How to Install Exim Mail Server on Ubuntu 14

Exim was designed as a mail transfer agent (MTA) that was going to replace the preexisting system from the University of Cambridge. While Exim was based on the older MTA system, it has since grown into a unique, functional system; Exim has become popular due to the flexibility and compatibility with Unix-like operating systems.

The straightforward setup that comes with Exim allows users to complete setup easily, even without an in-depth knowledge of MTA systems. Additionally, Exim can handle a lot of tasks concurrently, and it is frequently updated with bug fixes and system updates.

Getting Started

Before we start installing your Exim mail server, we need to confirm you have a node available. This node can be on Cloud Server or a Dedicated Server, and it needs to have Ubuntu 14.04 LTS installed.

You also need to confirm you’ve set up Secure Shell (SSH) root access for your server, which you’ll complete after setting it up to run Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. If you’re not familiar, SSH is a network protocol that’s used when you need to execute secure services over an unsecured connection. By using SSH root access, you can engage in activities even if your connection is not secure.

Tutorial

Installing the Mail Server

apt-get install exim4 -y

The server will reach a point where it prompts you that the installation is complete, which means you can begin configuring your new Exim mail server. Follow the command below to start configuration:
dpkg-reconfigure exim4-config

During the configuration process, you will be asked a series of questions to guide you through the process. The answers listed below should be used to complete your configuration:
1- General type of mail configuration: Internet site; mail is sent and received directly using SMTP
2- System mail name: (please enter your server DNS hostname name)
3- IP-addresses to lsiten on for incoming SMTP connections: 127.0.0.1 ; ::1 (validate with ENTER)
4- Other destinations for which mail is accepted: [EMPTY]
5- Domains to relay mail for: [EMPTY]
6- Machines to relay mail for: [EMPTY]
7- Keep number of DNS-queries minimal (Dial-on-Demand)?:
8- Delivery method for local mail: mbox format in /var/mail/
9- Split configuration into small files?:
10- Root and postmaster mail recipient: [EMPTY]

Now that you’ve completed the configuration of your server, we can check that your new Exim mail server is running correctly:
systemctl exim4 status

Congratulations! You’ve completed all the steps necessary to install an Exim mail server on your dedicated node running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS!

Conclusion

You’ve completed the steps necessary to install Exim on your server running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS. Now that you’re completed the process, your Exim mail server is ready to move into production. If you found this guide useful and it helped you complete the setup of your new mail server, please share it with others that are searching for guidance on setting up an Exim server.