Linux: Use maildir instead of mbox

Question

Is there a way to use Maildir instead of mbox on a Linux box?

On some websites, it is suggested to add to /etc/aliases:

myuser: /var/mail/myuser/maildir

I've issued the newaliases command, but it didn't work.

Solution

If you're on Ubuntu...

Instruct Postfix to use Maildirs instead of Mboxes:

sudo postconf -e "home_mailbox = Maildir/"

Restart Postfix to make changes effect:

sudo  /etc/init.d/postfix restart

Check the mailbox of fmaster:

su - fmaster
MAIL=/home/fmaster/Maildir
mail

You can find complete guide here.

If you're on CentOS...

Add following line in /etc/postfix/main.cf

home_mailbox = Maildir/

A trailing slash indicates Maildir format. To specify mbox format, use home_mailbox = Mailbox

You can find complete guide here.

Comments

[goldilocks]

This is contingent upon your source of mail and your choice of mail clients.

[Daniel]

I'm using Postfix as MTA. It should support Maildir format.

[goldilocks]

My point was that it is either the MTA or the MUA that puts the mail in whatever form it is in, so this is a matter of configuring one of those (and probably you should adjust your question to ask about that).