Student Email

[AdamMason]

Hi,

 

Im new here, hope I got the right place..

 

I've been approached with a bit of a problem that needs a solution, I currently work in a for a primary school.

 

Years 5 / 6 will be learning about email etc.

 

There is a Windows Server 2003 installed with individual student logins via Active Directory. They need to be able to use email via Outlook or Webmail either is fine.

 

I would prefer to off load the the server load to a seperate server I have (linux).

 

Any recommendations on using Active Directory users accounts as username and passwords, for a email server running on linux.

 

If I havent really explained much sorry lol

 

Adam

[kmount]

Hi Adam,

 

Welcome to Edugeek

 

I'd consider Zimbra for this straight off of the bat. - Zimbra offers Open Source email server software and shared calendar for Linux and the Mac

 

It'll use your AD credentials etc out of the box with no drama.

 

There's lots of us on here who've got experience using it and it really is very good indeed, have a trial run on their site to see what you think.

 

Oh and it's just fine even on the free version

[AdamMason]

Is there a way to setup a virtual domain using Zimbra?

 

eg. [email protected]

[kmount]

Yup, you can do quite a lot with it.

 

Grab a copy and install it on a linux box and see how it goes.

 

Be aware though, it doesn't play well with existing Apache installations, fresh box and have a bit of fun

[AdamMason]

I have a fresh install of a server running Ubuntu Linux 9.10.. doesnt seem like its supported?

[kmount]

I wouldn't run a server on 9.10, I'd stick with 8.04 LTS if I'm honest.

[AdamMason]

Ok gonna give a try now thanks for your help.. ill post progress.

[kmount]

No worries, fair few folks on here use it with much success.

[Nick_Parker]

Another option would be to use Google Apps Educational Edition and setup the students with hosted gmail accounts?

[AdamMason]

Wont be able to do it that way, we just want to have a internal email or virtual domain that does not exist.

 

To do this do I need to enter a made up domain manually in to the DNS Server of the network ? and set up MX records etc

[binky]

Why don't you setup Live@Edu (hosted exchange for free) and setup closed campus rules??

[AdamMason]

Personal Preference and want it in house..

[Edu-IT]

How did you get on with Zimbra?

[AdamMason]

Customising the DNS settings at the moment, going well so far..

 

*fingers crossed*

[AdamMason]

*Update*

 

Installed it with ease used this tutorial :

 

Ubuntu 8.04 LTS Server (Hardy Heron) Install Guide - Zimbra :: Wiki

 

Seems to be working fine etc logged in with admin as test, did mydomain.com as a test.

 

I did notice that there is options on the admin console to add domains, hopefully just need to add there and set the dns entries to point back to server when i've added it.

 

Now to get link with Windows Server 2003 Active Directory users...

 

Thats enough for one day, thanks for your help people!

[kmount]

You'll be fine fella.

[AdamMason]

Seems to running fine etc

 

Only problem I am having is with SSH it seems slow or just times out even when in use.. using putty to access..

[kmount]

DNS is probably the key here if it's during connection. If its laggy during usage how much load is the box under?

 

Check /etc/resolv.conf

[AdamMason]

DNS is pointed to its self.. its under no load.. i've reinstalled ssh and open ssh server and seems to be fine at the moment.. might of been a glitch

[kmount]

If its pointing at itself have you set up a dns server on there with forwarders?

[AdamMason]

How would i check?

[kmount]

If you don't know I'd imagine it's not which would explain the delays you're seeing.

 

Change /etc/resolv.conf to point to the real nameservers on your network.

[AdamMason]

whats easiest way to uninstall the GUI.. as im only using shell?

[kmount]

Not something I've ever had to do but I would imagine it's a case of being careful and removing stuff that doesn't sound like it's needed.

 

[ubuntu] Uninstall Desktop GUI - Ubuntu Forums

[AdamMason]

Will just stop the gdm service, free up a bit of system resources Edited December 14, 2009 by AdamMason