The following table introduces some of the software components of a mail system. See "Mail Services Software Terminology" for a complete description of all of the software components.
Component |
Description |
---|---|
.forward files |
Files that can be set up in a user's home directory to redirect mail or send mail to a program automatically |
mailbox |
A file on a mail server that is the final destination for email messages |
mail addresses |
Contains the name of the recipient and the system to which a mail message is delivered |
mail aliases |
An alternate name used in a mail address |
mail queue |
A collection of mail messages that needs to be processed by the mail server |
postmaster |
A special mail alias used to report problems and ask questions about the mail service |
sendmail configuration file |
A file that contains all the information necessary for mail routing |