Following the Exim course that we held here in Cambridge in September
there were a lot of requests for an Advanced Course. The most requested
topic was "string expansions". I have been thinking a bit about what
might be in such a course, and would welcome further feedback on the
outline below.
--
Philip Hazel University of Cambridge Computing Service,
ph10@??? Cambridge, England. Phone: +44 1223 334714.
Government Policy: If it ain't broke, fix it till it is.
Pre-lunch introduction to Exim
==============================
For those who are brave enough to come to this course without attending the
previous one, or who feel the need for a reminder.
11:30 - 12:30
A very quick flip through the basics of Exim and its configuration. Something
like pages 23, 24, 35-41, 45, 47-49 of the previous course.
Topics for the advanced Exim course
===================================
These times are rough guesses; topics may move between sessions either way!
14:00 - 15:30
File lookups in detail. API between main part of Exim and each lookup module.
Description, with examples, of all the supported types. [45 mins]
Regular expression tutorial. [45 mins] A set of "exercises for the student"
will be provided.
16:00 - 17:30
String expansions in depth, with as many annotated real-world examples as
possible. [45 mins]
Mail hubbing and virtual domains - discussion and sample configurations,
including split local/remote domains the the use of "self". [45 mins]
09:00 - 10:30
Answer session for the regular expression examples. [10 mins]
Authentication using the SMTP AUTH command. [30 mins]
Saving mail in files for onward transmission, either for dial-in hosts or using
UUCP. Also input from UUCP. [30 mins]
Filters in depth, with real examples. [20 mins]
11:00 - 12:30
Miscellaneous smaller topics, possibly including:
. Examples of complicated address rewriting
. Users not in /etc/passwd
. Forwarding to another host for spam checking
. Mail archiving
. Adding disclaimers
... and no doubt some more ...