The Design and Implementation of a Bare PC Email Server

This paper presents the architecture, design and implementation of an email server that runs on a bare PC without an operating system or hard-disk. In addition to providing standard services offered by conventional email servers, the bare PC email server incorporates several unique features leveraging the absence of an operating system. For example, it implements novel algorithms for optimal multi-tasking, provides streamlined processing of messages enabling highly efficient integration of the SMTP and POP3 servers, and minimizes traditional software and protocol overhead. Additionally, it eliminates process overhead due to an operating system, offers enhanced security since the server is not vulnerable to attacks that target operating system flaws, and has a smaller code size. The complete server can be booted from removable media such as a USB drive. The bare PC email server demonstrates the ability of a self-contained, self-executing, complex software application to directly control the underlying PC hardware.