When we talk about an email or electronic mail, we refer to a complete tool that allows us to interact on a global scale without any problem. Without a doubt, we can say that the creation of an email is a potential platform that improves communications on the Internet.
In general, most people who regularly use email for work use Gmail, Yahoo! or Outlook. However, there are a number of users who do not agree with such servers and want more privacy; therefore, they decide to have their own server.
What is an email server and what is its function?
Technically speaking, an email server is a computer-based program that allows and facilitates the work of managing email on a computer.
Its main functions are those that we see in other email servers, that is, receiving messages, sending them, assigning the correct DNS, among others.
How to set up and configure your own email server in Windows?
To carry out this process you must bear in mind that it is somewhat complex and that it takes time, so you must be patient to assemble it yourself. First of all, to start creating it, the main tool you need will be a functional server, that is, a computer programmed for this job.
This point is very important because it must be a separate computer that has a good capacity and is fast to create a good mail server. Another important point that will help with the speed when setting up this is a good internet with high speed.
Having these details ready, it’s time to download a tool to start with the development and creation of the server. This tool can be hMailServer or MailEnable which are supported software and used for this job.
At this point in the installation, in the case of hMailServer, the file will ask you to enter a key that is strong and complex. Having installed the program, it’s time to create a domain in case you want to give the mail a name or if you want to configure any option.
As a next step, to continue with the creation process, you must leave an account and a password that can be saved; Of course, it can also be configured with automatic responses.
Next, it is very important that when managing the configuration of this software you click on the IP ranges and the TCP/IP ports option. The necessary configuration for these ports according to localhost is 933 in SSL/TSL and 465 for SMTP and 143 for IMAP, so you can send and receive emails.
In the configuration that is done in the hMailServer software you will also have the option of forwarding messages, automatic responses, blacklists, among other options.
In this same order, you will now have to use the service provided by Thunderbird that allows the progress of the mail server that is being created. We say this because this program makes mail perform better, faster, and with the privacy you want.
Once this process is finished with the hMailServer software and the service provided by Thunderbird, you can create your own email server in Windows.
If your case is that you want to work with your own server in your email, you must take into account details that could affect you. For example, an important point is the security that the server provides that there is user control, updates and secure passwords so that you do not lose your work.
Disadvantages of using your own server for email
Although it is a good idea to use your own server for the security that it can provide to your data; it also has its disadvantages that could be very significant. For example, in the case of maintenance, it is completely on your own, so a greater knowledge of this subject is necessary.
On the other hand, if for any reason the hardware or hard drive of your server fails; they could be without service for a certain time. Also, although security is better on these servers, you should be careful of hackers and keep your server protected with security patches.