Greetings to all esteemed individuals who have graced my post with their presence! Kindly offer assistance to individuals who may have previously received a mass email.



I am currently contemplating the rental of a VPS (1 ip, 100mbit channel, and various other impressive features) for the purpose of hosting my websites (of which there are currently 3) and implementing a mailing list. This leads to my inquiry - I intend to conduct an advertising campaign targeting 8000 recipients. The provider assures that there are no constraints on non-daily or non-monthly mailings. However, comprehensive guidelines are lacking, and I seek clarification on the following matters:

1) Is it feasible to utilize a VPS as an SMTP server for mailing lists?
2) What exactly is a relay? And can it be integrated into my VPS?
3) Which program can be employed to interact with SMTP? Are there any free or compromised options available, or any similar alternatives? For instance, a custom script utilizing the mail() function.
4) Could this potentially jeopardize the functionality of my websites?

I can provide insight into your inquiries regarding using a VPS for hosting websites and implementing a mailing list.

1) Utilizing a VPS as an SMTP server for mailing lists is a feasible option. With the resources provided by the VPS, you can set up and configure an SMTP server to handle the sending of emails to your mailing list subscribers. It offers more control and flexibility compared to shared hosting environments, allowing you to manage and optimize email delivery for your specific requirements.

2) A relay in the context of email refers to a server that receives messages from a sender and then routes them to the final destination. In the case of your VPS, you can configure it as a relay to handle outgoing emails from your mailing list. By setting up proper relay settings, you can ensure that your emails are delivered efficiently and reliably to your recipients.

3) There are several programs that can be employed to interact with SMTP for sending and managing emails. One popular choice is using a mail transfer agent (MTA) such as Postfix or Exim, which are widely used for handling email on servers. These programs provide the necessary functionality to send, receive, and route emails through the SMTP protocol. Additionally, you can explore free and open-source options that offer similar capabilities. Custom scripts utilizing the mail() function can also be used, though they may have limitations in managing larger mailing lists and may require additional considerations for scalability and deliverability.

4) Implementing a mailing list and using your VPS as an SMTP server should not inherently jeopardize the functionality of your websites. However, it's crucial to monitor and manage your server's resources to ensure that the additional email sending activity does not impact the performance of your websites. Proper configuration of your mail server, including setting appropriate limits and optimizing delivery settings, will help maintain a balanced use of resources for both website hosting and email marketing activities.

Utilizing a VPS for hosting your websites and implementing a mailing list can provide the flexibility and control needed to effectively manage your online presence and marketing efforts. It's important to consider the technical requirements and best practices to ensure smooth operation and optimal delivery of your email campaigns.

1. Virtual Private Server (VPS) functions as an independent server, similar to a dedicated server, allowing for the setup of a mail server. Setting up a mail server for CentOS is a straightforward task, and then it needs to be configured. I haven't used it in a long time, but it used to be easy.

2. A relay acts as a middleman between you and the recipient. Unless you encounter spam filters, you generally won't need it. I haven't set it up myself, just heard about its implementation.

3. What about a program? Basically, the fundamental tools for managing mail are already in the server itself. Sendmail or Postfix is available. Postfix is preferred - it's popular, open, and has available manuals. The key here is to configure POP/IMAP for message reception separately (for feedback) using Dovecot, for example, but it's more important to ensure the functioning of DomainKeys. Use openDKIM. This combination is quite effective, and spam filters are very rare.

4. I don't really see the connection with websites: the protocols are different, the data storage is separate, and even the TCP ports will be different. 

Finally, avoid using a VPS with Windows, unless the websites are using ASP.

It all comes down to the hosting provider. If they don't approve of the mass sending of thousands of emails per day, they'll shut you down. To avoid being blocked, it's crucial to comply with the regulations. Here are a few key elements:
- Users must have explicitly agreed to receive newsletters from your website before you send them.
- Each email should include an option for recipients to easily unsubscribe from future mailings.
Failing to adhere to these guidelines would classify your emails as spam, not a legitimate newsletter. In that case, the hosting provider would be justified in blocking your activities.