How to Create and Open a File in Dovecot

If you are trying to install Dovecot as a mail server on your Linux server, some of the instructions might seem confusing, especially to new Linux users. Most instructions simply state that you need to open, edit or create certain files, such as configuration files, as part of the installation process, but they don't tell you the necessary commands to do so. The same command opens and creates the files that you need to work with as part of your Dovecot mail server installation.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Connect to your server with a secure shell client or through shell access provided by your Web host.
   • 2
     Type "vim" followed by the directory path and filename to open or create a file. For example, "vim /etc/postfix/main.cf" opens the "main.cf" file in the "etc/postfix" directory or creates a new one, if the file does not already exist.
   • 3
     Edit the text of the file according to the Dovecot instructions. You will need to edit many files during the installation process. Each is different and depends on the version of Linux you use.
   • 4
     Press the "Esc" key.
   • 5
     Type ":wq" in the command line to save the file.