moore@UTKCS2.CS.UTK.EDU (Keith Moore) (09/03/87)
[Apologies if this isn't strictly within the scope of this group] I'm looking for a better mailer! I'm tired of using the mail programs supplied with VMS and Berkeley Unix (Ultrix 1.2). I'd like something that can keep track of large numbers of old messages, with database-like searching and query capabilities. It would also be nice if it would keep messages in order, remember which messages have been replied to, follow message chains, etc. And I'm sure a sophisticated mailer would have other useful features I haven't dreamed about. So I'm soliciting information on alternative mail management programs for both VMS and Unix systems. I'm especially interested in anything that's cheap or free, and easily available. Please respond by mailing directly to me. If someone wants the results, send me mail and I'll send a summary. Keith Moore Internet: moore@utkcs2.cs.utk.edu UT Computer Science Dept. CSnet: moore@tennessee Knoxville Tennessee BITNET: moore@utkcs1
ejc@SPAM.ISTC.SRI.COM (09/04/87)
Keith- We have been using MH and Gueuemacs as a mail handler on UNIX systems (Vaxen and Suns). The combination has most of the general features you mentioned, although I think there are still holes, especailly when dealing with large volumes of mail. Since both programs originated elsewhere, I am sure you will receive ample descriptions from others. I am interested in the results of your survey, so please send me a summary. Earl Craighill SRI International
ROODE@BIONET-20.ARPA (David Roode) (09/05/87)
I think you are refering to a mail user agent rather than a mailer. A mailer is usually the delivery agent and the interface to the transports used. I too would like to see a better mail program. However, perhaps you would find the MM program available for Unix and VMS which is derived on the version for TOPS-20 to be superior to what you are using. I suggest contacting Kashtan@IU.AI.SRI.COM for more information. -------
mkhaw@teknowledge-vaxc.ARPA (Mike Khaw) (09/05/87)
> perhaps you would find the MM program available for Unix and VMS > which is derived on the version for TOPS-20 to be superior > to what you are using. I suggest contacting Kashtan@IU.AI.SRI.COM > for more information. TOPS20 MM is a fine program in its environment. Unix MM doesn't feel like Unix: it feels like a little TOPS20 island plopped into the midst of Unix. You may consider that a plus. I don't. It uses its own format for mail files, different from what Unix mail uses, so I haven't found a way to make it read Unix mail files. (It reads incoming mail into ~/mail.txt, making alterations to suit its format in the process.) MM also seems to think that "/" is a TOPS20 switch metacharacter or some such, so it doesn't understand Unix pathnames. The built-in help uses TOPS20 terminology to the extent of referring to documentation files in TOPS20 syntax (e.g., DOC:<FOO>BAR.DOC;1). Mike Khaw -- internet: mkhaw@teknowledge-vaxc.arpa usenet: {uunet|sun|ucbvax|decwrl|uw-beaver}!mkhaw%teknowledge-vaxc.arpa USnail: Teknowledge Inc, 1850 Embarcadero Rd, POB 10119, Palo Alto, CA 94303