Mac OS X Mail Server Questions

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Level 1

1 points

Mac OS X Mail Server Questions

Hi,

I'm going to buy a server soon to host a website and email, and until recently, I was set on a 2.8 GHz windows server for $579. But now I'm starting to lean towards a Mac Mini server, despite its higher cost and lower CPU speed. I have a few questions, though:

1. Is a 2.5 GHz Mini capable of running a mail and web server simultaneously without slow downs?
2. Is OS X Server's Squirrel-mail webmail comparable to Microsoft Exchange's Outlook Web Access? Does anyone have any screen shots?

Thanks.

MacBook, iMac G3, Power Mac 8500, PowerBook 180, Mac OS X (10.6.2)

Posted on Dec 25, 2009 3:05 PM

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Answer 1

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Camelot

Level 9

54,333 points

Dec 25, 2009 6:18 PM in response to kevinhodge

1. Is a 2.5 GHz Mini capable of running a mail and web server simultaneously without slow downs?

That depends on the load. Once you exceed about 10,000 active users/mailboxes and about one million page views per day you'll probably start to notice. Seriously.

2. Is OS X Server's Squirrel-mail webmail comparable to Microsoft Exchange's Outlook Web Access? Does anyone have any screen shots?

I've never used OWA so I have no basis for comparison, sorry. Personally, I tend to think the webmail interface is a little crude, but it does the job. No web interface, though, is a substitute for a real mail client IMHO.

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Answer 2

kevinhodge Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 25, 2009 7:02 PM in response to Camelot

Well that sounds great! I'll probably only have a couple of mailboxes (This isn't for business use, and I don't intend to become an email provider). I don't know how much traffic my website will have, but it certainly won't approach that number.

The Mac Mini would be kept on 24/7. Will I have any heat issues?

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Answer 3

Dec 25, 2009 7:26 PM in response to kevinhodge

The Mac Mini would be kept on 24/7. Will I have any heat issues?

No. The Mac Mini and Mac Mini Server are both cool and quiet.

You'll want a static IP address from your ISP, and forward and reverse DNS for your (new) mail server domain.

Also look at how you'll make backups of the server.

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Answer 4

Dec 25, 2009 8:55 PM in response to MrHoffman

I can't speak to the OWA question, but I just want to mention that you might take a look at Roundcube as a very nice replacement for Squirrelmail in terms of webmail options on Snow Leopard Server. It's got a great interface and is pretty easy to implement, in my opinion.

www.roundcube.net

Rusty

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Answer 5

kevinhodge Author

Level 1

1 points

Dec 26, 2009 12:35 PM in response to Rusty Ross

Roundcube looks great, thanks!

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Answer 6

davidh

Level 4

1,890 points

Dec 26, 2009 5:56 PM in response to kevinhodge

I strongly recommend you try the Apple-provided software first before deciding to replace (without having even used it ?) Roundcube will not be compiled (by you) to be hooked into Apple's DirectoryServices. If you specifically require and desire to have a parallel, separate database of users & passwords for webmail that is not synced at all to OS X user accounts for standard mail services, then by all means proceed.

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