Linux 'mail' program using relay on other host

[BearZDefect]

I see there are a number of Linux proficient folks here...

The built-in 'mail' program in UNIX-type operating systems works just fine for my purposes, as long as the machine it is running on is itself a mail relay. When the mail relay is a different machine I run into problems.

How can I make 'mail' work (to send mail) with the mail relay being a different machine on the LAN?

I know there are other free programs that can be used, but, if possible, I'd like to use a program that is guaranteed to be there with the OS, without additional software installation.

I'm looking for a solution that isn't Linux-flavor-specific, but in case it helps to know, the test bed is Debian.

 

[simple_gifts]

The mail relay you will be sending to is no different than then machine that is sending the mail; the configuration is what sets them apart.

Some common mail serving programs are Exim, Postfix, sendmail. One will need to installed/configured on your host to forward mail to the relay. Postfix or Exim would be much easier to configure; sendmail will send you to the funny farm.

Of course, the mail relay MIGHT need to be configured to accept mail from your host.

@ our sight, numerous unix/linux machines (sendmail) send mail to an internal relay(sendmail), which sends it to an DMZ relay(exim) then out on the internet; We can control what internal machines can send mail to prevent compromised windows machine from e-mailing info off the site.

Of course you could use a client program like Thunderbird which allows you to specify an outgoing SMTP server. Is that what you are asking?

 

[simple_gifts]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_host

http://ubuntu.wordpress.com/2005/09/07/setting-a-smarthost-in-postfix/

I have never used postfix

http://www.cyberciti.biz/tips/exim-mta-how-do-i-route-or-relaying-via-a-smarthost.html

Of course this information is provided with the assumption that you will use it prudently; These are pretty good instructions on how to spam should you discover an open relay.

 

[BearZDefect]

simple_gifts, thank you!

You've provided excellent answers.

The objective is sending within Linux, text/command line style, no Thunderbird.

The machines I am experimenting with are Debian Linux, with a Postfix relay running only on the one sending mail out to the Internet.

From your description, the other machine needs to have a relay running, but that one need only forward to the main relay that communicates outside the LAN.