How can I set up a server so I can access my mail on it?

[Macro2]

Want to be able to connect to a computer over the internet and access the mail program on that computer so I can send and receive mail remotely from that computer.

Best ways?

 

[skyking]

If you have a router that supports port forwarding, you can forward the appropriate traffic through to your mailserver.
A word of caution: If you set up your mailserver to forward indiscriminately, it will be found and used to forward loads of spam. It is only a matter of time before it gets discovered and exploited.
This tends to get back to your ISP, with serious consequences. It is much better to use a local mailserver for outgoing mail, wherever you may be. If you are at a friend's place, for instance, and he has comcast, use the comcast server for outgoing. It is open to forwarding from withing its range of IP's. You cans still retrieve your mail safely, just enable forwarding from a very small range of IP's.

 

[Lord Evermore]

The wording of the original post seems to indicate a desire for remote control of a mail client on a computer, so that mail can be sent and received from that machine. The wording of the title question sounds like a need for setting up a mail server on the computer so that a remote computer's mail client can connect to send and receive like a normal mail server (which the first response describes).

Accessing the computer to actually run the mail client can be done with Windows XP's Remote Desktop, or 2K's Terminal Server, or with third-party apps similar to that like VNC.

 

[skyking]

OOPs!
I always jump to setting up a server😛

 

[Macro2]

RE:"The wording of the original post seems to indicate a desire for remote control of a mail client on a computer, so that mail can be sent and received from that machine."

This is more correct. Sorry about the confusing title. I want remote control of the mail program on another computer...that is correct.

RE:"Accessing the computer to actually run the mail client can be done with Windows XP's Remote Desktop, or 2K's Terminal Server, or with third-party apps similar to that like VNC."

I'll look into those. I'm not that familiar with them.

 

[Saltin]

If your school/dorm/work doesnt allow you to utilize outbound SMTP or inbound POP3/IMAP, you likely arent going to have much luck establishing any sort of Terminal connection to a remote desktop either.

 

[Need4Speed]

Originally posted by: Saltin
If your school/dorm/work doesnt allow you to utilize outbound SMTP or inbound POP3/IMAP, you likely arent going to have much luck establishing any sort of Terminal connection to a remote desktop either.

vnc can run on port 80 through a java applet.

 

[Lord Evermore]

I think maybe it's just so he can use the email account on that machine, rather than having to set up either a separate account at wherever he is, or configure a client to use the same account (if the mail server is accessible off-network) and end up with copies of the emails on someone else's computer. Not necessarily trying to get past some firewalling.