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If you have your own Dedicated, Managed or VPS Server you know that one of the hardest tasks is to setup the Mail Server and if you have just acquired your own Server and are about to setup a Mail Server I would recommend to read this article before doing so.

In this article we will guide you how to use Google Apps as your free Mail Solution and list the benefits compared to setting up your own Mail Server on a Dedicated, Managed or VPS Server.

We have now installed and configured several Mail Servers and we must admit that it is a tedious and advanced task. Yes it is probably the most complicated of them all when setting up your own Server.

Why you want to avoid setting up your own Mail Server

If you have done it your self you know what we are talking about and if not then google “how to install and setup a mail server” and check out some of the guides. Here is a popular one for Linux Ubuntu: http://flurdy.com/docs/postfix/ just take a scroll down this step by step guide on how to install Postfix and then I am quite sure that we are on the same page.

If not here is what you have to account for when installing and configuring a Mail Server, yes isn’t just the installation of the Mail Server but setting up Database, POP/IMAP Service, Content checking like viruses, etc.,  Spam fighting tools, Encryption tools, WebMail Interface and the list goes on.

Moreover the performance of your Server is vital for the user experience and a Mail Server drags the performance down.

So why use Google Apps?

• Well the obvious reason is that it is free if you only need up to 10 custom user accounts. You can then setup a catch-all account and redirect messages after your own choice.

• No need to think about the above like spam, viruses, faulty setup, bad performance, etc.

• It’s an easy setup fully guide by Google quite good guide.

• Time! Don’t waste all that time on installation and setup. I hope your money is better spent.

What do you get with Google Apps?

Google Apps is free solution if you only need up to 10 custom user accounts and added to the Mail Solution you also get the following benefits:

• Google Calendar – Organize your schedule and share events with friends

• Google Sites – Create websites and group wikis

• Google Docs – Share online documents, presentations and spreadsheets

• All the other free Google products integrated with Google Apps

This is why we recommend Google Apps.
How to get started?

Follow this link and create your Google Apps in a matter of minutes: Get started with Google Apps for free
Setting up the Mail Settings in your DNS entry
The only thing we have encountered which where a bit cryptic was the DNS (Domain Name Service) setup. The DNS service ensures that all your mails is delivered to Google Apps instead of your Server. We have therefore included an example on how to add Mail Settings to your DNS entries. These are the ones listed as the last entries in the DNS entry. If your setup is different you should contact your hosting provider.

Setting up your Gmail as your main email account
I like to use my Gmail account for all my mails and here is how you configure your Gmail to download your Google Apps mail. Just to point out that even if you have configured your own mail.domain.com for Google Apps you will still get the following error: Server returned error: “Connection timed out: There may be a problem with the settings you added. Please contact your other email provider to verify the correct server name and port.”

Username: Full Email address (i.e. user@yourdomain.com)
Password: *******
POP Server: pop.gmail.com
Port: 995

Note: You must also select “Always use a secure connection (SSL) when retrieving mail”

We hope this article is going to save you some time. Share and care.