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So im looking to implement a mail server into my home setup.

I’ve never worked with any mail servers.

i’d like recommendations on open source mail servers i can hose in my home lab. I already own a domain name and static IP address.

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Can you clarify what your goal is? For example, I’d say there’s a difference between a “mail service” and a “mail server.”

A mail service is something that’s capable of receiving mail and sending mail. That’s a fairly ubiquitous function. You can even send mail with a batch file. A mail server, on the other hand, contains functionality designed to make managing the service easier. That would include things like virus and spam scanning, geo-blocking, intrusion detection, and so on.

How comprehensive do you want it to be?

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If you are looking for fun I have used ispconfig before for setting email servers. They have how to guides with step by step for different operating systems. It’s a bit over kill for home but it gives a nice web portal for setting up the emails and domains. It’s for hosting different domains, emails, and web servers but I’ve used it at a client that wanted to replace their in-house imap basic setup. I find it very easy to work with once you get the hang of it.
Search on google ispconfig the perfect server

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Better check with your ISP. Apparently they typically block port 25 from home service.

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I’ve been wanting to setup my own email server just for the experience and never intend on using it for real as well.

I’ve had this information for a while now and I think it is pretty decent and has some open source suggestions for MTA’s

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Postfix

Dovecot

amavisnew

policyd

roundcube or squirrel mail

If you want to roll-your-own opensource system. The above 5 programs are a start, there are other bits and pieces too.

If you want to have all of that packaged up and more or less just work without having to fiddle with the configs then consider iredmail, there is a free and paid version. It uses all of those programs and more to provide a ‘turn key’ setup.

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As said above, you need to make sure port 25 isn’t blocked. Blocking port 25 is pretty universal on non-business accounts.

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“Mail server” … “for fun”.

Hmmm… never seen those two together. There’s a reason Office 365 is popular in the business world.

I’d recommend a server with the applications recommended by ScorchedBacon66. The only one I am familiar with is postfix. Best of luck!

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If it is only being used with in a home lab, and won’t reach external networks you probably don’t need to worry about your ISP blocking ports, but if you plan on having this reach external hosts, you’re going to need to consult with your ISP for this to work.

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Hmailserver is a good open source option. I’ll throw in Mailenable as well, though it isn’t open source.

15 or so years ago when I first got into hosting my own email it actually was a lot of fun. And I still host in myself even today, but the fun has been sucked out of it. Being able to reliably send email and ensure it gets to the recipient (not just the recipient’s mail server which could block or quarantine your emails for any number of reasons) is getting harder and harder. Protecting yourself against bots and users getting their accounts compromised or your ip address getting blacklisted is a never ending battle.

All that said i think it’s a great learning experience for anyone in IT. And since OP said this was for home lab i’d recommend using Sophos UTM for spam and AV filtering. Free for home use and works very well.

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Essentially my goal is to learn about mail servers.

Hosting, troubleshooting, setup. ect.

Thanks for the advice all.

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If this is for learning purposes, I’d stick with the commonly used products. Exchange (which will require setting up an Active Directory domain) and in the free world, Postfix.

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I never thought to do that in a home lab.

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mDaemon by Alt-N without a doubt!

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