Libris Britannia 4/science library(b).zip/science library(b)/COMMUNIC/NETWORKI/2878.ZIP/EMAIL.EXE/MAIL.DOC

Text File | 1990-08-04 | 30KB | 680 lines

                               LAN MAIL
               (C) Copyright 1990 All rights reserved.
                           Ed Ross Software
                        103 Greenvalley Lane.
                          McMurray, PA 15317
                            [phone]
                             August 1990


LAN MAIL is supplied in three self extracting files : EMAIL1, EMAIL2,
EMAIL3.
     EMAIL1 - will produce the following files

          MAIL.EXE       - Mail program at user workstations
          MAIL.CFG       - Configuration file for users
          MAIL.DSP       - Support files for mail.exe
          INSMAIL.DSP    - Support files for Installation
          MAIL.HLP       - Help files for Mail.exe

     EMAIL2 - will product the following files

          MAILUSER.EXE   - Server database program for users
          BTRIEVE.EXE    - BTRIEVE file manager
          README.DOC     - Introduction to LAN MAIL
          MAILUSER.DSP   - Support files for Mailuser.exe
          MAIL.DOC       - This document
          FORMS.DSP      - Sample forms

     EMAIL3    - will product the following files

          MAILFM.EXE     - File maintenace program for server
          TEST.DLT       - Sample distribution list
          NODENAME.DAT   - Sample users
          E-MAIL.DAT     - Sample mail
          MAILSEQ.DAT    - Sample support file
          E-MAIL.MSG     - sample mail message and forms
          A2.001         - Sample file transfer file.



Some of the terms used in this document are trademarks of the
following firms: International Business Machines, Microsoft, NOVELL,
SoftCraft.


LICENSE AGREEMENT

LAN MAIL is protected by United States Copyright Law and International
Treaty provisions.   All rights are reserved.   Non-registered users
of LAN MAIL are licensed only to use the program on a trial basis for
the sole purpose of determining whether or not it meets their
requirements.   All other use requires registration.

Any other use of non-registered copies of LAN MAIL by any person,
business, corporation, government organization, or any other entity is
strictly forbidden and is a violation of this license agreement.

Registration permits a user a license to use LAN MAIL on a single
computer.

All users are granted a limited license to copy LAN MAIL for the trial
use of others, with the following additional conditions:

- LAN MAIL must be distributed in unmodified,  complete form,
including    this Reference Guide and License Agreement.

- LAN MAIL may not be distributed in conjunction with any other
product, without written permission from ED ROSS SOFTWARE.

If a fee (including duplication, shipping & handling) is charged the
fee may not exceed $7.00.

Ed Ross Software has a license Agreement with SoftCraft to distribute
the run-time version of BTRIEVE file manager (BTRIEVE.EXE) with LAN
MAIL. SoftCraft, the owner of BTRIEVE File Manager, can be reached at
SoftCraft, Inc, P.O Box 9802, #917, Austin, TX 78766.


WARRANTY


Ed Ross Software makes NO WARRANTY of any kind, express or implied,
including without limitation, any warranties of merchantability and/or
fitness for a particular purpose.   Ed Ross Software shall not be
liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, special or
consequential arising from a failure of this program to operate in the
manner desired by the user.   IN NO EVENT WILL ED ROSS SOFTWARE BE
LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCLUDING ANY LOST PROFITS, LOST SAVINGS OR
OTHER INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR
INABILITY TO USE THE PROGRAM, OR FOR ANY CLAIM BY ANY OTHER PARTY.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages.   So the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.



ABOUT LAN MAIL

LAN MAIL is NOT a public domain or free program! It is being
distributed as a ShareWare program.  Shareware distribution has some
special benefits for you the user.  It allows you to try in your own
environment with your own computers a program before making a
financial  commitment to it i.e. - try before you buy.  Shareware
distribution is done on the honor system. We trust you with a copy of
the program, then If you find that LAN MAIL is a benefit to you and
continue using it, you are expected to register. Registration has its
benefits - explained later.

Copyright laws apply to both ShareWare and commercial software, and
the copyright holder retains all rights, with a few specific
exceptions as stated below.  The main difference is in the method of
distribution.   Shareware specifically grants the right to copy and
distribute the software.

Registration licenses you to use LAN MAIL.   Any unregistered use
other than trial use to determine if LAN MAIL meets your needs is a
violation of our license agreement and is forbidden.

Each LAN MAIL license authorizes use of one copy of LAN MAIL on one
machine at a time.   If you have multiple  computers, either stand
alone, networked, or multi-user, you need to  register one copy of LAN
MAIL for each workstation on  which it will be used.

INTRODUCTION

Now that we have all the legalese out of the way, lets take a look a
LAN MAIL.  Are you getting tired of telephone tag? Tired of copying
files to a floppy to give them to the person next to you? Tired of
filling out forms and sending them through interoffice mail?  Or maybe
just tired.  Well LAN MAIL will not solve all of the worlds problems
but it could make your life a little easier.

LAN MAIL is an Electronic Mail system designed to work over any PC
Networks where a shared disk is available.   If used on an IBM PC
Network, special dynamic linkage can reduce the memory requirements
and the net-bios sessions for the server and the users.   This is done
by linking to the server only when mail is being transferred (sending
or receiving mail).   This approach allows any number of users to link
to the mail server.

Full user documentation and a new help system will be available soon
for registered users. In the mean time, this document and the on-line
help should get you through the user functions.  If you can remember a
few important keys on the keyboard, you should be able to use LAN
MAIL.  Esc - will back up one screen, F10 - from a screen with input
will inform LAN MAIL you are finished with the screen and will Pop-Up
a menu of commands,  The arrow keys will move the cursor to a desired
command, the Enter key will process a command and F1 - will display
help.

Setting the system up on the network however, will require a bit of
written explanation.



                         * * * N O T E * * *


 This program can be executed for evaluation without a network.
 Make a directory on the "C" disk of "\MAIL", copy EMAIL1, EMAIL2,
 and EMAIL3 to the directory.  Execute EMAIL1, EMAIL2 EMAIL3 to
 extract the mail files, then type in "MAIL".  The following DOS
 commands will perform the functions:

   MD C:\MAIL
   CD C:\MAIL
   EMAIL1
   EMAIL2
   EMAIL3

   MAIL


 Select Receive mail to view the samples, select send to try LAN MAIL



INSTALLATION

Installation of the LAN MAIL System is done in two parts:

      Setting up the server computer

      Configuring each work station

SETTING UP THE SERVER

The file server must be accessible to all users of the mail system.
You will normally want to set up a separate mail directory on the file
server such as C:\MAIL.  Once the server and directory are set up, a
list of users who can send and receive mail must be created at the
server.  This task is relatively easy by using the MAILUSER program.
Load the MAILUSER program in the shared directory and start it by
typing MAILUSER.  (NOTE - MAILUSER uses the BTRIEVE file manager which
must either be loaded or placed on the MAILUSER start-up directory).

MAILUSER will prompt you with five options

     Find - Will find an existing user on the database.  You may enter
     any part of the last name and a list of all users whose last name
     begins with the entry will be displayed.  For example, If you
     specify "SM" MAILUSER will return a list of all users whose last
     name begins with "SM" such as all Smiths and  Smyths, etc. Select
     the desired user to display the details.

     Create - Create a new user. The  input fields on the screen will
     bank allowing input to the user fields.  The first and last name
     can be duplicated but the nodename must be unique for each user.
     (Node name is the name of the computer on the network or a name
     you wish to assign to a user).

          Users of the IBM PC LAN program might use the name given to
          each user in the "NET START" command.   Using the name
          specified in the Net Start command will make setting the
          user PC's easier.


     Edit - will update the information for the user displayed on the
     screen.  The edit must be done after a find or create.

     Delete - will delete the user displayed on the screen.

     ResetPW - Reset the user password at the server.  A password is
     kept at the user station and at the server.  These must match
     before a user can send mail. The reset command at the server will
     inform LAN MAIL that the user needs to set a new password before
     continuing.  You will need to do this every time you change the
     configuration file at the users workstation.

     Exit - Exit the MAILUSER program.


Once you have all of the users in the database on the server you are
ready to start the second task - installing the program at each user
site.

* * * N O T E * *

     When done with the server, the directory must be shared and the
     NODENAME.DAT file must reside at the directory.  You could also
     keep the MAILUSER.EXE, MAILUSER.DSP, MAILFM.EXE and BTRIEVE.EXE
     programs on the server. These programs work with the files on the
     server only.

CONFIGURING THE USER's WORK STATIONS

Each user workstation must have a copy of the MAIL program and a
configuration file.  Copy the program to the users disk in the desired
directory then set the path statement to include the mail directory.
For example:

     MD C:\MAIL      - Make a mail directory
     MD C:\MAIL\FILES - Make a directory for storing files that are
     sent through the mail.
     CD C:\MAIL      - Change to the mail directory
     COPY A:MAIL.*   - Copy the required mail files to the directory
     PATH = C:\DOS;C:\MAIL

          When a user station is set up, the  following files must
          reside together in a subdirectory:

               MAIL.EXE
               MAIL.DSP
               MAIL.HLP
               MAIL.CFG

          LAN MAIL will create the following files in the user
          directory:
               In-Basket.LMS

               Any other files with an extension of ".LMS" are file
               drawers.

               Any file with the extension of '.DLT' are distribution
               lists that are created by LAN MAIL.

          The following files are optional on the user's mail
          subdirectory:

               BTRIEVE.EXE    - Required if this is the only BTRIEVE
               application.

               INSMAIL.DSP    - If you desire the users to be able to
               modify the mail.cfg file.  (Not recommended because
               their password will need to be reset at the server).

     If you install the program without the network for evaluation,
     several other files will be on the user PC (the files created at
     the server and some sample files).

For LAN MAIL to run, a MAIL.CFG (configuration file) is required at
the user PCs.  The configuration file tells the mail program where to
find information about the servers and other users.  The file is
created by starting the mail program (TYPE MAIL) and selecting the
INSTALL option.  One of two things will happen.  If you don't already
have a MAIL.CFG file, the install menu will be displayed.  If you have
a MAIL.CFG, the mail menu will be displayed.  If the mail menu is
displayed, select the install option to change the contents of the
file. (* * * N O T E * * * * the INSMAIL.DSP file must be on the disk
to install LAN MAIL.  After the instalation you may remove it to
prevent altering by the user).

     HINT - you could save a bit of time if most of the information is
     the same for each user by creating the file once then copying it
     to the other users.

When creating the LAN MAIL configuration file, the program will prompt
for STATIC OR DYNAMIC Linkages.  STATIC linkage requires all network
linkages be established prior to executing the mail program.  (Non IBM
PC LAN users will be required to select this option).  On an IBM PC
Network, too many users linked to the same server could cause a
problem with not have enough NET BIOS SESSIONS available (The NET BIOS
session available would normally reduce the number of users that could
share the server). You could allocate more memory for the server by
this would reduce the amount remaining for any other application.

     If you are using the IBM Network Program and wish to use STATIC
     linkage, then at each of the workstations the following network
     command must be entered:

           NET USE H: \\SRVNAME\MAILDIR

          Where 'H' is the shared drive, 'SRVNAME' is the name of the
          server and 'MAILDIR' is the name of the shared directory.

     Dynamic linkage will link to the server only during the time mail
     is transferred -  then will unlink.   Dynamic linkage will allow
     a single server to service a very large number of users (greater
     than 255 if a network bridge is used).  See the IBM LAN manual
     for further details.

If static linkage is selected, the shared network drive must be
available prior to starting the mail program.


The next screen will store the information the mail program needs to
communicate to the server.  Most of the entries are self explanatory
and have a context sensitive help.

     Static / Dynamic NodeNames

     Nodenames are the KEY to the file created by MAILUSER.  Each user
     must have his/her name in the MAILUSER file typed exactly as
     entered here.

     The Static/Dynamic  option will tell the mail program to get the
     name of the user from the configuration file or from the network
     program.  Only the IBM PC LAN Program users may select Dynamic.

          The mail program will use the name returned when the "NET
          NAME" command is issued.   This name must be the same as
          entered at the server using the MAILUSER program.

     If static names are chosen, you must enter the name of the user
     the mail program will use.

          The name entered must be entered at the serve using the
          MAILUSER program.


     BTRIEVE file name.  This will be the complete path and file name
     of the BTRIEVE.EXE program.  Mail will normally start the BTRIEVE
     program and remove it when finished, however, if BTRIEVE was
     already started the mail program will not remove it.  Those using
     NOVELL network may already have a network version of BTRIEVE that
     may be run instead of the one supplied.

     IBM Networks may already have an application that uses BTRIEVE or
     BRDR (Btrieve redirector). The Path and file name of the existing
     btrieve program may be supplied.


     Other files will be required on the network server, but LAN MAIL
     will create them as needed.

MAINTAINING THE MAIL SERVER

LAN MAIL will maintain most aspects of the file server automatically.
For example, when messages are picked up by the last person in a
distribution list, the message and all transferred files will be
deleted etc.

Because it is important to know the disposition of the mail you have
sent, LAN MAIL maintains a log and status.  That log can become quite
full and lose significance after several days.  Also, mail may have
been sent to a user that is no longer active, or has changed names
etc.  For these reasons, there must be some maintenance done on the
file server to keep it efficient.

LAN Mail supplies a program for file maintenance, "MAILFM".  This
program should be run at least once a week and on an active network
once a day.  To run the program, make sure there are no active users
of LAN MAIL, make the network drive and shared directory you current
drive and directory and run MAILFM.   When the program finishes, your
server is cleaned up ready for new messages.

     The MAILFM program will remove any message picked up after it
     ages three days and any mail that has not been picked up for over
     five days old. It will also erase any files that have been sent
     but never picked up.

     Registered users will receive an update file maintenance program
     that will let you control deletions, give options of printing
     undelivered mail and keeping statistics. This program should be
     available in OCT 90 - but no promises.



LAN MAIL USERS GUIDE


     Sending Mail To A User

          Sending information over the network has never been easier.
          From the main menu select SEND, fill in the form, press F10
          and select SEND and press enter.  The mail will be waiting
          for the user to pick it up.

          To assist you in using LAN MAIL there is context sensitive
          help by pressing F1.

     Selecting A User

          If you know the network name of the user fill in the TO
          field with that name.  If you do not know the network name,
          press the F10 key and select user.  All users will be
          displayed on the screen.  Use the arrow keys to select the
          desired users and press ENTER.  The TO field will be filled
          in for you.

     Sending A Text Message

          To send a text message use the arrow keys to move to the
          text area and start typing.  The normal text edit commands
          are supported and are adequate for creating simple
          documents.  However, sometimes you may already have a
          document that exists, or some text file you wish to send in
          the message area.  To import text from a file, press the F10
          key and select "READ FILE" option.  Enter the file name.  If
          you don't remember the file name enter a directory mask such
          as *.doc to list the "DOC" files in the current directory.
          Use the arrow keys to select the desired file and press
          enter.  The file will be inserted into the message area.

     Sending A File
          Often you wish to send a file or a group of files  along
          with the message.  If you wish to send one file, fill in the
          file name, or complete path name if the file is not in the
          current directory.  If you wish to send a group of files,
          fill in the file mask.  For example  "*.XL*"  will  send all
          Microsoft Excel worksheet files for the current directory.
          If you can't remember the file name, press F10 and select
          "DIRECTORY" for a list of files.  Use the arrow keys to
          select the desired file and press enter.  LAN MAIL will fill
          in the file name for you.

     Sending A Form

          Interoffice mail and forms are a perpetual nuisance. Storing
          blank forms, then filling them out, distributing them,
          photocopying them, filing them etc.  One of the unique
          features of LAN MAIL is  the assistance with your forms
          management problem. REGISTERED USERS will receive a copy of
          the forms compiler to create PC versions of forms that can
          be sent with the mail.  Those evaluating LAN MAIL have two
          forms attached to see the power of the forms compiler.  (In
          fact, LAN MAIL uses some of the features of the forms
          compiler for the interface).  The sample form includes most
          of the types of input you could have with any of your own
          forms (including field level help).

          To attach a form to a message press the F10 key and select
          the "ATTACH FORM" option.  A list of available forms will be
          displayed (users evaluating LAN MAIL have two to chose from,
          REGISTERED USERS can have any number of forms they create).

          fill in the fields of the form and press F10.  The form is
          now attached to the message.  If you need to edit some of
          the fields of the form again, press F10 and select the
          attach forms command again.  The attached form will still be
          there allowing you to edit it.

     Sending To A Distribution List

          Sending mail to one user will solve some of your problems,
          but often you need to send mail to a group of people.  LAN
          MAIL address this problem by creating distribution lists.
          Each user can create any number of distribution lists. (The
          server only makes one copy which is copied to each person on
          the list.)

          A distribution list is a list of names of persons to receive
          a copy of mail.  Simply put the name of the distribution
          list in the "TO" filed and every person on the distribution
          list will be sent a copy of the mail, any attached files,
          and attached form.  If you can't remember the name of the
          distribution list press F10 and select "DISTRIBUTION LST" to
          display all of the distribution lists available to you.

          There are two ways to create a distribution list: first use
          the editor supplied with LAN MAIL, or  use any editor that
          produces a simple ASCII file.  To use the editor supplied
          with LAN MAIL, press the F10 key from the send screen and
          select "DISTRIBUTION LST", enter a new distribution list
          name and LAN MAIL will Pop-UP a edit field to create the
          list.  Place only one name per line.  Put one name per line
          with names of users, one per line.


          Need to send to more than one distribution list?  This can
          be done by creating  a distribution list with the name(s)
          of the distribution lists you wish to send to.  In other
          words you are embedding a distribution list name in a
          distribution list.  A Distribution list can be any
          combination of user names and names of distribution lists.
          In fact, you can nest distribution lists into distribution
          lists that contain distribution lists - up to 26 levels
          deep.

               A distribution list is any ASCII file with the
               extension of ".DLT".  The contents of the file are any
               number of lines with one user name or distribution list
               name per line.  When entering a distribution list name
               DO NOT enter the ".DLT" file suffix with the name.

               Distribution lists can not be recurssive - A
               distribution list Named "MANGR" can not contain a
               distribution list Named "EMPLOY" which contain a
               distribution list Named "MANGR".  If you do this, don't
               worry, LAN MAIL will let tell you there are too many
               nested distribution lists.

               A distribution list name should not be the same as the
               nodename of a person on the network.  If you do this,
               you will never be able to send to the nodename because
               LAN MAIL will always look for a distribution list name
               first.

               Each user can have their own distribution lists (any
               number of them), they must reside on the
               install\directory of LAN MAIL.

          If a user is in more than one distribution List,  LAN MAIL
          will remove any duplicates prior to sending the mail.

     RECEIVING MAIL

     File Drawers

          File Drawers a method of keeping like topics, messages, or
          forms together.  Each file drawer will create one file in
          the installed directory with a ".LMS" file suffix.  You can
          view the contents of a file drawer, move a message, copy the
          message to another drawer or delete the message.

          A file drawer is created by copying or moving mail to it.
          If the specified file drawer does not exist, LAN MAIL will
          ask you if you wish to create a new file drawer.  Answer yes
          and the details will be handled by LAN MAIL.

     In-Basket

          The In-Basket is a special class of a file drawer.  All mail
          that is sent to you will initially be placed in your In-
          Basket.  The mail will reside there until you elect to move
          it or delete it.

          When mail is received - ONLY THE MAIL THAT IS RECEIVED is
          displayed as topics for review.  However, all topics in the
          IN-Basket can be reviewed be selecting the "FILE DRAWER"
          from the main menu and selecting the In-Basket for review.

          The first time you use LAN MAIL to receive mail, the In-
          Basket will be created for you.  (Try sending mail to
          yourself to see how it works)

     Receiving Files

          Files that are sent across the network will be copied into
          the directory that you specified in the installation.  Make
          sure the directory exists before you run LAN MAIL.

          Before each file is copied, LAN MAIL will confirm the copy
          to insure you wish to receive the file.

     Selecting From Subjects

          When a file drawer is viewed, only the origination, date and
          subject are displayed on the screen.  If you have many
          subjects, all will be displayed in a scrolling area. Use the
          arrow keys to place the bar cursor over the desired subject
          and press enter to view the details of the subject.

          Press Esc to return to the main menu.

     Viewing Mail Details

          When a subject is selected from the file drawer, the details
          are displayed on the screen.  The message area is now a
          display only text region that scrolls as needed  (only the
          arrow keys, Page Up and Page Down work).

          When done viewing the mail detail, press Esc to return to
          the subject screen, or press F10 for a list of options.

     Paging Through Received Mail

          The F10 command will display a Pop-Up window with a list of
          commands.  The "NEXT" and "PREV" commands will display the
          details of the next or previous topics from the subject
          screen.

     Viewing Forms

          If a form was attached, the name of the form will appear in
          the "ATTACHED FORM" name area.  Press F10 and select "View
          Form" to view the details of the form.  All of the fields
          are read only on the form.

     Printing Forms

          If a form was attached, the form can be printed to LPT1.
          Press the F10 key and select "Print Form".  (Registered user
          will soon receive an update to allow them to print to a file
          or to another form that can be updated.  Also, Forms will
          soon permit signatures via passwords ).

     Copying Mail To A File Drawer

          Mail can be copied to anther file drawer by pressing F10 and
          selecting copy.  A copy will make an independent copy to
          another file drawer leaving the original in the current file
          drawer.

     Moving Mail To A File Drawer

          Moving mail is the same as copying except the mail is
          deleted from the current file drawer after the copy.

     Printing Mail

          A hard copy of the mail can be printed by pressing F10 and
          Selecting "Print Mail".  The output will be sent to LPT1.

     Deleting Mail

          Deleting mail will remove it from the current file drawer.
          (any copies in other file drawers will not be affected by
          the delete).

     Reply To Sender

          LAN MAIL will allow you to reply to a message you have
          receive.  Press F10 for a list of command and select
          "REPLY".  A Pop Up edit window will appear on top of the
          message area  allowing you to view both the message received
          and the message being sent. The reply can be any length up
          to 100 lines of text.

     Toggle Windows

               When the message that was sent to you is larger than
               the message window, the reply will allow you to toggle
               windows and scroll through either message area (the
               original message or the reply).

     What Is Sent

               The reply will be appended on the end of the original
               message and sent to the originator.  The subject will
               be "Reply to " and the date of the original message.

Exiting Mail

          Any function on the mail system can be exited by pressing
          the Esc key.  If on the first menu, the Esc key will
          terminate the mail program.