The configuration work done by faxaddmodem falls into two main areas: creating the necessary files to run a facsimile server process, and defining the contents of the configuration database file. The config (4F) manual page has an in-depth description of the contents of the configuration file and should be consulted when installing a modem.
Many aspects of configuring a modem are operating system-specific. Faxaddmodem deduces the kind of operating system by invoking the uname(1) program. If this program is not available, the operating system must be explicitly specified with the -os option. Consult the shell script for the set of known operating systems.
faxaddmodem can be used to install a new modem or re-install an existing modem. In the latter case it will try to propagate the important server-related configuration parameters from the existing configuration file to the new configuration file. These parameter include items such as the phone number, area code, and tracing control parameters. Modem-related configuration parameters are, however, not propagated. Instead faxaddmodem attempts to deduce the type of modem attached to the specified serial port and then set up the configuration parameters using a set of prototype configuration files that have previously been tested with like modems. If a modem is to be installed for which there is no existing prototype file, faxaddmodem will install a comprehensive template of parameters that can be edited either during or after the installation process.
faxaddmodem deduces the type of modem attached to the serial port by sending commands to the modem at a fixed speed. By default the highest possible speed to send commands is deduced by probing the modem at successively decreasing speeds until a valid response is received. A fixed speed can be specified from the command line with the -s option.
Because faxaddmodem needs to read and write the modem that is to be installed it will not proceed with an installation if the modem is locked for use by another process.
Finally, note that an installation can be safely aborted at any time by hitting the interrupt key. faxaddmodem delays making installation-related changes until after everything has been setup.
${SPOOL}/bin/ondelay program to open device without waiting for carrier
${SPOOL}/bin/lockname SVR4 UUCP lock filename generator
Consult intro(4F) for a complete discussion of the structure and content of the spooling area.