This article provides clear instructions on setting up a Linux mail server from scratch. The author seems to be new to Linux, as well; with some help and using a variety of resources, he gets a full-blown Linux mail server running Postfix, Courier Maildrop, Apache, SquirrelMail, Amavis and SpamAssassin. Install Guide.

Something else in this article caught my interest, however, the service that was used for the above setup is Redwood Virtual. Why? “Redwood Virtual provides virtual Linux machine hosting for as little as US$100 per year (prepaid). Essentially, it provides you with a shared server that appears to be a standalone Linux installation e.g. you have root access, unfiltered access to the Internet, etc. Most important, Redwood Virtual provides 2 GB of hard disk space as part of its base package.” This seems ideal for persons like myself who may be looking for a way to experiment with Linux system administration without having to risk a personal system or data. Check it out.