Creating An Email Service

I wanted to know if I could start an email service using my home computer. I have Windows Server 2003, Win XP Home, and Pro, if that helps. I was thinking that since I have an extra computer, why not put it to some use. For examlpe... I could do a free email service and allow users to have up to 50 megs of info. Or change like $1-$5 a month and give them 500-1000 megs.

How would I go about setting this up? I know I would have to get a website... but what would I do after that? I have a 3.5mb/s internet connection if anyone needs to know.

Thanks for the replies and any help.

you better check the term of your isp, its probably against your terms of service. and if u set up the server wrong so people could use it as a relay, then the definetly wont be happy.

Yea, im checking with Comcast right now, sent an email. Does anyone know anything about setting this up?

you will need to purchase a domain name and will probably need a static IP

Quote:

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Originally posted by SingaBoiy@4 April 2004 - 04:10
Yea, im checking with Comcast right now, sent an email. Does anyone know anything about setting this up?

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you shouldn't have emailed them. they know what you are up to now. Most isp will BAN you for running smtp servers, that's a no brainer.

What you could do is setup your server, use the redirect service at no-ip to redirect ur smtp port to some other ports that comcast is not blocking and you can run ur smtp server that way.

www.no-ip.com

check it out

Quote:

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"Mail ReflectorStop being Stifled By Your ISP

No-IP's Mail Reflector service allows you to run a mail server, even if your ISP blocks port 25, the standard port number reserved for Internet mail. Often this is done to prevent the spread of spam, but it also silences legitimate mail traffic. No-IP Mail Reflector allows us to be the primary mail exchanger for your domain. When mail destined for your domain arrives at our servers, we forward it on to your inbound mail server, which can be on a different (and unblocked) port of your choosing. No-IP Mail Reflector also provides the same redundancy provided by No-IP's Backup MX server.
Price: $39.95 per year | More Info"

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http://www.no-ip.com/services.php?mail=1

Thanks for all the info. Im alittle too brain dead right now to obsorb it all :lol: I take a look at it after 3 or 4 hrs of sleep.

Do you know anything about the service you're trying to start? It doesn't sound like it...

Your isp does not give a crap if you run an email server. You can even relay your mail through theirs if you wanted to.

All your isp will do is scan you everyday to make sure your server is not an open relay. That's all they care about. You will also need a static ip and a Domain name, I'm not sure thoose dynamic services work too well with smtp. Also, your pop 3 server has to be up to let users check their mail.

If your isp won't let you do that then your getting assimilated and you need to change your provider. :)

Quote:

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Originally posted by shn@4 April 2004 - 19:05
Your isp does not give a crap if you run an email server. You can even relay your mail through theirs if you wanted to.

All your isp will do is scan you everyday to make sure your server is not an open relay. That's all they care about. You will also need a static ip and a Domain name, I'm not sure thoose dynamic services work too well with smtp. Also, your pop 3 server has to be up to let users check their mail.

If your isp won't let you do that then your getting assimilated and you need to change your provider. :)

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<_<


like i said get the no-ip service, this way you can remain a low profile and provide email service at the same time

get the domain name from no-ip too

all ur isp can see is email traffic being re-routed to some other ports they are not blocking and can only stare at you.... :lol:

I sent them the same message I had above and this was their reply:

Quote:

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Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.


Unfortunately, you have requested assistance for a feature Comcast does
not support. Our Customer Care Specialists are only trained and
authorized to offer limited help with items installed by our
technicians. Therefore, we must direct you to the manufacturer of your
product. Some examples of unsupported areas are:

-- Custom CGI Scripting
-- Windows NT Servers
-- Registered Domain Names
-- E-mail Forwarding
-- Newsgroup Censoring
-- Home Networks and Virtual Private Networking
-- Third-party Security Software Applications
-- SurfWatch
-- Third-party software such as AOL

There are also a number of software packages that Comcast does not
support including Heat.net, RealPlayer, QuickTime, and Comfax. These are
not Comcast applications and you should contact these companies directly
for authorized assistance. If you are having problems with your
software, you might also consider accessing the Web site for the

manufacturer of your software. They may have a list of frequently asked
questions that may cover the issue you are having. Often, you can also
post an e-mail question through the manufacturer&#39;s site that is directed
to their technical support group. In addition, you may also access a
newsgroup for that software application through the manufacturer&#39;s Web
site. You can post an e-mail message in these locations and receive a
response from other users who have dealt with a similar issue. They will
be able to provide you with detailed assistance for their specific
products.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may cause, however,
the software manufacturer is the best source for accurate information
and authorized assistance.

Thank you for choosing Comcast

Sincerely,

Peggy N
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

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So by the looks of it, I can. I do have a static ip and yes... I have no idea where to start thats why I have asked this question here.

So there is no way I could get started for free?

Quote:

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Originally posted by SingaBoiy@9 April 2004 - 05:09
I sent them the same message I had above and this&nbsp; was their reply:

Quote:

---

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.


Unfortunately, you have requested assistance for a feature Comcast does
not support. Our Customer Care Specialists are only trained and
authorized to offer limited help with items installed by our
technicians. Therefore, we must direct you to the manufacturer of your
product. Some examples of unsupported areas are:

-- Custom CGI Scripting
-- Windows NT Servers
-- Registered Domain Names
-- E-mail Forwarding
-- Newsgroup Censoring
-- Home Networks and Virtual Private Networking
-- Third-party Security Software Applications
-- SurfWatch
-- Third-party software such as AOL

There are also a number of software packages that Comcast does not
support including Heat.net, RealPlayer, QuickTime, and Comfax. These are
not Comcast applications and you should contact these companies directly
for authorized assistance. If you are having problems with your
software, you might also consider accessing the Web site for the

manufacturer of your software. They may have a list of frequently asked
questions that may cover the issue you are having. Often, you can also
post an e-mail question through the manufacturer&#39;s site that is directed
to their technical support group. In addition, you may also access a
newsgroup for that software application through the manufacturer&#39;s Web
site. You can post an e-mail message in these locations and receive a
response from other users who have dealt with a similar issue. They will
be able to provide you with detailed assistance for their specific
products.

We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience this may cause, however,
the software manufacturer is the best source for accurate information
and authorized assistance.

Thank you for choosing Comcast

Sincerely,

Peggy N
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

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So by the looks of it, I can. I do have a static ip and yes... I have no idea where to start thats why I have asked this question here.

So there is no way I could get started for free?

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Save yourself the trouble. You should not get involved with it if you do not have a clue what your doing.

And if anything bad happens your isp will hold you responsible. There are much more easier and better things to do with a static ip then run an email server that people will probably just use as an open relay anyway without you knowing. :lol:

So does anyone know any software that can run an email service?

If you did make this service, could&#39;nt you easily read peoples email....private information could be included. Thats why perhaps people choose commercial providers. I can&#39;t really see Hotmail & Freeserve going through your personal mail ;)

you could install squirrelmail once you got the smtp up and running (note download from hotscripts.com)