Version 2.5 User's Guide
SMTP Sentry	Previous | Next Contents

Most Internet e-mail servers use the Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) to transmit e-mail from server to server, including the Eudora Internet Mail Server (EIMS, formerly Apple Internet Mail Server). PageSentry monitors this type of server by sending an SMTP command to the server as if it were an e-mail client or another server verifying the existence of a user. By verifying the username, PageSentry effectively tests the SMTP server's mail database without generating unnecessary mail messages. Figure 8 shows the SMTP Edit Sentry dialog box.

Figure 8: Configuring a new SMTP Sentry.

To configure the Sentry, fill in the appropriate fields. In addition to the common configuration options, the SMTP Sentry has the following options:

Server Address

This is the name or IP address of the mail server you want to test, usually in the form "mail.yourcom.com". The default test port is 25, but you can specify a non-standard port by appending a colon and the port number after the server name: "mail.yourcom.com:8001".

Perform Complete 'VRFY' Test

When checked, the test PageSentry performs will include the verify ('VRFY') command, which is a complete test of the server's user database and its ability to respond to client requests. When this field is not checked, PageSentry will log on to the mail server and then log off, but will not issue the "VRFY" command as part of the test. Skipping this command provides nearly the same level of server monitoring, since logging on and off effectively verifies that the mail server is accepting connections.

For mail servers that support the "VRFY" command, and have it enabled, we suggest that you use the complete test. However, some mail servers (notably several popular list servers) do not support the "VRFY" command, so turning this check off is required. In addition, for security reasons, the "VRFY" command is sometimes disabled on some servers, again requiring that this extra test be turned off.

User Name

Enter a valid e-mail account name that exists on the server you are testing. PageSentry will ask the server if this user exists. Most mail servers have "root" or "postmaster" accounts defined, even if the server is used only to forward outgoing mail. You can also use your own account name, assuming you have an account on that server.

Copyright © 1995-98 Maxum Development Corporation 820 South Bartlett Road - Suite 104 Streamwood, IL 60107 http://www.maxum.com/ Rev. 2/18/98	Previous | Next Contents