Electronic Mail Facility on the Context DECsystem-20
at
Stanford University
Adapted from the document of the same name at the University of Chicago
Computation Center's Introduction to MM.
September 1981
PRELIMINARY NOTES
How to approach this document
--- -- -------- ---- --------
Depending on your previous experience and needs, certain sections of
this document may be particularly suitable or superfluous.
For experienced DEC-20 users to whom MM is new, or those with
limited time, section 1.2 (What a Typical MM Session is Like) and
section 2.0 (GETTING STARTED WITH MM -- THE BASICS) should be
sufficient introduction to the essentials of reading and sending
messages. Subsequent sections can be consulted as time permits
and the need arises.
For experienced MM users, the Appendixes provide command lists
and formats for quick reference.
Conventions Used In This Document
----------- ---- -- ---- --------
In sample terminal session segments, the underlined characters are
those that you type. All others are the computer's prompts and
responses.
[CTRL] preceding a character identifies it as a "control character."
To enter a control character, hold down the key marked "CTRL" or
"CONTROL" while striking the designated character.
[ESC] means to strike the key marked "ESC" or "ESCAPE".
- i -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY NOTES
How To Approach This Document............................. i
Conventions Used In This Document......................... i
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MM
1.1 MM's Capabilities.................................... 1
1.2 What A Typical MM Session Is Like.................... 2
1.3 Some Concepts And Terms.............................. 4
Command Modes And Prompts........................... 4
Addresses........................................... 6
Headers............................................. 6
Message Sequences................................... 6
1.4 How To Get Help From MM.............................. 7
1.5 Availability Of Documentation And Other Help......... 7
2.0 GETTING STARTED WITH MM -- THE BASICS
2.1 Starting MM.......................................... 8
2.2 Getting Information About Your Messages.............. 8
2.3 Reading Messages..................................... 9
2.4 Sending Messages..................................... 10
2.4.1 Finding Addresses............................ 10
2.4.2 Creating The Message......................... 10
2.4.3 Sending the message.......................... 12
2.5 Stopping MM.......................................... 12
3.0 ACCESSING YOUR MESSAGES BY SPECIAL CATEGORIES -- MESSAGE
SEQUENCES
3.1 By Date.............................................. 13
3.2 By Subject........................................... 13
3.3 By Sender............................................ 14
3.4 Other Groupings...................................... 14
4.0 SETTING UP DEFAULTS -- THE MM.INIT FILE
4.1 The PROFILE Command.................................. 15
4.2 The SET And CREATE-INIT Commands..................... 16
- ii -
5.0 SPECIAL TASKS USING MM
5.1 Replying To And Answering Messages................... 17
5.2 Editing Messages..................................... 18
5.2.1 SEND Mode Commands........................... 18
5.2.2 CONTROL Commands............................. 18
5.3 Drafting Messages.................................... 19
5.4 Creating And Using Mailing Lists..................... 20
5.5 Classifying Messages With Keywords................... 21
5.6 Flagging Messages.................................... 22
5.7 Erasing Old Messages................................. 22
APPENDIXES
A. COMMAND LISTS
MM Top Level........................................A-1
READ Mode...........................................A-4
SEND Mode...........................................A-6
B. MESSAGE SEQUENCES......................................B-1
C. MM.INIT DEFAULT OPTIONS................................C-1
- iii -
Page 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO MM
In any institution, communication within and between offices is
essential. "Electronic mail," a system for handling messages via a
computer, simplifies message preparation and reduces delivery time,
making the communication process more efficient.
This document explains the fundamentals of MM -- the electronic mail
facility on the Context computer.
1.1 MM's Capabilities
MM sends mail.
-- ----- ----
With MM, creating a message involves telling MM to whom you want to
send the message, indicating the subject of the message, and typing in
the message text. A single instruction to MM sends your message.
MM edits messages.
-- ----- --------
After your message has been typed in, you can change any part of it
without having to retype the whole thing.
MM reads mail.
-- ----- ----
MM acts as your "mailbox," too, collecting all of your in-coming
messages for you to read and act on at your convenience.
MM organizes and maintains messages.
-- --------- --- --------- --------
MM tells you what messages you have received, and who they are from.
MM keeps track of which ones have been answered, marked for deletion,
flagged for special attention, etc. Other features allow you to save
copies of out-going messages, classify messages in your mail file
using keywords, and move messages to separate files.
MM simplifies mailing by maintaining mailing lists.
-- ---------- ------- -- ----------- ------- -----
If you do frequent mailings to a large group of people, a file may be
created which includes the user names of the members of the group.
The filename of this "mailing list" may then be specified as an
address, replacing a long list of individual addresses. MM reads the
file to determine where to send messages.
Page 2
1.2 What A Typical MM Session Is Like
This section provides an overview and sample of a typical MM session.
Subsequent sections explain the commands in detail.
1. Log on to the DEC-20.
2. Get into the MM program.
3. Read a message.
4. Reply to the message you have just read.
5. Send a message to someone.
6. Get out of MM.
EXAMPLE
Log in to Context. You are informed of new mail:
@LOGIN[ESC] (USER) HNDOBIN[ESC] (PASSWORD) [RETURN]
---------- ------------ -------- --------
Job 14 on TTY72 11-Sep-80 10:13:49
You have a message from VLAKANA at 8:35
Type MM to the @ prompt to start the MM program.
MM lists the headers of NEW mail and reports on
the status of your message file.
@MM [RETURN]
-- --------
MM Version 1F(293)-1
N 1 11-Sep VLAKANA MM Documentation (250 chars)
Last read: 11-Sep-80 09:28:42, 1 msg (0 old), 1 page
Type HELP for assistance.
When you receive the MM> prompt, request to read a
message with the READ command. MM displays your message.
I have heard there is finally documentation available
on the MM mail system. How can I get a copy of it?
========
R>
Page 3
The R> prompt gives you the opportunity to do something
with the message just read. Use the REPLY command to
write a reply. MM prompts for the text. After you have
typed it, end with [ESC] or [CTRL]-Z.
R>REPLY [RETURN]
----- --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
Very simple -- it is available in <DOCUMENTATION>mm.introduction.
[ESC]
S>
When you receive the S> prompt, send the reply with the
SEND command. MM verifies delivery of the message.
S>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
Processing local mail...
VLAKANA -- ok
R>QUIT [RETURN]
To write a new message, type SEND to the MM> prompt. MM
asks to whom the message is to be sent, who should receive
copies, and the subject.
MM>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
To: JHSIEGMAN [RETURN]
--------- --------
cc: JCSANDELIN [RETURN]
---------- --------
Subject: RESPONSE TO MM [RETURN]
-------- -- -- --------
(After the header information is supplied, MM prompts you
for the message text. Type in your message and end with
[ESC] or [CTRL]-Z.)
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
The University community is beating a path to [RETURN]
--- ---------- --------- -- ------- - ---- -- --------
our door, clamoring for information on MM. [RETURN]
--- ----- --------- --- ----------- -- -- --------
I've never seen anything like it! [RETURN]
---- ----- ---- -------- ---- --- --------
[ESC]
-----
Send the message with the SEND command. MM verifies
delivery of the message and copies.
S>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
Processing local mail...
JHSIEGMAN -- ok
JCSANDELIN -- ok
Page 4
Stop the MM program with the EXIT or QUIT commands. The EXIT command
will expunge any deleted messages. QUIT will save any deleted messages.
Command modes and prompts
------- ----- --- -------
MM has three command modes, identified by the following prompts:
MM> MM Top Level
R> READ mode
S> SEND mode
Top Level commands pertain primarily to message organization and
maintenance.
READ mode commands pertain to reading messages.
SEND mode commands pertain to creating and sending messages.
The following example illustrates the use of different modes in a
typical MM session:
Top Level @MM [RETURN]
-- --------
MM Version 1F(293)-1
Last read: 11-Sep-80 13:53:09, 2 msgs, 1 page
1 message unseen
Type HELP for assistance.
MM>HEADERS ALL [RETURN]
A 1 11-Sep VLAKANA MM Documentation (250 chars)
U 2 11-Sep JCSANDELIN Cancellation of meeting (245 chars)
The meeting scheduled for Friday morning has
been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for a
later date.
========
R>KEYWORDS SCHEDULE [RETURN]
-------- -------- --------
R>FLAG [RETURN]
---- --------
R>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
SEND mode To: RDLAI [RETURN]
----- --------
cc: [RETURN]
--------
Subject: SCHEDULE CHANGE [RETURN]
-------- ------ --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or [CTRL]-Z):
The Friday morning meeting has been cancelled, [RETURN]
--- ------ ------- ------- --- ---- ---------- --------
so I will be available to go over your [RETURN]
-- - ---- -- --------- -- -- ---- ---- --------
report as you requested earlier. [RETURN]
------ -- --- --------- -------- --------
[ESC]
-----
S>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
Processing local mail...
RDLAI -- ok
READ mode R>QUIT [RETURN]
---- --------
Top Level MM>
Appendix A contains lists of commands available in each mode.
Page 6
Addresses
---------
An MM "address" corresponds to the user name (not the personal name)
of the person who is to receive your message.
To find a person's Context username (so that you can send mail), you
will want to use the FINGER command. For example, to find Hank Dobin's
username, you would type:
@finger dobin [RETURN]
------ ----- --------
HNDOBIN Hank N. Dobin HNDOBIN not logged in.
No new mail, last read on Fri 12-Jun-81 09:20
There are many options to the FINGER command. To find out what they are,
type "help finger [RETURN]" in response to the @ prompt.
Please note that you cannot be in MM to FINGER someone...you must be
at the Context exec (the @ prompt).
Headers
-------
A message header is MM's one-line description of the contents of a
message:
A 1 11-Sep VLAKANA MM Documentation (250 chars)
U 2 11-Sep JCSANDELIN Cancellation of meeting(245 chars)
In order to fit the header on one line, MM may truncate the user name
and subject title. The header tells you the number assigned to the
message by MM, the date, sender, subject, and length in characters.
To the left of the message number, the letters U, N, F, A, or D may
appear. They indicate:
U UNSEEN (message has not been read)
N NEW (message has recently arrived and has not been read)
F FLAGGED (message has been flagged for attention)
A ANSWERED (message has been ANSWER'd or REPLY'd)
D DELETED (message has been marked for deletion)
Section 2.2 (Getting Information About Your Messages) tells you how to
obtain a listing of your message headers.
Message Sequences
------- ---------
A message sequence is a message or a group of messages that share a
common characteristic. Most MM Top Level commands require that you
specify a message sequence to be operated on. A sequence can be
either a single message, a range of message numbers, or a group with
some special classification like FLAGGED, NEW, SINCE 5-JAN-80, etc.
Section 3.0 (ACCESSING YOUR MESSAGES BY SPECIAL CATEGORIES) discusses
these special message sequences in detail.
Page 7
1.4 How To Get Help From MM
[ESC] The ESCAPE key works as a prompter.
MM>ans[ESC]WER (MSGS) CURRENT
-------- -------
? The question mark can be used to list the options
available for whatever command mode you are in.
S>? one of the following:
BCC BLANK CC DISPLAY
EDIT ERASE HELP INSERT
LITERAL-TYPE PUSH QUIT REMOVE
RESTORE-DRAFT SAVE-DRAFT SEND SUBJECT
TEXT TO TYPE USER-HEADER
S>
HELP (subject) This command gives you a description of a command
word or topic (such as MSG-SEQUENCE) appearing in
the list obtained by typing 'HELP ?'.
S>HELP QUIT [RETURN]
---- ---- --------
The QUIT command gets out of this mode and returns to the Top
Level prompt.
S>
1.5 Availability Of Documentation And Other Help Sources
See also The MM REFERENCE MANUAL in <DOCUMENTATION>MM.Refernce.
Help is also available from the Context Consulting Office, 497-4142
and through the "BUG" program in MM. Type:
MM>HELP BUG [RETURN]
---- --- --------
for more information.
Page 8
2.0 GETTING STARTED WITH MM -- THE BASICS
This section supplies you with the essentials for reading and sending
messages.
2.1 Starting MM
To start MM, type MM in response to the @ prompt.
@MM [RETURN]
-- --------
MM Version 1F(293)-1
N 1 11-Sep VLAKANA MM Documentation (250 chars)
Last read: 11-Sep-80 09:28:42, 1 msg (0 old), 1 page
Type HELP for assistance.
MM>
The headers of any new messages will be shown, along with a report on
the status of your message file. The MM> prompt informs you that you
are now at MM Top Level.
2.2 Getting Information About Your Messages
When you first start MM, the headers of any messages that have
arrived since your last session (i.e., NEW messages) and messages that
have been FLAGged will be displayed, along with a brief summary of the
status of your message file (see above example).
To get a listing of the headers of all your messages, type the command
MM>HEADERS ALL [RETURN]
------- --- --------
N 1 11-Sep VLAKANA MM Documentation (250 chars)
U 2 11-Sep JCSANDELIN Cancellation of meeting(245 chars)
MM>
You can obtain more selective lists of headers by replacing "ALL"
with some other message sequence (see section 3.0, ACCESSING YOUR
MESSAGES BY SPECIAL CATEGORIES).
Page 9
2.3 Reading Messages
To read a single message, type
READ (message number) [RETURN]
in response to the MM> prompt. The message will be displayed at your
terminal and you will be transferred to READ mode.
The meeting scheduled for Friday morning has
been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for a
later date.
========
R>
To read several messages in sequence, specify a range of message
numbers by typing
- the first and last numbers of the range separated by a colon
(e.g., 3:6), or
- individual numbers separated by commas (e.g., 2,4,6,9), or
- a combination of both (e.g., 1:3,5,9,11:15).
The first message of the sequence will be displayed, followed by the
R> prompt. To proceed to the next message, type NEXT (or hit the
carriage return) to this prompt.
If you wish to return to the MM> prompt, type QUIT after the R>
prompt.
If you wish to write a message at this point, type SEND to the R>
prompt.
Other READ mode commands may be given to perform special tasks (e.g.,
REPLY to the message). See section 5.0 (SPECIAL TASKS USING MM) and
Appendix A (READ MODE COMMANDS).
Page 10
2.4 Sending Messages
2.4.1 Finding Addresses - To send a message, you must know the
user name of the person to whom you wish to send it. To find a
user name, type FINGER at the exec:
@FINGER BROWN [RETURN]
------ ----- --------
It is not necessary to type the entire name; The finger program will list
all persons with the last name that you specify (in this case, Brown) and
helpful information concerning each one.
@FINGER Brown [RETURN]
------ ----- --------
EABROWN Eleanor Brown EABROWN not logged in
Last logout Tue 15-Sep-81 13:58 from TTY113 (Gandalf (G1, P20-3))
LIBROWN Lisa Brown LIBROWN not logged in
Last logout Wed 23-Sep-81 16:59 from TTY37 (Gandalf (G2,P21-6))
MBBROWN Malcolm Brown MBBROWN not logged in
Last logout Wed 23-Sep-81 13:52 from TTY55 (Gandalf (G3,P21-4))
@
2.4.2 Creating The Message - To create a message, respond SEND to
either the MM> or R> prompt. MM prompts you for the user name of the
person to whom you wish to send the message:
MM>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
To:
If you wish to send the message to more than one person, type each
address, separated by a comma. For large mailings, see section 5.4
(Creating and Using Mailing Lists).
After the address is entered, you are prompted for the user names of
those who are to receive copies:
MM>SEND
----
To: RDLAI [RETURN]
----- --------
cc:
If you do not wish to send any copies, simply hit the carriage return.
You are then asked for the subject title:
Page 11
Once all the header information is entered, MM prompts you to type the
message itself:
MM>SEND [RETURN]
----
To: RDLAI [RETURN]
-----
cc: JHSIEGMAN [RETURN]
---------
Subject: RESPONSE TO MM [RETURN]
-------- -- --
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
Type in your message. After the final line, hit the [ESC] key or type
[CTRL]-Z. You will then receive the S> prompt:
MM>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
To: RDLAI [RETURN]
-----
cc: JHSIEGMAN [RETURN]
--------- --------
Subject: RESPONSE TO MM [RETURN]
-------- -- -- --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
The University community is beating a path to [RETURN]
--- ---------- --------- -- ------- - ---- -- --------
our door, clamoring for information on MM. [RETURN]
--- ----- --------- --- ----------- -- --- --------
I've never seen anything like it! [RETURN]
---- ----- ---- -------- ---- --- --------
[ESC]
-----
S>
(NOTE: Until you change the default in your MM.INIT file -- see
section 4.0, THE MM.INIT FILE, and Appendix D, MM.INIT DEFAULT OPTIONS
-- there is no difference between ending your message with [ESC] or
[CTRL]-Z. The choice is given because you have the option of setting
[CTRL]-Z or [ESC] to automatically send your message without returning
you to SEND mode.)
Page 12
2.4.3 Sending The Message - To send the message you have just
created, type SEND to the S> prompt. MM confirms delivery of your
message (and copies, if any) and returns you to MM Top Level:
S>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
Processing local mail...
RDLAI -- ok
JHSIEGMAN -- ok
MM>
The message can be edited prior to sending it. For details, see
section 5.2 (Editing Messages) and Appendix A (SEND MODE COMMANDS).
2.5 Stopping MM
When you are through reading and sending messages, stop MM as
follows:
MM>EXIT
----
Expunging deleted messages.
@
You are now back at TOPS-20 command level, and can proceed with other
work or log out.
Page 13
3.0 ACCESSING YOUR MESSAGES BY SPECIAL CATEGORIES - MESSAGE SEQUENCES
Sometimes it is more efficient to access several messages at a time.
This section lists message sequences that can be specified in place of
a single message number.
3.1 By Date
ON (date) specifies all messages received ON a particular
date. For example,
MM>READ ON 4-JUL-81 [RETURN]
---- -- -------- --------
allows you to read in sequence all messages received
on 4-Jul-81.
SINCE (date) specifies all messages sent SINCE a particular
date. For example,
MM>READ SINCE 4-JUL-81 [RETURN]
---- ----- -------- --------
allows you to read in sequence all messages received
since 4-Jul-81.
NOTE: The date format is "day-month-year", where "month" is the first
3 letters of the month name, and "year" is the last 2 digits of the
year. Note that a day of the week (e.g. MONDAY) or TODAY or
YESTERDAY may be used in place of a date.
3.2 By Subject
SUBJECT (phrase) specifies all messages with a particular phrase
in the subject title of the header. For example,
allows you to read all messages in sequence that
include the phrase "COMPUTER" in the subject title.
TEXT (phrase) is similar to the SUBJECT sequence, but it searches
the message text for the specified phrase.
MM>READ TEXT COMPUTER [RETURN]
---- ---- -------- --------
allows you to read all messages with the phrase
"COMPUTER" in the text, whether or not it appears in
the subject title.
Page 14
KEYWORD (keyword) It is possible to set up in your MM.INIT file a
list of words to use to classify your messages (see
section 5.5, Classifying Messages With Keywords).
Once this has been done, you can "label" your
messages using one or more of these keywords, and
then access those with common keywords as a group.
For example, if your MM.INIT file has the word
"FINANCES" in the keyword list,
will allow you to read all messages that you have
assigned the keyword "FINANCES".
3.3 By Sender
FROM (user name) specifies all messages received from the person
whose user name is specified. For example,
MM>READ FROM JCSANDELIN [RETURN]
---- ---- ---------- --------
allows you to read in sequence all the messages from
user JCSANDELIN.
3.4 Other Groupings
ALL includes all messages in your message file,
regardless of their status.
FLAGGED includes those messages which have been flagged for
attention using the FLAG command (see section 5.6,
Flagging Messages).
NEW includes messages which have arrived since you last
entered MM, and which have not yet been READ.
UNANSWERED includes any messages which have not been ANSWER'd
or REPLY'd.
Appendix C, MESSAGE SEQUENCES, contains a more extensive list of
message sequences, including some which are not discussed here.
Page 15
4.0 SETTING UP DEFAULTS - THE MM.INIT FILE
Since mail-handling is a routine process, there are some things you
will probably do the same way every time you use MM. A lot of time
can be saved by setting up these tasks as defaults.
The MM.INIT file is a list of default options that determine the way
MM will perform certain tasks. This section explains how to set and
change those defaults to suit your preferences.
4.1 The PROFILE Command
The PROFILE command helps you to create a basic MM.INIT file by asking
you questions about how you would like things done. Following is an
example, with recommended responses:
MM>PROFILE [RETURN]
------- --------
Normally, when you send a message you are told this disposition of
each address; whether it was delivered or queued for later delivery.
Do you want to suppress this typeout?NO [RETURN]
-- --------
Do you want to receive copies of your replies to messages?NO [RETURN]
-- --------
Normally, when you REPLY to or ANSWER a message, the reply will
default to only sending to the person you got the message from.
You can have MM default instead to replying to everybody listed in
the message header.
Do you want REPLY to default to everybody?NO [RETURN]
-- --------
Do you want to erase the screen at startup and between messages?NO [RETURN]
-- --------
Normally the abort command control-N asks for confirmation before
aborting.
Do you want control-N to abort without asking?NO [RETURN]
-- --------
NOTE: CTRL/N is used to stop whatever MM is doing and return
you to the previous command level. It is very handy when you
(1) change your mind about doing something after you have
already started doing it, or (2) get into a situation in which
you lose control of MM.
Other (fancier) profile options may be set by using the SET command
to set the option, and CREATE-INIT to update your MM.INIT profile
file.
You may also edit MM.INIT with an editor. Type HELP CREATE-INIT for
a complete listing of the MM.INIT options.
MM>
To change defaults set by the PROFILE command, simply type
MM>PROFILE [RETURN]
------- --------
and answer the questions again.
Page 16
4.2 The SET And CREATE-INIT Commands
Additional defaults can be set by using the SET and CREATE-INIT
commands. Some defaults you may wish to set in addition to those
covered by the PROFILE command are:
DEFAULT-CC-LIST (user names) -- a list of addresses to always send
copies of your out-going messages to.
PERSONAL-NAME (your name) -- your personal name as you wish it to
appear on out-going messages.
To set these defaults, or change them after they have been set, type
your commands as follows:
then update the MM.INIT file with the following command:
MM>CREATE-INIT [RETURN]
----------- --------
A list of default options, including some not mentioned here, is in
Appendix C, MM.INIT DEFAULT OPTIONS.
Page 17
5.0 SPECIAL TASKS USING MM
MM provides a number of features in addition to reading and sending
messages. This section illustrates a few of them.
5.1 Replying To And Answering Messages
There are two commands that enable you to reply to a message you have
received -- the REPLY command in READ mode, and the ANSWER command at
Top Level.
5.1.1 The REPLY Command - The REPLY command may be given to the R>
prompt which appears after you have read a message. MM prompts you
only for the text of your reply; it automatically addresses it to
whomever sent the original message. To send the reply to everyone
mentioned in the header, type REPLY ALL.
R>REPLY [RETURN]
----- --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
5.1.2 The ANSWER Command - The ANSWER command may be used to reply to
a message without getting into READ mode. Type ANSWER, followed by
the number of the message to be answered, after the MM> prompt. MM
will ask to whom the answer should be sent.
NOTE: When ANSWERing a message, do not type a user name in response
to the TO: prompt. Your options are as follows:
SENDER sends your reply to whomever sent original message.
ALL sends your reply to all persons listed in the
header, both sender and those receiving copies.
[RETURN] Hitting carriage return will send your reply
to whomever you have specified in your MM.INIT file
as the default receivers (see section 4.1, The
PROFILE Command).
After you have responded to the TO: prompt, you are prompted to enter
the text of your reply.
MM>ANSWER 1 [RETURN]
------ - --------
Reply msg # 1 To: SENDER [RETURN]
------ --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
Page 18
5.2 Editing Messages
5.2.1 SEND Mode Commands - After you have created a message, you may
need to make changes before sending it. When you receive the S>
prompt after ending your message, any of the following commands may be
entered to perform editing functions:
TO (user names) adds addresses to TO-LIST.
REMOVE (user names) removes addresses from TO-LIST.
CC (user names) adds addresses to those receiving copies.
SUBJECT (phrase) changes subject title.
EDIT allows you to edit the message text using TVEDIT
(or the default editor specified in your MM.INIT).
TEXT allows you to add text to the end of message.
End with [CTRL]-[Z] or [ESC].
INSERT (file) inserts a file as addendum to message.
ERASE (field) erases an entire field (e.g., To:, cc:,
Subject:).
DISPLAY (field) displays field of message as it exists. To
display the entire message, do not specify a
field.
Once you have made the necessary changes, you can send your message by
typing SEND to the S> prompt (or just by typing a carriage return, for
short).
5.2.2 CONTROL Commands - You may wish to edit as you type your
message, rather than afterwards. Here are some helpful commands for
doing so:
[CTRL]-B inserts a file into the place where you are currently
typing. It asks for the name of the file to be inserted,
and notifies you when the process is complete. You may
then continue typing the message, or end it.
[CTRL]-E allows you to edit text using TVEDIT (or the editor specified
in your MM.INIT file).
[CTRL]-K types out message as it exists so far.
Page 19
[CTRL]-R types out the line currently being typed. It is
especially helpful if you have made several deletions
and want to verify the contents of a line. If necessary,
you may continue typing on the retyped line.
[CTRL]-U erases the line currently being typed.
DELETE erases a mistyped character.
5.3 Drafting Messages
You may wish to draft a message and save it to be looked over and
edited later. To do so, type
SAVE-DRAFT (filename)
to the S> prompt received after creating the message. This command
will put the message in the file specified. The file can be an
already existing one or a new one. When you receive the S>
prompt again, type QUIT, and you will be back at Top Level.
MM>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
To: WHOM-EVER [RETURN]
--------- --------
cc: [RETURN]
--------
Subject: CHILLS AND UNPLEASANTNESS [RETURN]
------ --- -------------- --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
Do you detect a draught in here? [RETURN]
-- --- ------ - ------- -- ----- --------
[ESC]
-----
S>SAVE-DRAFT DRAFT.FILE [RETURN]
---------- ---------- --------
S>QUIT [RETURN]
---- --------
MM>
When you are ready to view and edit the message, type
MM will display the message and allow you to begin typing where you
left off. If you wish to edit only, hit [ESC] or [CTRL]-Z to receive
the S> prompt, at which point you may enter edit commands or send the
message.
Subject: CHILLS AND UNPLEASANTNESS [RETURN]
To: WHOM-EVER [RETURN]
Do you detect a draught in here?
[ESC]
-----
S>TO WHAT-SIT [RETURN]
-- -------- --------
S>DISPLAY [RETURN]
------- --------
Subject: CHILLS AND UNPLEASANTNESS
To: WHOM-EVER, WHAT-SIT
Do you detect a draught in here?
S>
5.4 Creating And Using Mailing Lists
When sending frequent, large mailings, it is quicker to use a mailing
list than to specify the addresses individually. A mailing list is a
file containing a group title and the user names of the group members.
When MM prompts for an address with the TO: or CC: prompts, a
mailing list filename, preceded by @, may be specified.
To create a mailing list, you must be at TOPS-20 command level. Use
the TVEDIT command to start TVEDIT, and enter your file as follows:
could then be used to send a message to all those listed in the file:
MM>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
To: @PROJECT.LEADERS [RETURN]
---------------- --------
cc: GJHINCHLIFFE, PENTTI_KANERVA [RETURN]
------------- -------------- --------
Subject: Cancellation of Meeting [RETURN]
------------ -- ------- --------
Message (end with ESCAPE or ^Z):
The meeting scheduled for Friday morning has [RETURN]
--- ------- --------- --- ------ ------- --- --------
been cancelled. It will be rescheduled for a [RETURN]
---- ---------- -- ---- -- ----------- --- - --------
later date. [RETURN]
----- ----- --------
[ESC]
-----
S>SEND [RETURN]
---- --------
Processing local mail...
JEMARCUS -- ok
JHSIEGMAN -- ok
JCSANDELIN -- ok
RGROBERTS -- ok
VLAKANA -- ok
RDLAI -- ok
HNDOBIN -- ok
SAROCKOWITZ -- ok
GJHINCHLIFFE -- ok
PENTTI_KANERVA -- ok
5.5 Classifying Messages With Keywords
The KEYWORDS feature of MM allows you to assign your own
classifications to messages.
First, you must define the keywords you wish to use in your MM.INIT
file:
--Messages with common keywords may be used as a message sequence (see
section 3.2, Accessing Messages By Subject).
NOTE: When in READ mode, a keyword can be assigned to the message
just read by typing KEYWORDS (keyword) after the R> prompt.
5.6 Flagging Messages
Flagging a message draws attention to it by causing the message header
to be printed immediately upon starting MM.
To flag a message, type
MM> FLAG (message number) [RETURN]
---- ---------------- --------
All FLAGGED messages will contain an "F" to the left of the message
number in their headers, and are included in the FLAGGED message
sequence (see section 3.4, Other Groupings).
NOTE: Messages may be flagged as you read them by typing FLAG at
the R> prompt.
5.7 Erasing Old Messages
Once it is no longer necessary to keep a message, it may be marked for
deletion and, if desired, expunged (erased permanently). To delete a
message, type
The DELETE command only marks messages for deletion; DELETEd messages
will still appear in header listings and may be read. (They also take
up file space.) To permanently erase all deleted messages, type EXPUNGE
after the MM> prompt.
If you wish to recover a message that has been deleted by mistake, you
may UNDELETE it, but only if your message file has not been EXPUNGEd.
NOTE: Any messages you have DELETEd will automatically be EXPUNGEd if
you use EXIT to stop MM. If you wish to leave DELETEd messages
in your file until you are sure you want to erase them, use QUIT to
stop MM.
APPENDIX A
COMMAND LISTS
MM TOP LEVEL
-- --- -----
ALIAS (username) takes a single argument, a username. It then
causes MM to behave as if you were that user;
all mail sent will be "from" that user (your
login name will be the "sender"), and MM will
be reading the aliased user's mail file.
ANSWER (msg seq) to answer a message.
APPEND (msg seq) takes a message sequence, and appends those
messages together into one message.
BBOARD types the bulletin board file <BBOARD>mail.txt.
CHECK checks for messages that may have arrived
while using MM.
CONTINUE resumes a SEND which was interrupted by QUIT.
COPY (filename)(msg seq) copies messages into a file, but leaves them
intact in your mail file.
COUNT (msg seq) takes a message sequence, and prints out the
number of messages in that sequence.
CREATE-INIT updates MM.INIT after setting defaults
with SET command.
DAYTIME tells you the current date and time.
DELETE (msg seq) marks messages for deletion.
EDIT (msg seq) to edit messages with the editor specified
in MM.INIT. The default is TVEDIT.
- A-1 -
COMMAND LISTS
EXAMINE (filename) takes one argument, a filename. It is like the
GET command, except that the file is read-only,
and the file reference date is not updated.
EXIT erases deleted messages and stops the current
MM session.
EXPUNGE erases deleted messages.
FILE-LIST (filename) is like the LIST command, except that it will
(msg seq) ask you which FILE you would like to list to
(instead of sending the message to the line-
printer). After the file arguement, it takes
a message sequence.
FLAG (msg seq) flags message(s).
FORWARD (msg seq) forwards message to address specified
after TO: prompt.
GET (filename) to read in mail file of connected
directory.
HEADERS (msg seq) lists headers of messages.
HELP (topic) to obtain information on topic.
JUMP (msg) resets message specified as current
message.
KEYWORDS takes two arguments, a keywords list and a
message sequence. It will then mark the
message in that sequence as being included in
the keyword. To define a keyword, put a line
in your MM.INIT of the form:
KEYWORDS: list-of-keywords.
This features is useful for classifying old
messages.
LIST (msg seq) lists messages on the lineprinter: the Printronix.
LITERAL-TYPE (msg seq) takes a single argument, a message sequence.
It then types out the bodies of those messages,
without regard to ONLY-TYPE-HEADERS or
DONT-TYPE-HEADERS.
MARK (msg seq) marks message(s) as "seen".
MOVE (filename)(msg seq) moves messages to file and deletes them
from your mail file.
NET-MAIL the NET-MAIL command will attempt to send any
messages that may be queued in your directory.
- A-2 -
COMMAND LISTS
NEXT types message after current one if not
deleted.
PREVIOUS types message before current one if not
deleted.
PROFILE sets up MM.INIT profile.
PUSH gives you a new EXEC, signalled by @. To
return to MM, type POP.
QUIT ends MM session.
RE-MAIL is similar to FORWARD, except instead of
inserting the message after typein, the message
is sent as is with the headers modified to
indicate who did the remailing.
READ (msg seq) starts reading messages in READ mode.
RESTORE-DRAFT (filename) takes a single argument, a filename created by
the SAVE-DRAFT command, and restores the state
of the send from that draft.
SEND puts you in SEND mode to write a message.
SET (default)(setting) to change defaults in MM.INIT.
STATUS to obtain information about mail file.
SYSTEM-MSGS reads in the system message file.
TYPE (msg seq) types out messages if not deleted.
UNANSWER (msg seq) takes a single argument, a message sequence and
then removes the answered status from all the
messages in that sequence.
UNDELETE (msg seq) undeletes deleted messages.
UNFLAG (msg seq) removes flag from flagged messages.
UNKEYWORDS takes two arguments, a keywords list and a
message sequence. It will then mark the messages
in that sequence as not being included in the
keyword.
- A-3 -
COMMAND LISTS
READ MODE COMMANDS
---- ---- --------
NOTE: "Current message" indicates message currently being read.
BLANK blanks the screen.
CONTINUE resumes a SEND which was interrupted or QUITed
out of.
DELETE deletes the message currently being read.
COPY (filename) copies current message into file.
EDIT to edit current message with the editor
specified in your MM.INIT. The default
is TVEDIT.
FLAG to flag current message.
FORWARD to forward current message to address
specified after TO: prompt.
HEADER outputs the one-line header summary of the
current message sequence.
HELP (topic) to obtain information on topic.
KEYWORDS takes two arguments, a keywords list and a
message sequence. It will then mark the
message in that sequence as being included in
the keyword. To define a keyword, put a line
in your MM.INIT of the form:
KEYWORDS: list-of-keywords.
This feature is useful for classifying old
messages.
LIST (msg seq) prints the message on the lineprinter: the
Printronix.
LITERAL-TYPE types out the body of the current message,
without regard to ONLY-TYPE-HEADERS or
DONT-TYPE-HEADERS.
- A-4 -
COMMAND LISTS
MOVE (filename) moves current message to file and
deletes it from mail file.
NEXT reads next message in sequence currently
being read.
NET-MAIL the NET-MAIL command will attempt to send any
messages that may be queued in your directory.
PREVIOUS goes to the previous message in the file and
types it if undeleted.
PUSH gives you new EXEC, signalled by @. To
return to MM, type POP.
QUIT returns you to MM Top Level.
RE-MAIL is similar to FORWARD, except instead of
inserting the message after typein, the message
is sent as is with the headers modified to
indicate who did the remailing.
REPLY to write a reply to current message.
SEND transfers you to SEND mode to write
messages.
TYPE types out the current message if it is
undeleted.
UNANSWER takes a single argument, a message sequence and
then removes the answered status from all the
messages in that sequence.
UNDELETE undeletes current message.
UNFLAG removes flag from current message.
UNKEYWORDS marks the current message as not being
included in the specified keyword(s).
UNMARK marks current message as UNSEEN.
- A-5 -
COMMAND LISTS
SEND MODE COMMANDS
---- ---- --------
BCC (user name) sends copy of message to person specified,
but does not print name on message header;
"blind-carbon copy."
BLANK blanks the terminal screen.
CC (user name) adds names to list of those receiving
copies; "carbon copy."
DISPLAY (field) displays field of message. If no field is
specified, shows entire message.
EDIT to edit message with editor specified in
MM.INIT. The default is TVEDIT.
ERASE (field) erases field specified.
HELP (topic) to obtain information on topic.
INSERT (filename) inserts file as addendum to message.
LITERAL-TYPE takes a single argument, a message sequence. It
then types out the bodies of those messages,
without regard to ONLY-TYPE-HEADERS or
DONT-TYPE-HEADERS.
PUSH gives you new EXEC, signalled by @. To
return to MM, type POP.
QUIT returns you to previous command level,
either READ mode or TOP LEVEL.
REMOVE (user name) removes address from TO-LIST.
RESTORE-DRAFT takes a single argument, a filename created by
the SAVE-DRAFT command, and restores the state
of the send from that draft.
SEND sends message.
SUBJECT (phrase) changes subject field to phrase specified.
TEXT to add text to the end of existing text.
TO (user name) to add addresses to TO-LIST.
TYPE (msg seq) types out message(s) specified.
- A-6 -
APPENDIX B
MESSAGE SEQUENCES
n:m all messages between n and m, inclusive.
n,m,p,q the individual messages specified.
AFTER (date) all messages received after date specified.
ALL all messages in file regardless of status.
BEFORE (date) all messages received before date specified.
CURRENT the message currently being read or last read.
DELETED all messages that have been deleted.
FLAGGED all messages that have been flagged.
FROM (user name) all messages from person specified.
INVERSE accesses messages in inverse order.
KEYWORDS (keyword) messages marked with keyword specified.
LAST the most recent message.
NEW messages that are RECENT and UNSEEN.
ON (date) messages sent on specified date.
RECENT messages new as of current MM session.
SEEN messages which have been looked at.
SINCE (date) messages received since date specified.
SUBJECT (phrase) message containing phrase in subject.
TEXT (phrase) messages containing phrase in text.
- B-1 -
MESSAGE SEQUENCES
UNANSWERED messages not ANSWER'd or REPLY'd.
UNDELETED all messages that are not deleted.
UNFLAGGED all messages that are not flagged.
UNSEEN all messages which have not been looked at.
- B-2 -
APPENDIX C
MM.INIT DEFAULT OPTIONS
The following list is not exhaustive, but covers the most pertinent
default options.
BLANK-SCREEN-STARTUP number
If not zero, clears screen at startup and before each message is
typed when in READ mode. Applicable only to video display terminals.
CONTROL-N-ABORT number
If negative, never aborts on [CTRL]-[N].
If zero, asks for confirmation before aborting.
If positive, always aborts on [CTRL]-[N].
DEFAULT-CC-LIST user names
A list of addresses to always BCC your outgoing messages to.
EDITOR editor name
The editor you wish to use when editing text. The default is TVEDIT.
ESCAPE-AUTOMATIC-SEND number
If zero, both [ESC] and [CTRL]-[Z] return to SEND level when
inputting text.
If positive, [ESC] sends the message and [CTRL]-[Z] returns
to SEND level.
If negative, [CTRL]-[Z] sends the message and [ESC] returns to
SEND level.
HEADER-OPTIONS text line
A header line to be inserted by default in a message.
KEYWORDS keyword list
A list of keywords you wish to use for classifying messages.
PERSONAL-NAME your name
Your personal name as you wish it to appear on out-going mail.
- C-1 -
MM.INIT DEFAULT OPTIONS
REPLY-CC-OTHERS number
If zero, addresses replies to everyone in original TO: list.
If not zero, replies addressed to original sender;
everyone else receives copies.
REPLY-INITIAL-DISPLAY number
If not zero, header is displayed before inputting text of reply.
REPLY-SENDER-ONLY-DEFAULT number
If not zero, defaults to replying only to sender of original
message.
SAVED-MESSAGES-FILE filename
A file in which to save copies of your out-going messages.
