Reasons behind defaulting atd and sendmail

Michael Cronenworth mike at cchtml.com
Fri Sep 5 23:33:09 UTC 2008


Chris Tyler wrote:
> For sure. But the original statement it is true when "configuration"
> means "configuration of the MTA or MUA".
>
> Let me clarify: In my case, on my desktop at work and on my home
> machines, I can do a default installation of Fedora and then send mail
> without knowing anything about the ISP. (Yes, I know that won't work for
> everyone, but it wfm in multiple settings).
>
> Some MUAs ("mail" included :-) send via sendmail by default; others
> require the user to specify "sendmail" for outbound mail. But when
> "sendmail" is selected in Evolution, no more configuration is required;
> when "SMTP" is selected, seven additional fields appear for the user to
> figure out (server, authentication, encryption, ...).
>   
Most USA ISPs block outgoing SMTP except through their SMTP server. Even 
if it is not blocked, again, *spam filters* will not accept your e-mail 
you sent from sendmail. You run into SPF requirements with some domains. 
I've stated this a few times already. I have personal experience with 
this (the domain I'm emailing from is just one example I could provide).

That's great you arn't blocked and you don't send mail to people 
authenticating your IP address, but I promise you you are the minority.




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