[GTALUG] Linux friendly email providers?

[Ron / BCLUG]

Karen Lewellen wrote on 2023-11-22 22:10:


>>> 1, allow me to export all of my gmail content to them.
>> 
>> I could provide that ability, see below.
> 
> I may need to get a better picture, have never used Thunderbird.

I've been thinking a lot about this. Thunderbird being a GUI, it may be
difficult for you to use.

And, I'm completely unfamiliar with Alpine / Mutt.


Chances are, the Gmail messages are stored locally in mbox format (all
messages for a mailbox / folder are stored in one file).


My server stores in the Maildir (one message per file) format.

Hence, a tool like Thunderbird can help here.


Need to think on this more.


>>> 2, either allows for user name / password log in directly with a
>>>  web interface,
>> 
>> RoundCube web interface okay?
> 
> actually, you would be doing a number of people a huge favor if I can
> test this. While roundcube has been suggested, there is some 
> confusion around how well it can function with speech. so, delighted
>  to test that theory for sure.

I will set up something for you to try. Was hoping to have it ready now,
but... /excuses



>>> or where I can ssh into a shell or workspace and find an email 
>>> client, think Alpine for example.

Can you run Alpine locally in your DOS-like environment?

I ask, because I could provide ssh access, *but*, email is stored under
a virtual user's account, not individual Linux users' accounts.

So, ssh-ing in would still require connecting to the server (localhost)
via IMAP and smtp; no file system access to messages.

Unless I can think up some hack with hard-links?




>> Hmmm. Hadn't considered that.
>> 
>> Perhaps ssh with ForceCommand=/usr/bin/alpine ?
> 
> um... my lack of direct Linux awareness is showing. Still, perhaps?

That was just me thinking out loud - it'd be an option set on the 
server's sshd_config file.


> If it helps, I ssh into  the shell  dreamhost provides my office, 
> finding alpine there. Better example, i use  the current compile of 
> sshdos to reach shellworld, which is rooted in Ubuntu.

Can I just say, it's great that you're able to use ssh in your 
environment, and kudos!


>  there are 
> browsers that can provide the what to do with an email link,
> assuming that the interface does not manage the job..but you likely
> know this.

I wish I knew more about the various aria settings for web devs to 
enable accessibility. Seems the features are there but often overlooked.



>> How much storage does your email use? My VPS is fairly restricted 
>> on space (it can be upgraded).
 >
> Oh there is allot I can dump, of course if I can ever see it again. 
> Not much of the standard gmail would provide..what sort of limit?

At the moment, I'm using 96% of my storage(!). Looks like I've got deal 
with that, and quickly.

How much storage depends on how much $. It's not expensive, I'd have to 
look at the pricing.


>> As far as "exporting" from another account - I used Thunderbird to
>>  drag & drop all messages between (active) IMAP accounts when 
>> setting up new system.
 >
> How does that look exactly? Will I have say a folder for the sent 
> mail, one for my current inbox..allowing me to clear some of that 
> down, my contact list? In short  if you remember what basic gmail 
> look like? I suppose you create a spam folder as well?

When migrating, I set up a new account me2 at domain.tld with IMAP & smtp 
set to new domain IPs, use Thunderbird to copy all messages / folders 
from me at domain.tld account (with IMAP pointing to old IPs) to 
me2 at domain.tld, then rename on server and in Thunderbird me2@ to me at .

It's a bit convoluted.  I could probably come up with something better, 
but having 2 sets of servers serving me at domain.tld is always going to be 
awkward.




>> Another question - were you wanting your own domain, or is the 
>> domain irrelevant?
> 
> I had not considered the question, too busy seeking mail client ideas
> and getting very very confused. as it turns out I have two domains
> that are kept at gkg.net, but are not associated with a hosting plan.
> if that is  too complicated,

It should be do-able without too much difficulty.

Most of my domains are @FirstnameLastname.tld which wouldn't be 
appropriate. But I have a couple others to use; migration of those 
should be done by end of month.



Sorry this took so long to put together.

Still trying to anticipate any / all obstacles.


I'll set up a test account and send you a link to RoundCube - interested 
to hear about how that works.


rb