[svlug] Sendmail Frustrations

[George Bonser]

On Sun, 1 Nov 1998, Tom Harincar wrote:

> _In general, how is Sendmail supposed to find the host address information
> it needs?

It probably depends on /etc/nsswitch.conf (if that file exists) or
/etc/host.conf and what is in resolv.conf

> 
> _Does DNS first need to be properly configured before Sendmail will work
> properly?  Can this be done simply wth a resolve.cfg file?

Not if all hosts appear properly in /etc/hosts

#IP address	FQDN	short-name

127.0.0.1	localhost.foo.dom	localhost
192.168.10.1	mymachine.foo.dom	mymachine
192.168.10.2	othermachine.foo.dom	othermachine
192.168.10.2	yetanother.foo.dom	yetanother

So, if you are calling you machine mymachine and its IP address on the
local lan is 192.168.10.1, make sure that you have it listed in /etc/hosts
along with other machines in the local domain.

> 
> _What about sendmail.cw - where does this fit in?

That is a list of all domains that should be treated as being on the local
machine.

> _I would like not to have to run m4 - is this OK or do I need to?

It is always best to configure sendmail (if you MUST use sendmail) for
your configuration. Turning off DNS altogether might be a good idea.


> 
> _Does a particular machine need to be designated as a mail gateway?

Only if you want to email someone outside the local network. Otherwise
mail for outside hosts will fail if you can not resolve them to an IP
address and deliver the mail directly.

> 
> _Is there a good explanation of basic Sendmail configuration which does not
> assume to high a level of basic knowledge of related issues?

Mail is not a beginner topic. To understand sendmail, you really need to
understand SMTP. Sendmail is responsible for more hair loss in this
country than any other program. Extend your life, get exim.


George Bonser

The Linux "We're never going out of business" sale at an FTP site near you!


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