Testing SMTP AUTH connections

When setting up a mail server, one of the things you should do before you "go live" is to test it- not only to make sure things which should work, do work, but to make sure things which shouldn't work, don't.

One of the things to test is whether or not your server correctly supports the AUTH command. This command is used when a remote client wishes to identify themself as an "authenticated" user, normally so that they can use your server as an outbound mail relay. This is very handy for companies with employees who travel, or for ISPs with clients who travel.

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