Email $*@#!&

[Clyssus]

I'm a supporter of open source and Linux, although I'm no "geek" so to speak...

It's recently come to my attention that Microsoft has it's massive thumb over Yahoo, which happens to be my online email of choice. I'd prefer to use an email service that is not under the dominion of Microsoft. Nor do I want the privacy invasion that Google offers.

I'm an Ubuntu user and have been for some time now... effectively, I'm asking this community for it's opinion on a good alternative online email service, excluding Gmail or any other service that is affiliated with Microsoft... privacy is one of my greatest concern in this query also.

:confused:

[steeleyuk]

Setup your own mail server if you want privacy. I don't think Google pry's into your mail anymore than the other popular providers...

[hessiess]

Set up your own mail server and set up squirrelmail. Though email isn't sccure anyway (its sent in the clear (unencrypted)), Ive bean doing this (though using the server provided by my web host) and run squirremail on my own server.

[Clyssus]

How would one go about setting up an email server? Could you direct me to some info.?

[hessiess]

How would one go about setting up an email server? Could you direct me to some info.?

google it: http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ubuntu+email+server&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a.

[steeleyuk]

You usually get all the software needed when you buy webspace. Tie it together with a domain name, setup Squirrelmail or similar software (most hosts have an option already installed, just disabled by default). Enable the email, configure an address and away you go...

[pwnst*r]

thx mods

[SuperSonic4]

I'm sure microsoft and google have better things to do...

[NCLI]

I'm a supporter of open source and Linux, although I'm no "geek" so to speak...

It's recently come to my attention that Microsh*t has it's massive thumb over Yahoo, which happens to be my online email of choice. I'd prefer to use an email service that is not under the dominion of Microsh*t. Nor do I want the privacy invasion that Google offers.

I'm an Ubuntu user and have been for some time now... effectively, I'm asking this community for it's opinion on a good alternative online email service, excluding Gmail or any other service that is affiliated with Microsh*t... privacy is one of my greatest concern in this query also.

:confused:
Gmail is by far the best webmail client. Do you really think Google cares that much about your mail?

[Marflus]

I use googlemail, and my house has not yet been raided by google due to them gleaning my address from some email I sent. I live in fear, though...

Seriously, though, if you're worried about privacy that much the only real option is your own webserver, though as already said people could still read your mail.

I assume, since you seem so privacy-conscious, you're encrypting your messages? If not, then that'll stop people reading stuff you don't want them to, though it can be a little bit of a hassle.

[bapoumba]

I've edited the _Microsoft_ misspellings in the first post. Please.. do not.. have me.. do that.. AGAIN. Thanks.

[Sealbhach]

You edited what?

.

[pwnst*r]

can't say. it's a secret.

[CJ Master]

can't say. it's a secret.

Shh. You've said too much.

[Mateo]

Gmail is by far the best webmail client. Do you really think Google cares that much about your mail?

I would say that Gmail is the best email client, whether web-based or desktop.

[Mateo]

I use googlemail, and my house has not yet been raided by google due to them gleaning my address from some email I sent. I live in fear, though...

Seriously, though, if you're worried about privacy that much the only real option is your own webserver, though as already said people could still read your mail.

I assume, since you seem so privacy-conscious, you're encrypting your messages? If not, then that'll stop people reading stuff you don't want them to, though it can be a little bit of a hassle.

Gmail has robots that scans your emails to help it decide what it should advertise to you. I think they have admitted this (though i'm not sure). To me, I don't care, but some people are paranoid about that sort of thing so...

[denver]

If you are that fearfull, you can always encrypt your e-mail. Take a quick look at fireGPG. Nobody will be able to read your e-mail except you and the people you send it to (providing they have a similar plugin installed). You can use fireGPG with GMail or any other e-mail account that has a webmail interface that fireGPG supports (Roudcube for example).

Have fun!

EDIT: if you prefer Thunderbird, EnigMail is the equivalentof fireGPG.

[misfitpierce]

Every service will be monitored so you might as well go with the best... Google still respects your privacy but i'd trust google over microsoft any day!

[pwnst*r]

it's funny how people don't trust google, yet will trust any other company who's servers store your email. comical.

[aysiu]

Any email service that blocks spam is scanning your emails.

[Clyssus]

I don't understand we people don't take their privacy more seriously... any way. What do you guys think of Hushmail?

[pwnst*r]

why don't you host your own email server and encrypt everything.

[aysiu]

If you really care about privacy that much, don't send email. Seriously.

Even if you host your own email and encrypt all the email you send, the people receiving said emails (friends, family members, co-workers) are most likely not as diligent about protecting the privacy of your messages.

They may download the messages without encryption, and they may store local copies in plain text or forward the messages on to someone else without encryption.

[Irihapeti]

Don't tell people things, either, because they may write about them in their own emails.

Oh, and don't talk to your friends at the mall, because people there might overhear you.

[Sinkingships7]

If you really care about privacy that much, don't send email. Seriously.

Even if you host your own email and encrypt all the email you send, the people receiving said emails (friends, family members, co-workers) are most likely not as diligent about protecting the privacy of your messages.

They may download the messages without encryption, and they may store local copies in plain text or forward the messages on to someone else without encryption.

This.

Allow me to add the fact that being paranoid over GMail is particularly ridiculous. As was stated before, EVERY web-based email client scans your mail. Google does nothing bad with the information, and they simply provide the best service. If you're really that paranoid, then you and your tin foil hat should stop using the Internet. Nothing is entirely private.

[denver]

Email is an antiquated and troublesom technology anyway. If you can avoid using it, do so. Email is like Bruce Willis...it just won't DIE!

[DownTown22]

Email is an antiquated and troublesom technology anyway. If you can avoid using it, do so. Email is like Bruce Willis...it just won't DIE!

So, we should just go back to sending 'snail mail'?

[denver]

XMPP works great :)

[Clyssus]

Don't tell people things, either, because they may write about them in their own emails.

Oh, and don't talk to your friends at the mall, because people there might overhear you.


Hey no need to be rude... I'm not some paranoid delusional. I just believe that my privacy is important. If you don't have anything constructive to say buzz off!

What is the problem with misspelling Microsh*t anyway?

[Clyssus]

This.

Allow me to add the fact that being paranoid over GMail is particularly ridiculous. As was stated before, EVERY web-based email client scans your mail. Google does nothing bad with the information, and they simply provide the best service. If you're really that paranoid, then you and your tin foil hat should stop using the Internet. Nothing is entirely private.


Boy... I come with a simple question and you guys just attack me because I take my privacy seriously. Damn! The Ubuntu operating system may be good but the community, I can't say too much for! You guys are pretty damned rude. Excuse me for asking a question!

[aysiu]

Hey no need to be rude... I'm not some paranoid delusional. I just believe that my privacy is important. If you don't have anything constructive to say buzz off! I don't think anyone is intending to be rude.

It's a legitimate point. Any communication you send is not protected if you are the only one protecting it.

[overdrank]

What is the problem with misspelling Microsh*t anyway?

Because is it OS bashing. You may like to review the Code of Conduct (http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php?page=policy)

[Clyssus]

Because is it OS bashing. You may like to review the Code of Conduct (http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php?page=policy)


OK duly noted.

[Clyssus]

Don't tell people things, either, because they may write about them in their own emails.

Oh, and don't talk to your friends at the mall, because people there might overhear you.

This.
If you're really that paranoid, then you and your tin foil hat should stop using the Internet. Nothing is entirely private.

I don't think anyone is intending to be rude.

You don't think these statements were meant to be insulting?

[aysiu]

You don't think these statements were meant to be insulting? They're curt and a bit direct, but I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt that they are not intended to be insulting.

It's a bit tough to read nuance and tone of voice in typed text.

[Clyssus]

They're curt and a bit direct, but I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt that they are not intended to be insulting.

It's a bit tough to read nuance and tone of voice in typed text.

Well... I'll have to politely disagree with you friend.

[Irihapeti]

Did I mean to insult you? No.

I intended to be a bit funny. Obviously, it didn't work.

However, I have had people forward emails that I didn't want forwarded, and I have had the wrong people overhear things I've said in public places. These are just as real risks as an email provider reading my mail - probably greater.

[Sinkingships7]

You don't think these statements were meant to be insulting?

One was meant to put things into perspective, intent on showing you that your expected privacy on the Internet is analogous to speaking in a public place. There's always a chance that something can go wrong and at least one place always knows what every message says and exactly what you're up to.

My statement was possibly insulting, and I apologize. Again, it's meant only to show you the truth. And because I get slightly annoyed when I see a person bash a company like Google just because they read an article that says they scan your e-mail. This isn't news. They don't do anything wrong with the information, and it's as safe with them as it is with ANY other email host.

Like others have said, if email is a must, then you're most secure setting up your own server and encrypting outgoing messages. But what we're trying to say is that as soon as that message touches the other side, it's not private anymore. The recipients email client is going to leech the information and tell the whole world all your secrets.

Here are some helpful links to setting up your own email server:

http://webhosting.devshed.com/c/a/Web-Hosting-HowTos/Email-Server-Setup/
http://www.redhat.com/magazine/025nov06/features/email/
http://osspro.com/10/linux-create-your-own-secure-email-server

Here's some links on registering your own domain:

http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/registerdomain.shtml
http://efuse.com/Grow/domain_names.html
http://www.webdevelopersnotes.com/how-do-i/get-own-domain-name.php

It's relatively cheap if privacy is of the utmost importance to you. Added benefits include the ability to post your resume and have a little about me for potential employers to look at. It shows you put work into making a name for yourself and you can make yourself look great. This all depends on your profession, of course.

No one's attacking you.

[Clyssus]

I guess I stand corrected... excuse me. Thank you for the links.

[Mateo]

I use the same dictionary word password for all of my web accounts.

[bapoumba]

What is the problem with misspelling Microsoft anyway?

Because is it OS bashing. You may like to review the Code of Conduct (http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php?page=policy)

What overdrank said + it's childish and does not make you look kewl.

[Tristam Green]

it's childish

this is the most important thing to take away from it, really.

you're entitled to feeling like you do about the company one way or the other, but seriously: don't be "that guy" about it.

(directs you to the myriad quotes reading "PlayStation? More like GayStation", and other such nonsense).

[Sealbhach]

Because is it OS bashing. You may like to review the Code of Conduct (http://ubuntuforums.org/index.php?page=policy)

So who will decide what constitutes "OS bashing" rather than valid criticism of Apple or Microsoft or BSD or any other OS? What you're really talking about is Censorship, in my opinion.

I'd rather people were authentic about their opinions, I think it's taking things a little too far by editing users posts just because the wrote M$, or Micro$oft, or Microshaft, or Windoze, or Winblows.

Forum users aren't official spokespersons for Canonical, they should be free to express themselves in whatever way they like (apart from profanity, lewdness or any other generally accepted breach of conduct).

I think this policy of trying to "educate" forum users is just killing the community spirit in the Community Café.

.

[Mornedhel]

So who will decide what constitutes "OS bashing" rather than valid criticism of Apple or Microsoft or BSD or any other OS? What you're really talking about is Censorship, in my opinion.

I'd rather people were authentic about their opinions, I think it's taking things a little too far by editing users posts just because the wrote M$, or Micro$oft, or Microshaft, or Windoze, or Winblows.

Saying "Microsh*t" (sorry, mods !) is not criticism. It's just like saying "Linsux". If you want people to "be authentic about their opinions", let them argue over them, but just saying "Microsh*t" is not an opinion, it's just trolling. It's not constructive. It's an insult.

OK, so the boundary between "OS bashing" and "not OS bashing" is fuzzy, but some things, and insults probably fall in that category, are probably well on the side of bashing.

Want to express your dislike for Microsoft ? Fine. Just give arguments. "I dislike Microsoft because [...]".

Speaking of community spirit : so far, the Ubuntu users community comes across to the general Linux tech world as especially childish, newbish and whiny. Sorry.

Now to return to the thread : Assume that everything you're sending by email has exactly the same level of security as if you'd sent it by snail-mail. Letters, and emails, can be intercepted and opened. The contents can be read without you knowing about it (encrypting your mail prevents this). The contents can be replaced (always signing your mail prevents this). Unencrypted local copies at both ends can be read, with enough effort (maintaining your own mail server can mitigate this on your end).

[Chronon]

Speaking of community spirit : so far, the Ubuntu users community comes across to the general Linux tech world as especially childish, newbish and whiny. Sorry.

Yes, these forums are much more tolerant of these traits than others I have frequented.

[overdrank]

Ok time for back on topic. :)

[Clyssus]

Further still shall I digress... That's just it, there are a lot of newbs here, myself included... I've been using Ubuntu for quite a while now but I still consider my self a Linux newb... I'm sorry if "Microsh*t" offends some people's sensibilities... but it's my opinion that the Linux community is going to have to thicken it's skin a little if it wants to widen it's user base...

I'll have to agree with Sealbhach's statement, "What you're really talking about is Censorship, in my opinion." In my humble opinion, treating new comers to this community in a pedantical manner will only turn them away... but... if that's the "law of the land", then I guess I must comply... if not I'll be denied access to a vast and valuable resource... namely this forum!

Back to the topic at hand... I like the idea of running my own mail server! Sounds like one hell of learning experience though... I'm game!
:guitar: