Subj : Rolling your own email on linux in 2026 To : Bryn Hopkins From : Jean-Jack Riethoven Date : Thu Sep 10 2026 12:35:22 Hello Bryn! 09 Sep 26 11:54, you wrote to all: Hello Bryn! 09 Sep 26 11:54, you wrote to all: BH> I set up a small postfix/sendmail instance years back in 2015, but I BH> remember it being a small pain. There a trustworthy guide in 2026 or BH> useful tips to know about rolling your own email beyond what's in the BH> man pages? Setting up your own email server is moderately involved, and does come with some maintenance, some of which can be automated (e.g. SSL keys). If you already have a homelab/self-hosting setup, some items such as hosting your own domain, etc., might already have been taken care of by you (it is one of the first steps I would do). But before you start on your journey, I would check wether your IP is not in any of the abuse databases, and/or if you are running this from a VPS (many VPS blocks are by default in the big companies ban lists, with little hope of getting out or getting an exception). It helps if you have a static IP, but not necessary, just keep in mind that if your ISP asigns you a new IP you might be, suddenly, in an abuse list. Anyway, I am running my own domain(s) and email server, for many years from my home IP, and now from a VPS. This is a reasonable step by step guide: https://gist.github.com/howyay/57982e6ba9eedd3a5662c518f1b985c7 if you start from scratch (it is Debian-oriented). Take things one step at a time, and test if they are working before going to the next step. The postfix.org manuals are there for more in-depth info, specifically when it comes to hardening your postfix/dovecot (and bind9 or other public-facing DNS server if you fully self-host). I always liked having my own domain and mail server, esp. so I can give out on-the-spot alias emails to websites and vendors. If they mess up QQ(i.e. data breaches or selling my info), I can easily ban that recipient email. Having a backup email at your email provider of choice is a good thing to have, though... I had to use a 'professional' provider in a handful of cases in the last 15 years or so that wouldn't accept my home email. Hope this helps, and I wish you good luck on your journey! Jean-Jack .... Error 404: Snarky science pun not found. --- GoldED+/LNX 1.1.5-b20260827 * Origin: Jean-Jack Riethoven's [AKA Operon] Point (1:220/15.1) .