with your settings on the mail server. If you have enabled SMTP Authentication then your mail client must be configured to 'log in' to the outgoing server. If you have set the 'Outgoing SMTP' to a different port then your mail client should also be set to use this same port. For more information on configuring your mail client you should read the Configuring Your Mail Client section.