wohler@sapwdf.UUCP (Bill Wohler) (03/01/91)
folks,
here is the first mh faq. in order to get the ball rolling and to
mail this document at the beginning of the month, i've posted it in
an incomplete state (i've already spent quite a bit of time on it).
thus, i encourage all of you to read the entire document: the top
for info, and the answers to check that the information is correct.
if you are willing to fill in a question with no answer, send me
mail first so we can avoid a duplication of effort.
also, let me know if there are questions that you think should be
deleted, or added. i've included everything that was sent to jerry,
but i'm not entirely sure that all of them should remain. but this
is a democracy...
when the maintainer of the mailing list archive is established,
please let me know: i may need to reference them now and again.
here, forewith, is the first mh faq:
--bw
wohler@sap-ag.de
Last update: $Date: 91/03/01 13:03:30 $ $Revision: 91.3 $
This is a living list of frequently asked questions on MH. The point
of this is to circulate existing information, and avoid rehashing old
answers. Better to build on top than start again.
This article is posted monthly. If it has already expired and you're
not reading this, feel free to request copies directly from me ;-).
If someone posts a frequently-asked question, I will mail them a copy
of this posting, and point out that the answer is there. Otherwise,
if you feel that the answer should be added to the list, let me know,
for I will only add questions upon popular demand.
Your comments, additions and fixes to this list are welcome:
please send them to Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>.
Table of Contents (+ new, - deleted, ! changed)
Introductory
+1. Why should I use MH?
+2. Where can I get MH?
+3. What references exist for MH?
+4. How should I report bugs?
+5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
+6. What kind of application are build upon mh ?
Building MH
+7. How do I build MH?
+8. What options should I use?
Using MH
+9. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
+10. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
+11. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
+12. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
Viewing this article
If you are using GNU Emacs, type "M-2 C-x $" to get an overview of
just the questions. Use "C-x $" to display the text again ("M-0 C-l
C-x $" ensures that the current cursor location remains on the
screen).
To skip to a particular question numbered XX, in emacs type "M-C-s
^.XX", (or C-r to search backwards), followed by ESC to end the
search. Or, use "/^.XX" with other pagers.
To skip to new or changed questions, use "M-C-s ^[^ ]" in emacs and
"^[^ ]" in other pagers.
. Questions and Answers
. Introductory
+1. Why should I use MH?
The MH Message Handling System is a set of electronic mail programs
in the public domain. If your computer runs UNIX, it can probably
run MH.
The big difference between MH and most other "mail user agents" is
that you can use MH from a UNIX shell prompt. In MH, each command
is a separate program, and the shell is used as an interpreter. So,
all the power of UNIX shells (pipes, redirection, history, aliases,
and so on) works with MH--you don't have to learn a new interface.
Other mail agents have their own command interpreter for their
individual mail commands (although the mush mail agent simulates a
UNIX shell).
Because MH commands aren't part of a monolithic mail system, you can
use them at any time; you don't have to start or quit the mail
agent. Because you use them from a shell prompt, you can use all
the power of the shell.
If your shell has time-saving aliases or functions (and most do),
you'll be able to use them with MH, of course. And because MH isn't
a monolithic mail agent, you can use MH commands in UNIX shell
scripts, or call them from programs in high-level languages like C.
Unlike most mail agents, MH keeps each message in a separate file.
The filename is the message number. To rearrange the messages, MH
just changes the filenames. MH can use standard UNIX filesystem
operations such as removing, copying and linking on it messages.
The message files are grouped into one or more folders, which are
actually UNIX directories.
MH is free, powerful, flexible--and the basics are easy to learn.
[Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>]
+2. Where can I get MH?
The current version of MH is 6.7.1.
Via anonymous ftp:
ics.uci.edu [128.195.1.1] pub/mh/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.5 M (compress)
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar 4.0 M (tar)
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar.C 2.3 M (compact)
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.6 M (compress)
[is this complete and accurate? can someone send me a long listing
of the directories above? does anyone else provide mh? if so,
please send me a directory listing of the relevant mh files, the
hostname, address, and directory containing those files.]
Via anonymous uucp:
[i'd like to put something here. anyone?]
Via U.S. mail:
Send a check drawn on U.S. funds made out to the "Regents of the
University of California" to:
Computing Support Group
Attn: MH distribution
Department of Information and Computer Science
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92717
714-856-7554
This covers the cost of a 6250 BPI 9-track magtape, handling, and
shipping. In addition, you'll get a laser-printed hard-copy of the
entire MH documentation set. Be sure to include your USPS address
with your check. It's also a good idea (though not mandatory) to
send a computer mail message to "Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu" when you send
your check via USPS to ensure minimal turn-around time.
Sadly, if you just want the hard-copies of the documentation, you
still have to pay the $75.00. The tar image has the documentation
source (the manual is in roff format, but the rest are in TeX
format). Postscript formatted versions of the TeX papers are
available, as are crude tty-conversions of those papers.
[how to get just xmh?]
+3. What references exist for MH?
MH & xmh. Jerry Peek.
ISBN 0-937175-63-3. $27.95. 550 pages.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
90 Sherman Street, Cambridge, MA 02140; 617-354-5800
Book Orders:
632 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472
800-DEV-NUTS (that's 800-338-6887) FAX 707-829-0104
Usenet: comp.mail.mh
Mailing list: mh-users@isi.edu
Please use mh-users-request to request an addition or deletion.
[how are comp.mail.mh and mh-users gatewayed?]
[where are the archives?]
+4. How should I report bugs?
Mail them to bug-mh@isi.edu and be sure to include the output of the
-help option as well as what hardware and operating system you are
using.
+5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
[anyone?]
+6. What kind of applications are built upon mh?
[comments?]
. Building MH
+7. How do I build MH?
[this will basically be a reference to the READ-ME file in the
distribution. however, perhaps we should include tricks on how to
compile MH on different machines that is not discussed in the
installation instructions. comments?]
+8. What options should I use?
[if you think this is a good question/idea, please send me *your*
options and be sure to tell me which machines and os's they are
running on.]
. Using MH
+9. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
In the distribution, this information is provided in the mhook man
page. Wasn't this obvious?
One can actually specify slocal or .maildelivery with IBM's AIX man.
Here is brief example of a .maildelivery file that stores messages
to mh-users in a folder and the system mailbox, stores babble in a
folder but not the system mailbox, and puts the rest in the system
mailbox.
to mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
cc mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
to babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
cc babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
default - > ? /usr/spool/mail/wohler
Your .forward file may look like (quotes necessary):
"| /usr/local/lib/mh/slocal"
[Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>]
+10. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
[anyone?]
+11. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
Add these two lines to your MH profile file:
Alternate-Mailboxes: user@host1, user@host2, ...
repl: -nocc me
To get one copy, you can either:
- Take out the "-nocc me"... then you'll get exactly one copy of
your replies (assuming all your addresses are listed in
Alternate-Mailboxes), or
- Add an "Fcc: foldername" to the headers of messages you send.
That will drop a copy of the message in the folder "foldername".
You can do this for *all* MH messages you send (not just with
repl) by putting an "Fcc:" entry in your personal copy of the
files "components", "replcomps", and "forwcomps" in your MH
directory. (If you make a "distcomps" file, it needs
"Resent-Fcc:".) For more info, see the man pages comp(1),
repl(1), forw(1), dist(1) and mh-mail(5). [Jerry Peek
<jerry@ora.com>]
The Alternate-Mailboxes also tells scan which messages are really
from you so that it can place the recipient in the scan line instead
of the sender.
+12. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
The news readers are better interfaces for reading news. However,
you can save articles in the news readers for later perusal with MH.
First, create a symbolic link from your mail directory (ie. usenet) to
your news directory (ie. "ln -s ~/News ~/Mail/usenet"). You can then
treat your news directory as a mail folder. Thus, to select a news
group, use "folder +usenet/comp/mail/mh".
To set the default save location correctly in rn, use:
rn -M -/
or in your nn presentation sequence:
news.announce. +$F/$N
comp.mail.mh +
.
.
[Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>]
Glossary
[any good acronyms we can put here?]
Acknowledgements
I'd like to thank the following people for providing ideas on the
layout of this article:
Joe Wells <jbw@bigbird.bu.edu> Richard M. Stallman <rms@prep.ai.mit.edu>
David Elliott <dce@smsc.sony.com> Tom Christiansen <tchrist@convex.com>
Eugene N. Miya <eugene@nas.nasa.gov>
All of us are also grateful to the following individuals that have
provided answers. The actual list is undoubtedly larger.
Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>
No Warranty: Because this article is provided free of charge as a
service to comp.mail.mh readers, we provide absolutely no warranty, to
the extent permitted by applicable state law. This article is
provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Should the
information prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary
servicing, repair or correction.wohler@sapwdf.UUCP (Bill Wohler) (04/03/91)
folks,
sorry this is a couple of days late, but (rubbing it in) i just had
to take advantage of those european four-day-easter weekends at an
ultimate frisbee tourament in geneva.
for newcomers, this is the second edition of this document and so
there are still holes. if you can fill them, feel free to do so!
--bw
wohler@sap-ag.de
*****
Last update: $Date: 91/04/03 12:39:48 $ $Revision: 91.4 $
This is a living list of frequently asked questions on MH. The point
of this is to circulate existing information, and avoid rehashing old
answers. Better to build on top than start again.
This article is posted monthly. If it has already expired and you're
not reading this, feel free to request copies directly from me ;-).
If someone posts a frequently-asked question, I will mail them a copy
of this posting, and point out that the answer is there. Otherwise,
if you feel that the answer should be added to the list, let me know,
for I will only add questions upon popular demand.
Your comments, additions and fixes to this list are welcome: please
send them to Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>. Answers should be tested
by first creating a .mh_profile file with a Path entry pointing to a
temporary directory. This directory and .mh_profile should then be
filled with the minimum necessary to get the feature to work.
Table of Contents (+ new, - deleted, ! changed)
Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
!2. Where can I get MH?
!3. What references exist for MH?
4. How should I report bugs?
5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
!6. What kind of application are built upon mh?
Building MH
7. How do I build MH?
!8. What options should I use?
+9. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
Using MH
10. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
!11. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
12. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
13. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
+14. How can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a UNIX mailbox format file?
Viewing this article
If you are using GNU Emacs, type "M-2 C-x $" to get an overview of
just the questions. Use "C-x $" to display the text again ("M-0 C-l
C-x $" ensures that the current cursor location remains on the
screen).
To skip to a particular question numbered XX, in emacs type "M-C-s
^.XX\.", (or C-r to search backwards), followed by ESC to end the
search. Or, use "/^.XX\." with other pagers.
To skip to new or changed questions, use "M-C-s ^[^ ]" in emacs and
"^[^ ]" in other pagers.
. Questions and Answers
. Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
The MH Message Handling System is a set of electronic mail programs
in the public domain. If your computer runs UNIX, it can probably
run MH.
The big difference between MH and most other "mail user agents" is
that you can use MH from a UNIX shell prompt. In MH, each command
is a separate program, and the shell is used as an interpreter. So,
all the power of UNIX shells (pipes, redirection, history, aliases,
and so on) works with MH--you don't have to learn a new interface.
Other mail agents have their own command interpreter for their
individual mail commands (although the mush mail agent simulates a
UNIX shell).
Because MH commands aren't part of a monolithic mail system, you can
use them at any time; you don't have to start or quit the mail
agent. Because you use them from a shell prompt, you can use all
the power of the shell.
If your shell has time-saving aliases or functions (and most do),
you'll be able to use them with MH, of course. And because MH isn't
a monolithic mail agent, you can use MH commands in UNIX shell
scripts, or call them from programs in high-level languages like C.
Unlike most mail agents, MH keeps each message in a separate file.
The filename is the message number. To rearrange the messages, MH
just changes the filenames. MH can use standard UNIX filesystem
operations such as removing, copying and linking on it messages.
The message files are grouped into one or more folders, which are
actually UNIX directories.
MH is free, powerful, flexible--and the basics are easy to learn.
[Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>]
!2. Where can I get MH?
The current version of MH is 6.7.1.
Via anonymous ftp:
ics.uci.edu [128.195.1.1] pub/mh/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.6 M
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.6 M
Via anonymous uucp:
[i'd like to put something here. anyone?]
Via U.S. mail:
Send a check for $75.00 drawn on U.S. funds made out to the "Regents of
the University of California" to:
Computing Support Group
Attn: MH distribution
Department of Information and Computer Science
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92717
714-856-7554
This covers the cost of a 6250 BPI 9-track magtape, handling, and
shipping. In addition, you'll get a laser-printed hard-copy of the
entire MH documentation set. Be sure to include your USPS address
with your check. It's also a good idea (though not mandatory) to
send a computer mail message to "Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu" when you send
your check via USPS to ensure minimal turn-around time.
Sadly, if you just want the hard-copies of the documentation, you
still have to pay the $75.00. The tar image has the documentation
source (the manual is in roff format, but the rest are in TeX
format). Postscript formatted versions of the TeX papers are
available, as are crude tty-conversions of those papers.
Other MH software:
[which hosts is xmh available on? can someone (john?) offer
vmail, etc. via anonymous ftp? please contact james berkins.]
[xmh hostname [ip] file size M]
[vmail hostname [ip] file size M]
[vmail Mail requests to James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com>]
[vmailtool hostname [ip] file size M]
[vmailtool Mail requests to James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com>]
!3. What references exist for MH?
Book:
MH & xmh. Jerry Peek.
ISBN 0-937175-63-3. $27.95. 550 pages.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
90 Sherman Street, Cambridge, MA 02140; 617-354-5800
Book Orders:
632 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472
800-DEV-NUTS (that's 800-338-6887) FAX 707-829-0104
Usenet:
comp.mail.mh
Mailing list:
mh-users@isi.edu
Please use mh-users-request to request an addition or deletion.
mh-users archives:
Anonymous ftp: ics.uci.edu[128.195.1.1]:pub/mh/mh-users/*.
The files are in packf(1) format, compressed with compress(1). To
get them, use anonymous ftp and set "binary" transfer mode. Even
though I stripped out "Received" lines and etc., some files are
pretty big:
mh-users.86.Z 8.5M
mh-users.87.Z 55.4M
mh-users.88.Z 182.8M
mh-users.89.Z 89.1M
mh-users.90.Z 402.4M
There are directions in the README file. Basically, you can use
"inc -file" to get the messages into a folder, then use "scan",
"pick", "show", and so on (or your favorite commands in xmh, mh-e,
etc.). Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>
[how are comp.mail.mh and mh-users gatewayed?]
4. How should I report bugs?
Mail them to bug-mh@isi.edu and be sure to include the output of the
-help option as well as what hardware and operating system you are
using.
5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
[anyone?]
!6. What kind of applications are built upon mh?
These programs provide a simple means of browsing through an index
of messages and quickly using the features of mh without typing
verbose commands at a shell prompt.
vmh
Vmh is designed for people using the bulletin-board features of MH,
where mail is stored in packed (single-file) folders. As a result,
use of this program cannot be mixed with the use of normal MH
commands. Vmh is a part of the official MH distribution.
xmh
Xmh is a X11 mouse-based MH browsing tool. It is very powerful and
feature-filled and thus comes with a moderate learning curve. Its
dependence on the X11 environment makes it very reconfigurable, but
only by people well-versed in X applications programming. Its
message reply built-in-editor interface is not always popular among
those used to having MH bring up the editor of their choice.
vmail
Vmail is a curses-based, vi-like message browser which calls on MH
programs to manipulate mail. It can be used on almost any terminal.
It organizes mail folders into index pages, from which a message can
be selected to be shown, replied-to, forwarded, refiled, deleted,
and so on. The vi-like interface and command keystrokes are
comfortable to less-experienced UNIX users, and it is a small,
compact program, unlike the mh-e emacs package.
This version of vmail has been bugfixed and enhanced from the
original vmail published on the net in 1987 by J. Zobel.
vmailtool
If you have a Sun workstation, vmailtool may be for you. It is a
button gadget panel for the above-mentioned vmail program. It
brings vmail into the windows era where people no longer need to
memorize specific command keystrokes. It also provides a mail icon
with the flag that pops up when new mail arrives. Again, this is a
compact, simple tool, unlike the powerful xmh program. Still, it's
a welcome alternative for many people who are running SunView or
OpenWindows. [James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com>]
. Building MH
7. How do I build MH?
[this will basically be a reference to the READ-ME file in the
distribution. however, perhaps we should include tricks on how to
compile MH on different machines that is not discussed in the
installation instructions. comments?]
!8. What options should I use?
BERK: Do NOT include the BERK option! BERK breaks the mh-format
functions that take apart address lines, for example mbox, from, and
friendly. This would really put a crimp on my replcomps file.
LOCKF: if you have NFS, you need to lock your mailbox with lockf()
so the look will be honored by all machines on the local network.
If you have the lockf() system call, include LOCKF.
ATZ: makes your timezones print like "EST" instead of "-0500". Much
prettier.
[Stephen Gildea <gildea@expo.lcs.mit.edu>]
+9. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
[could someone elaborate on the simple solution? thanks.]
. Using MH
10. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
In the distribution, this information is provided in the mhook man
page. Wasn't this obvious?
One can actually specify slocal or .maildelivery with IBM's AIX man.
Here is brief example of a .maildelivery file that stores messages
to mh-users in a folder and the system mailbox, stores babble in a
folder but not the system mailbox, and puts the rest in the system
mailbox.
to mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
cc mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
to babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
cc babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
default - > ? /usr/spool/mail/wohler
Your .forward file may look like (quotes necessary):
"| /usr/local/lib/mh/slocal"
[Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>]
!11. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
When making a reply, specify a filter file on the command line:
repl -filter repl.format
This filter file must be in your MH mail directory (usually "Mail",
in your home directory). Here are a couple of example repl.format
files:
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
message-id:nocomponent,formatfield=\
"In message %{text}you write:"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
or
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
date:component="Your message dated",formatfield=\
"%<(nodate{text})%{text}%|%(pretty{text})%>"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
Setting overflowoffset to 0 keeps MH from doing anything to
extra-long lines in the headers. In the body, however, this
behavior is overridden so that long lines are automatically broken
and a ">" is inserted before every line. You could put almost
whatever you want between those quotes, although the "standard" ">"
makes it easier to read notes that have been included several times.
The examples differ with the descriptive text that is inserted
before the included body.
It is suggested not to use the "prompter" editor in this case.
[Alan Thew <qq11@liv.ac.uk>] [Mike Schwager <schwager@cs.uiuc.edu>]
12. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
Add these two lines to your MH profile file:
Alternate-Mailboxes: user@host1, user@host2, ...
repl: -nocc me
To get one copy, you can either:
- Take out the "-nocc me"... then you'll get exactly one copy of
your replies (assuming all your addresses are listed in
Alternate-Mailboxes), or
- Add an "Fcc: foldername" to the headers of messages you send.
That will drop a copy of the message in the folder "foldername".
You can do this for *all* MH messages you send (not just with
repl) by putting an "Fcc:" entry in your personal copy of the
files "components", "replcomps", and "forwcomps" in your MH
directory. (If you make a "distcomps" file, it needs
"Resent-Fcc:".) For more info, see the man pages comp(1),
repl(1), forw(1), dist(1) and mh-mail(5). [Jerry Peek
<jerry@ora.com>]
The Alternate-Mailboxes also tells scan which messages are really
from you so that it can place the recipient in the scan line instead
of the sender.
13. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
The news readers are better interfaces for reading news. However,
you can save articles in the news readers for later perusal with MH.
First, create a symbolic link from your mail directory (ie. usenet) to
your news directory (ie. "ln -s ~/News ~/Mail/usenet"). You can then
treat your news directory as a mail folder. Thus, to select a news
group, use "folder +usenet/comp/mail/mh".
To set the default save location correctly in rn, use:
rn -M -/
or in your nn presentation sequence:
news.announce. +$F/$N
comp.mail.mh +
.
.
[Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>]
+14. How can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a UNIX mailbox format file?
[could someone send me that wonderful awk "From " reconstruction script?]
. Glossary
[any good acronyms we can put here?]
. Acknowledgements
I'd like to thank the following people for providing ideas on the
layout of this article:
Joe Wells <jbw@bigbird.bu.edu> Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.ai.mit.edu>
David Elliott <dce@smsc.sony.com> Tom Christiansen <tchrist@convex.com>
Eugene N. Miya <eugene@nas.nasa.gov>
We are also grateful to the following individuals that have provided
answers. The actual list is undoubtedly larger.
Stephen Gildea <gildea@expo.lcs.mit.edu> Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>
James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com> Alan Thew <qq11@liv.ac.uk>
Mike Schwager <schwager@cs.uiuc.edu>
No Warranty: Because this article is provided free of charge as a
service to comp.mail.mh readers, we provide absolutely no warranty, to
the extent permitted by applicable state law. This article is
provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Should the
information prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary
servicing, repair or correction.wohler@sapwdf.UUCP (Bill Wohler) (05/03/91)
Last update: $Date: 91/05/03 11:45:31 $ $Revision: 91.5 $
This is a living list of frequently asked questions on MH. The point
of this is to circulate existing information, and avoid rehashing old
answers. Better to build on top than start again.
This article is posted monthly. If it has already expired and you're
not reading this, feel free to request copies directly from me ;-).
When someone posts a frequently-asked question, I will mail them a
copy of this posting, and point out that the answer is there to ensure
that everybody gets their question answered, and to reduce redundant
answers.
Your comments, additions and fixes to this list are welcome: please
send them to Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>. Answers should be tested
by first creating a .mh_profile file with a path entry pointing to a
temporary directory. This directory and .mh_profile should then be
filled with the minimum necessary to get the feature to work. When I
have time, I try to be a fairly picky editor, so complete, accurate
and grammatically correct answers are appreciated.
Table of Contents (+ new, - deleted, ! changed)
Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
!2. Where can I get MH?
!3. What references exist for MH?
!4. How should I report bugs?
5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
!6. What kind of applications are built upon MH?
Building MH
7. How do I build MH?
!8. What options should I use?
!9. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
Using MH
10. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
!11. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
12. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
13. How would one go about reading usenet with MH?
14. Can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a unix mailbox format file?
Xmh
+15. How can I get it to use Emacs as the editor?
Viewing This Article
If you are using GNU Emacs, type "M-2 C-X $" to get an overview of
just the questions. Use "C-X $" to display the text again ("M-0 C-l
C-x $" ensures that the current cursor location remains on the
screen).
To skip to a particular question numbered xx, in Emacs type "M-C-s
^.xx\.", (or C-r to search backwards), followed by ESC to end the
search. Or, use "/^.xx\." with other pagers.
To skip to new or changed questions, use "M-C-s ^[!+]" in Emacs and
"^[!+]" in other pagers.
Contributer's E-Mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this article.
. Questions and Answers
. Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
The MH message handling system is a set of electronic mail programs
in the public domain. If your computer runs UNIX, it can probably
run MH.
The big difference between MH and most other "mail user agents" is
that you can use MH from a UNIX shell prompt. In MH, each command
is a separate program, and the shell is used as an interpreter. So,
all the power of UNIX shells (pipes, redirection, history, aliases,
and so on) works with MH--you don't have to learn a new interface.
other mail agents have their own command interpreter for their
individual mail commands (although the mush mail agent simulates a
UNIX shell).
Because MH commands aren't part of a monolithic mail system, you can
use them at any time; you don't have to start or quit the mail
agent. Because you use them from a shell prompt, you can use all
the power of the shell.
If your shell has time-saving aliases or functions (and most do),
you'll be able to use them with MH, of course. And because MH isn't
a monolithic mail agent, you can use MH commands in UNIX shell
scripts, or call them from programs in high-level languages like C.
Unlike most mail agents, MH keeps each message in a separate file.
the filename is the message number. To rearrange the messages, MH
just changes the filenames. MH can use standard UNIX filesystem
operations such as removing, copying and linking on it messages.
The message files are grouped into one or more folders, which are
actually UNIX directories.
MH is free, powerful, flexible--and the basics are easy to learn.
--Jerry Peek
!2. Where can I get MH?
The current version of MH is 6.7.1.
via anonymous ftp:
ics.uci.edu [128.195.1.1] pub/mh/mh-6.7.tar.z 1.6 m
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar.z 1.6 m
via anonymous uucp:
[i'd like to put something here. anyone?]
via U.S. mail:
Send a check for $75.00 drawn on U.S. funds made out to the "Regents of
the University of California" to:
Computing Support Group
ATTN: MH Distribution
Department of Information and Computer Science
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92717
714-856-7554
This covers the cost of a 6250 bpi 9-track magtape, handling, and
shipping. In addition, you'll get a laser-printed hard-copy of the
entire MH documentation set. Be sure to include your USPS address
with your check. It's also a good idea (though not mandatory) to
send a computer mail message to "Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu" when you send
your check via usps to ensure minimal turn-around time.
Sadly, if you just want the hard-copies of the documentation, you
still have to pay the $75.00. The tar image has the documentation
source (the manual is in roff format, but the rest are in tex
format). Postscript formatted versions of the TeX papers are
available, as are crude tty-conversions of those papers.
other MH software:
[which hosts is xmh available on? can someone (john?) offer the
improved vmail, etc. via anonymous ftp? please contact james
perkins.]
xmh:
hostname [ip] file size m]
mh-e:
primost.cs.wisc.edu:pub/mh-e.el.z
vmail (original version):
uunet.uu.net [192.48.96.2]
comp.sources.unix/volume12/vmail/part0x.z (x= 1,2,3)
vmail (enhanced):
mail requests to James Perkins.
vmailtool:
mail requests to James Perkins.
!3. What references exist for MH?
Book:
MH & xmh. Jerry Peek.
ISBN 0-937175-63-3. $27.95. 550 pages.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
90 Sherman Street, Cambridge, MA 02140; 617-354-5800
Book Orders:
632 Petaluma Ave, Sebastopol, CA 95472
800-DEV-NUTS (that's 800-338-6887) Fax 707-829-0104
To get a list of foreign distributors, send a note to nuts@ora.com.
Usenet:
comp.mail.mh (gatewayed to MH-users)
Mailing list:
MH-users@ics.uci.edu (gatewayed to comp.mail.mh)
Please use mh-users-request to request an addition or deletion.
MH-users archives:
ics.uci.edu[128.195.1.1]:pub/mh/mh-users/*.
The files are in packf(1) format, compressed with compress(1). To
get them, use anonymous ftp and set "binary" transfer mode. Even
though I stripped out "Received" lines and etc., some files are
pretty big:
mh-users.86.z 8.5m
mh-users.87.z 55.4m
mh-users.88.z 182.8m
mh-users.89.z 89.1m
mh-users.90.z 402.4m
There are directions in the README file. Basically, you can use
"inc -file" to get the messages into a folder, then use "scan",
"pick", "show", and so on (or your favorite commands in xmh, mh-e,
etc.). --Jerry Peek
!4. How should I report bugs?
Mail them to Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu and be sure to include the output of the
-help option as well as what hardware and operating system you are
using.
5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
[anyone?]
!6. What kind of applications are built upon MH?
These programs provide a simple means of browsing through an index
of messages and quickly using the features of MH without typing
verbose commands at a shell prompt.
vmh
Vmh is designed for people using the bulletin-board features of MH,
where mail is stored in packed (single-file) folders. As a result,
use of this program cannot be mixed with the use of normal MH
commands. Vmh is a part of the official MH distribution.
--James Perkins
xmh
Xmh is a X11 mouse-based MH browsing tool. It is very powerful and
feature-filled and thus comes with a moderate learning curve. Its
dependence on the X11 environment makes it very reconfigurable, but
only by people well-versed in X applications programming. Its
message reply built-in-editor interface is not always popular among
those used to having MH bring up the editor of their choice.
--James Perkins
mh-e
Mh-e is the GNU Emacs front end for MH. It offers all the
functionality of MH, the visual orientation and simplicity of use
of xmh, and full integration with Emacs, including thorough
configurability. The command set is similar to that of rmail (the
Emacs front end for BSD mail) and BSD mail itself. On-line help
is available.
Mh-e allows one to read and process mail very quickly: commands
are single characters and completion and defaults are available
for file and folder names. During a reply, the original message
is displayed simultaneously in another window for easy reference
where a mh-e command can quickly incorporate and format this text
into your reply.
With mh-e you compose outgoing messages in Emacs. This is a big
plus for Emacs users, but it has been known for non-Emacs users to
be able use mh-e after only learning the most basic cursor motion
commands. Mh-e is easily configured via the Emacs edit-options
menu, and people familiar with Emacs Lisp will be able to further
reconfigure mh-e beyond recognition. --Stephen Gildea
vmail
Vmail is a curses-based, vi-like message browser which calls on MH
programs to manipulate mail. It can be used on almost any terminal.
It organizes mail folders into index pages, from which a message can
be selected to be shown, replied-to, forwarded, refiled, deleted,
and so on. The vi-like interface and command keystrokes are
comfortable to less-experienced UNIX users, and it is a small,
compact program, unlike the mh-e Emacs package.
This version of vmail has been bugfixed and enhanced from the
original vmail published on the net in 1987 by J. Zobel. --James
Perkins
vmailtool
If you have a Sun workstation, vmailtool may be for you. It is a
button gadget panel for the above-mentioned vmail program. It
brings vmail into the windows era where people no longer need to
memorize specific command keystrokes. It also provides a mail icon
with the flag that pops up when new mail arrives. Again, this is a
compact, simple tool, unlike the powerful xmh program. Still, it's
a welcome alternative for many people who are running SunView or
OpenWindows. --James Perkins
. Building MH
7. How do I build MH?
[this will basically be a reference to the READ-ME file in the
distribution. however, perhaps we should include tricks on how to
compile MH on different machines that is not discussed in the
installation instructions. comments?]
!8. What options should I use?
BERK: Do NOT include the BERK option (in versions 6.7 or later)!
BERK breaks the mh-format functions that take apart address lines,
for example mbox, from, and friendly. This would really put a crimp
on my replcomps file.
LOCKF: if you have NFS, you need to lock your mailbox with lockf()
so the lock will be honored by all machines on the local network.
If you have the lockf() system call, include LOCKF.
JQ Johnson makes the point that one should use this option carefully
since it requires a roboust lockf() call. For example, this option
caused serious problems on his SunOS 4.1.1. He suggested using
LOK_BELL instead, and adding "lockstyle: 1" to mtstailor instead.
ATZ: makes your timezones print like "EST" instead of "-0500". Much
prettier.
However, Tony Landells replies: "Yes; very pretty. How unfortunate
that timezone names are so ambiguous, so that EST can be
interpreted, at a minimum, as (American) Eastern Standard Time,
(Australian) Eastern Standard Time, or (Australian) Eastern Summer
Time (and yes, I think it's dumb having the same acronym for both
normal and Summer time, but that's a different problem). While the
numeric timezones may not look as nice, they are, at least,
reasonably unambiguous. I would urge anyone who ever
intends/hopes/expects to use e-mail outside the U.S. to NOT use ATZ
(sorry Stephen)."
--Stephen Gildea
!9. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
The error message itself is essentially correct. However, what this
really means is: MH's post cannot connect to a running sendmail over
an SMTP port (MH configured with SMTP and SENDMTS).
The potential problems:
1) Your mtstailor file has its "servers:" pointing to a non-existant
machine or a machine which is a) not reachable or b) not running the
sendmail daemon.
2) You use BIND and your local nameserver is not responding.
--anonymous
. Using MH
10. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
In the distribution, this information is provided in the mhook man
page. Wasn't this obvious?
One can actually specify slocal or .maildelivery with IBM's AIX man.
Here is brief example of a .maildelivery file that stores messages
to mh-users in a folder and the system mailbox, stores babble in a
folder but not the system mailbox, and puts the rest in the system
mailbox.
to mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
cc mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
to babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
cc babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
default - > ? /usr/spool/mail/wohler
Your .forward file may look like (quotes necessary):
"| /usr/local/lib/mh/slocal -user your_login"
In some implentations, the "-user your_login" is not needed. If
not, manually running slocal with the flag will produce an error.
--Bill Wohler
!11. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
When making a reply, specify a filter file on the command line:
repl -filter repl.format
This filter file must be in your MH mail directory (usually "Mail",
in your home directory). Here are a couple of example repl.format
files:
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
message-id:nocomponent,formatfield=\
"In message %{text}you write:"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
or
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
date:component="Your message dated",formatfield=\
"%<(nodate{text})%{text}%|%(pretty{text})%>"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
Setting overflowoffset to 0 keeps MH from doing anything to
extra-long lines in the headers. In the body, however, this
behavior is overridden so that long lines are automatically broken
and a ">" is inserted before every line. You could put almost
whatever you want between those quotes, although the "standard" ">"
makes it easier to read notes that have been included several times.
The examples differ with the descriptive text that is inserted
before the included body.
It is suggested not to use the "prompter" editor in this case, since
it is likely that you'll not want to use all of the included
message. Indeed, it is proper etiquette to edit out all unnecessary
Also note that this might not work in versions prior to 6.7.
--Alan Thew, Mike Schwager, James T Perkins
12. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
Add these two lines to your MH profile file:
Alternate-Mailboxes: user@host1, user@host2, ...
repl: -nocc me
To get one copy, you can either:
- Take out the "-nocc me"... then you'll get exactly one copy of
your replies (assuming all your addresses are listed in
Alternate-Mailboxes), or
- Add an "Fcc: foldername" to the headers of messages you send.
That will drop a copy of the message in the folder "foldername".
You can do this for *all* MH messages you send (not just with
repl) by putting an "Fcc:" entry in your personal copy of the
files "components", "replcomps", and "forwcomps" in your MH
directory. (If you make a "distcomps" file, it needs
"Resent-Fcc:".) For more info, see the man pages comp(1),
repl(1), forw(1), dist(1) and mh-mail(5). --Jerry Peek
The Alternate-Mailboxes also tells scan which messages are really
from you so that it can place the recipient in the scan line instead
of the sender. --Bill Wohler
13. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
The news readers are better interfaces for reading news. However,
you can save articles in the news readers for later perusal with MH.
First, create a symbolic link from your mail directory (ie. usenet) to
your news directory (ie. "ln -s ~/News ~/Mail/usenet"). You can then
treat your news directory as a mail folder. Thus, to select a news
group, use "folder +usenet/comp/mail/mh".
To set the default save location correctly in rn, use:
rn -M -/
or in your nn presentation sequence:
news.announce. +$F/$N
comp.mail.mh +
.
.
--Bill Wohler
14. Can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a UNIX mailbox format file?
[could someone send me that wonderful awk "From " reconstruction script?]
. Xmh
+15. How can I get it to use Emacs as the editor?
The short answer is that, unfortunately, you can't do it. The code
simply doesn't support it.
An adventurous hacker would probably not find it too difficult,
however. --Win Treese
. Glossary
[any good acronyms we can put here?]
. Acknowledgements
I'd like to thank the following people for providing ideas on the
layout of this article:
Joe Wells <jbw@bigbird.bu.edu> Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.ai.mit.edu>
David Elliott <dce@smsc.sony.com> Tom Christiansen <tchrist@convex.com>
Eugene N. Miya <eugene@nas.nasa.gov>
We are also grateful to the following individuals that have provided
answers. The actual list is undoubtedly larger.
Stephen Gildea <gildea@expo.lcs.mit.edu> Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>
James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com> Alan Thew <qq11@liv.ac.uk>
Mike Schwager <schwager@cs.uiuc.edu> Vick Khera <khera@cs.duke.edu>
Andy Y.A. Kuo <kuo@spot.colorado.edu> John Romine <jromine@ics.uci.edu>
Tony Landells <ahl@technix.oz.au> Win Treese <treese@crl.dec.com>
JQ Johnson <jqj@duff.uoregon.edu>
No Warranty: Because this article is provided free of charge as a
service to comp.mail.mh readers, we provide absolutely no warranty, to
the extent permitted by applicable state law. This article is
provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Should the
information prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary
servicing, repair or correction.
--
--bw
-----
Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de> <sapwdf!wohler>
Heidelberg Red Barons Ultimate Frisbee Teamwohler@sapwdf.UUCP (Bill Wohler) (06/03/91)
folks,
i would like to thank the bunches of you that contributed to the FAQ
this month. a lot of empty spaces got filled.
some of you pointed out that some .z's and the beginning of sentences
needed to be capitalized. this is because last month i did a
*massive* downcase-region by accident and undo wouldn't recover.
what do you expect from a guy who still uses mh 6.5? ;-) if you
find any more, *be* picky and let me know. heck, if the english
makes you nauseous, also let me know--i'm forgetting english as
fast as i'm learning german. thanks!
still looking for answers to 24.
[cool signature at bottom.]
----- FAQ follows -----
Last update: $Date: 91/06/02 21:09:42 $ $Revision: 91.6 $
This is a living list of frequently asked questions on MH. The point
of this is to circulate existing information, and avoid rehashing old
answers. Better to build on top than start again.
This article is posted monthly. If it has already expired and you're
not reading this, feel free to request copies directly from me ;-).
When someone posts a frequently-asked question, I will mail them a
copy of this posting, and point out that the answer is there to ensure
that everybody gets their question answered, and to reduce redundant
answers.
Your comments, additions and fixes to this list are welcome: please
send them to Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de>. Answers should be tested
by first creating a .mh_profile file with a path entry pointing to a
temporary directory. This directory and .mh_profile should then be
filled with the minimum necessary to get the feature to work. When I
have time, I try to be a fairly picky editor, so complete, accurate
and grammatically correct answers are appreciated to reduce the time I
have to take to test or edit your answers.
Table of Contents (+ new, - deleted, ! changed)
Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
!2. Where can I get MH?
!3. What references exist for MH?
4. How should I report bugs?
!5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
6. What kind of applications are built upon MH?
Building MH
10. How do I build MH?
11. What options should I use?
12. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
+13. Where can I get POP3?
Using MH
20. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
21. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
!22. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
23. How would one go about reading usenet with MH?
24. Can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a unix mailbox format file?
Xmh
30. How can I get it to use Emacs as the editor?
Viewing This Article
To skip to a particular question numbered xx, use "/^.xx\." with most
pagers. In Emacs type "M-C-s ^.xx\.", (or C-r to search backwards),
followed by ESC to end the search.
To skip to new or changed questions, use "/^[!+]" with most pagers and
"M-C-s ^[!+]" in Emacs.
To get an overview of just the questions in GNU Emacs, type "M-2 C-x $".
Use "C-x $" to display the text again ("M-0 C-l C-x $" ensures that
the current cursor location remains on the screen).
Contributer's E-Mail addresses can be found at the bottom of this article.
. Questions and Answers
. Introductory
1. Why should I use MH?
The MH message handling system is a set of electronic mail programs
in the public domain. If your computer runs UNIX, it can probably
run MH.
The big difference between MH and most other "mail user agents" is
that you can use MH from a UNIX shell prompt. In MH, each command
is a separate program, and the shell is used as an interpreter. So,
all the power of UNIX shells (pipes, redirection, history, aliases,
and so on) works with MH--you don't have to learn a new interface.
other mail agents have their own command interpreter for their
individual mail commands (although the mush mail agent simulates a
UNIX shell).
Because MH commands aren't part of a monolithic mail system, you can
use them at any time; you don't have to start or quit the mail
agent. Because you use them from a shell prompt, you can use all
the power of the shell.
If your shell has time-saving aliases or functions (and most do),
you'll be able to use them with MH, of course. And because MH isn't
a monolithic mail agent, you can use MH commands in UNIX shell
scripts, or call them from programs in high-level languages like C.
Unlike most mail agents, MH keeps each message in a separate file.
The filename is the message number. To rearrange the messages, MH
just changes the filenames. MH can use standard UNIX filesystem
operations such as removing, copying and linking on it messages.
The message files are grouped into one or more folders, which are
actually UNIX directories.
MH is free, powerful, flexible--and the basics are easy to learn.
--Jerry Peek
!2. Where can I get MH?
The current version of MH is 6.7.1. MH comes standard with Ultrix
4.0 and later, and AIX 3.1 and later.
via anonymous ftp:
ics.uci.edu [128.195.1.1] pub/mh/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.6 m
louie.udel.edu [128.175.1.3] portal/mh-6.7.tar.Z 1.6 m
via anonymous uucp:
Although UUNET isn't one of the primary sites for distributing MH,
their copy is usually fairly up to date. (As of this writing,
they have MH 6.7.1.)
To use anonymous UUCP, find a machine with direct access to UUNET, and
type the following command:
% uucp uunet\!~ftp/mail/mh-6.7.tar.Z yourhost\!~/yourname/
The backslashes can be omitted if you use the Bourne shell (sh)
instead of csh. The file should appear some time later (up to a
day or more) in the directory /usr/spool/uucppublic/yourname.
NOTE: This file is BIG (1.6 Megabytes), so use a very fast modem.
You don't need to subscribe to UUNET to be able to use their
archives via UUCP. By calling 1-900-468-7727 and using the login
"uucp" with no password, anyone may uucp any of UUNET's on line
source collection. (Start by copying uunet!~ftp/ls-lR.Z, which is
a compressed index of every file in the archives.) As of this
writing, the cost is 40 cents per minute. The charges will appear
on your next telephone bill. --Jean Marie Diaz
via U.S. mail:
Send a check for $75.00 drawn on U.S. funds made out to the
"Regents of the University of California" to:
Computing Support Group ATTN: MH Distribution Department of
Information and Computer Science University of California,
Irvine Irvine, CA 92717 714-856-7554
This covers the cost of a 6250 bpi 9-track magtape, handling, and
shipping. In addition, you'll get a laser-printed hard-copy of the
entire MH documentation set. Be sure to include your USPS address
with your check. It's also a good idea (though not mandatory) to
send a computer mail message to "Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu" when you send
your check via usps to ensure minimal turn-around time.
Sadly, if you just want the hard-copies of the documentation, you
still have to pay the $75.00. The tar image has the documentation
source (the manual is in roff format, but the rest are in tex
format). Postscript formatted versions of the TeX papers are
available, as are crude tty-conversions of those papers.
other MH software:
xmh:
xmh is part of the standard X11R4 distribution. Ultrix also
ships dxmail which is similar.
gatekeeper.dec.com [16.1.0.2] pub/X11/R4
mordred.cs.purdue.edu [128.10.2.2] pub/X11/R4
giza.cis.ohio-state.edu [128.146.8.61] pub/X.V11R4
uunet.uu.net [192.48.96.2] X/R4
crl.dec.com [192.58.206.2] pub/X11/R4
src.doc.ic.ac.uk [129.31.81.36] X.V11R4
uk.ac.ic.doc.src (Janet) <XV11R4>
munnari.oz.au [128.250.1.21] X.V11/R4
mh-e:
primost.cs.wisc.edu:pub/mh-e.el.Z
vmail (original version):
uunet.uu.net [192.48.96.2]
comp.sources.unix/volume12/vmail/part0x.Z (x= 1,2,3)
vmail (enhanced):
ftp.ucs.ubc.ca [137.82.27.61] pub/mh/vmail[1-3]of3.Z
or mail requests to James Perkins.
vmailtool:
ftp.ucs.ubc.ca [137.82.27.61] pub/mh/vmailtool.Z
or mail requests to James Perkins.
!3. What references exist for MH?
Book:
MH & xmh. Jerry Peek. ISBN 0-937175-63-3. $29.95. 550 pages.
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
Book Orders:
US and Canada: 800-DEV-NUTS (that's 800-338-6887). Fax: 707-829-0104
To get a list of foreign distributors, send a note to
nuts@ora.com or call +1-707-829-0515.
Usenet:
comp.mail.mh (gatewayed to MH-users)
Mailing lists:
General questions/discussion: MH-users@ics.uci.edu
(gatewayed to comp.mail.mh).
MH developers and maintainers: MH-workers@ics.uci.edu.
Please use mh-users-request and mh-workers-requestion to request
an addition or deletion.
MH-users archives:
ics.uci.edu[128.195.1.1]:pub/mh/mh-users/*.
The files are in packf(1) format, compressed with compress(1). To
get them, use anonymous ftp and set "binary" transfer mode. Even
though I stripped out "Received" lines and etc., some files are
pretty big:
mh-users.86.Z 8.5m mh-users.87.Z 55.4m
mh-users.88.Z 182.8m mh-users.89.Z 89.1m
mh-users.90.Z 402.4m
There are directions in the README file. Basically, you can use
"inc -file" to get the messages into a folder, then use "scan",
"pick", "show", and so on (or your favorite commands in xmh, mh-e,
etc.). --Jerry Peek
4. How should I report bugs?
Mail them to Bug-MH@ics.uci.edu and be sure to include the output of
the -help option as well as what hardware and operating system you
are using.
!5. How can I convert from my mailer to MH?
If you use one of a mail agent like 'mail', 'mailx', 'elm' or
'mush', converting to MH is easy. When you run the 'inc' command,
it reads all new messages from the system mailbox into your 'inbox'
folder. Those mail agents also have separate files or "folders"
that hold messages in the same format as the system mailbox. You
can read them with the 'inc -file' command. For example, to read
the messages from your 'mbox' mail file into your MH 'inbox' folder,
you'd type:
% cd
% cp mbox mbox.backup
% inc -file mbox
If you see the usual "Incorporating new mail into inbox..." message
and a scan listing, the messages probably were converted. Read some
or all of them (with the 'show' command) and be sure. The 'inc'
won't remove your mbox unless you use '-truncate'. --Jerry Peek
6. What kind of applications are built upon MH?
These programs provide a simple means of browsing through an index of
messages and quickly using the features of MH without typing verbose
commands at a shell prompt.
vmh
Vmh is designed for people using the bulletin-board features of MH,
where mail is stored in packed (single-file) folders. As a result,
use of this program cannot be mixed with the use of normal MH
commands. Vmh is a part of the official MH distribution. --James
Perkins
xmh
Xmh is a X11 mouse-based MH browsing tool. It is very powerful and
feature-filled and thus comes with a moderate learning curve. Its
dependence on the X11 environment makes it very reconfigurable, but
only by people well-versed in X applications programming. Its
message reply built-in-editor interface is not always popular among
those used to having MH bring up the editor of their choice.
--James Perkins
mh-e
Mh-e is the GNU Emacs front end for MH. It offers all the
functionality of MH, the visual orientation and simplicity of use
of xmh, and full integration with Emacs, including thorough
configurability. The command set is similar to that of rmail (the
Emacs front end for BSD mail) and BSD mail itself. On-line help is
available.
Mh-e allows one to read and process mail very quickly: commands are
single characters and completion and defaults are available for
file and folder names. During a reply, the original message is
displayed simultaneously in another window for easy reference where
a mh-e command can quickly incorporate and format this text into
your reply.
With mh-e you compose outgoing messages in Emacs. This is a big
plus for Emacs users, but it has been known for non-Emacs users to
be able use mh-e after only learning the most basic cursor motion
commands. Mh-e is easily configured via the Emacs edit-options
menu, and people familiar with Emacs Lisp will be able to further
reconfigure mh-e beyond recognition. --Stephen Gildea
vmail
Vmail is a curses-based, vi-like message browser which calls on MH
programs to manipulate mail. It can be used on almost any
terminal. It organizes mail folders into index pages, from which a
message can be selected to be shown, replied-to, forwarded,
refiled, deleted, and so on. The vi-like interface and command
keystrokes are comfortable to less-experienced UNIX users, and it
is a small, compact program, unlike the mh-e Emacs package.
This version of vmail has been bugfixed and enhanced from the
original vmail published on the net in 1987 by J. Zobel. --James
Perkins
vmailtool
If you have a Sun workstation, vmailtool may be for you. It is a
button gadget panel for the above-mentioned vmail program. It
brings vmail into the windows era where people no longer need to
memorize specific command keystrokes. It also provides a mail icon
with the flag that pops up when new mail arrives. Again, this is a
compact, simple tool, unlike the powerful xmh program. Still, it's
a welcome alternative for many people who are running SunView or
OpenWindows. --James Perkins
. Building MH
10. How do I build MH?
[this will basically be a reference to the READ-ME file in the
distribution. however, perhaps we should include tricks on how to
compile MH on different machines that is not discussed in the
installation instructions. comments?]
11. What options should I use?
BERK: Do NOT include the BERK option (in versions 6.7 or later)!
BERK breaks the mh-format functions that take apart address lines,
for example mbox, from, and friendly. This would really put a crimp
on my replcomps file.
LOCKF: if you have NFS, you need to lock your mailbox with lockf()
so the lock will be honored by all machines on the local network.
If you have the lockf() system call, include LOCKF.
JQ Johnson makes the point that one should use this option carefully
since it requires a roboust lockf() call. For example, this option
caused serious problems on his SunOS 4.1.1. He suggested using
LOK_BELL instead, and adding "lockstyle: 1" to mtstailor instead.
ATZ: makes your timezones print like "EST" instead of "-0500". Much
prettier.
However, Tony Landells replies: "Yes; very pretty. How unfortunate
that timezone names are so ambiguous, so that EST can be
interpreted, at a minimum, as (American) Eastern Standard Time,
(Australian) Eastern Standard Time, or (Australian) Eastern Summer
Time (and yes, I think it's dumb having the same acronym for both
normal and Summer time, but that's a different problem). While the
numeric timezones may not look as nice, they are, at least,
reasonably unambiguous. I would urge anyone who ever
intends/hopes/expects to use e-mail outside the U.S. to NOT use ATZ
(sorry Stephen)."
--Stephen Gildea
12. Fixing "post: problem initializing server; [BHST] no servers available"
The error message itself is essentially correct. However, what this
really means is: MH's post cannot connect to a running sendmail over
an SMTP port (MH configured with SMTP and SENDMTS).
The potential problems:
1) Your mtstailor file has its "servers:" pointing to a non-existant
machine or a machine which is a) not reachable or b) not running the
sendmail daemon.
2) You use BIND and your local nameserver is not responding.
--anonymous
+13. Where can I get POP3?
MH6.7 (and earlier versions too) include a server for version 3 of POP.
. Using MH
20. Where can I read about slocal and the format of the .maildelivery file?
In the distribution, this information is provided in the mhook man
page. Wasn't this obvious?
One can actually specify slocal or .maildelivery with IBM's AIX man.
Here is brief example of a .maildelivery file that stores messages
to mh-users in a folder and the system mailbox, stores babble in a
folder but not the system mailbox, and puts the rest in the system
mailbox.
to mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
cc mh-users | A "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/mh-users"
to babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
cc babble | R "/usr/local/lib/mh/rcvstore -create +lists/babble"
default - > ? /usr/spool/mail/wohler
Your .forward file may look like (quotes necessary):
"| /usr/local/lib/mh/slocal -user your_login"
In some implentations, the "-user your_login" is not needed. If
not, manually running slocal with the flag will produce an error.
--Bill Wohler
21. How do I include messages in repl with or without ">"?
When making a reply, specify a filter file on the command line:
repl -filter repl.format
This filter file must be in your MH mail directory (usually "Mail",
in your home directory). Here are a couple of example repl.format
files:
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
message-id:nocomponent,formatfield=\
"In message %{text}you write:"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
or
overflowtext="",overflowoffset=0
date:component="Your message dated",formatfield=\
"%<(nodate{text})%{text}%|%(pretty{text})%>"
body:component=">",overflowtext=">",overflowoffset=0
Setting overflowoffset to 0 keeps MH from doing anything to
extra-long lines in the headers. In the body, however, this
behavior is overridden so that long lines are automatically broken
and a ">" is inserted before every line. You could put almost
whatever you want between those quotes, although the "standard" ">"
makes it easier to read notes that have been included several times.
The examples differ with the descriptive text that is inserted
before the included body.
It is suggested not to use the "prompter" editor in this case, since
it is likely that you'll not want to use all of the included
message. Indeed, it is proper etiquette to edit out all unnecessary
Also note that this might not work in versions prior to 6.7.
--Alan Thew, Mike Schwager, James T Perkins
!22. How can I eliminate duplicate copies of letters to myself?
Add these two lines to your MH profile file:
Alternate-Mailboxes: user@host1, user@host2, ...
repl: -nocc me
To get one copy, you can either:
- Take out the "-nocc me"... then you'll get exactly one copy of
your replies (assuming all your addresses are listed in
Alternate-Mailboxes), or
- Add an "Fcc: foldername" to the headers of messages you send.
That will drop a copy of the message in the folder "foldername".
You can do this for *all* MH messages you send (not just with
repl) by putting an "Fcc:" entry in your personal copy of the
files "components", "replcomps", and "forwcomps" in your MH
directory. (If you make a "distcomps" file, it needs
"Resent-Fcc:".) For more info, see the man pages comp(1),
repl(1), forw(1), dist(1) and mh-mail(5). --Jerry Peek
The Alternate-Mailboxes also tells scan which messages are really
from you so that it can place the recipient in the scan line instead
of the sender. --Bill Wohler
This is also a convenient way to AVOID automatically cc-ing a
mailing list when replying to a person who sent the message to the
mailing-list, by listing the name of that mailing list in your
alternate mailboxes. --Alec Wolman
23. How would one go about reading Usenet with MH?
The news readers are better interfaces for reading news. However,
you can save articles in the news readers for later perusal with MH.
First, create a symbolic link from your mail directory (ie. usenet) to
your news directory (ie. "ln -s ~/News ~/Mail/usenet"). You can then
treat your news directory as a mail folder. Thus, to select a news
group, use "folder +usenet/comp/mail/mh".
To set the default save location correctly in rn, use:
rn -M -/
or in your nn presentation sequence:
news.announce. +$F/$N
comp.mail.mh +
.
.
--Bill Wohler
24. Can I append MH messages (ie. +inbox/1) to a UNIX mailbox format file?
[could someone send me that wonderful awk "From " reconstruction script?]
. Xmh
30. How can I get xmh to use Emacs as the editor?
The short answer is that, unfortunately, you can't do it. The code
simply doesn't support it.
An adventurous hacker would probably not find it too difficult,
however. --Win Treese
. Glossary
[any good acronyms we can put here?]
. Acknowledgements
I'd like to thank the following people for providing ideas on the
layout of this article:
Joe Wells <jbw@bigbird.bu.edu> Richard M. Stallman <rms@gnu.ai.mit.edu>
David Elliott <dce@smsc.sony.com> Tom Christiansen <tchrist@convex.com>
Eugene N. Miya <eugene@nas.nasa.gov>
We are also grateful to the following individuals that have provided
answers or other information to make this a better document. The
actual list is undoubtedly larger.
Stephen Gildea <gildea@expo.lcs.mit.edu> Jerry Peek <jerry@ora.com>
James Perkins <jamesp@metolius.wr.tek.com> Alan Thew <qq11@liv.ac.uk>
Mike Schwager <schwager@cs.uiuc.edu> Vick Khera <khera@cs.duke.edu>
Andy Y.A. Kuo <kuo@spot.colorado.edu> John Romine <jromine@ics.uci.edu>
Tony Landells <ahl@technix.oz.au> Win Treese <treese@crl.dec.com>
JQ Johnson <jqj@duff.uoregon.edu> Jean Marie Diaz <ambar@ora.com>
Alec Wolman <wolman@crl.dec.com> Kim F. Storm <storm@texas.dk>
No Warranty: Because this article is provided free of charge as a
service to comp.mail.mh readers, we provide absolutely no warranty, to
the extent permitted by applicable state law. This article is
provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or
implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Should the
information prove defective, you assume the cost of all necessary
servicing, repair or correction.
--
--bw
-----
Bill Wohler <wohler@sap-ag.de> <sapwdf!wohler>
Heidelberg Red Barons Ultimate Frisbee Team