UNIX Mail Client Configuration

Because of the special nature of UNIX, no configuration is required for any of the loaded mail clients. However, there are some options you can set. Since Pine is the default, only more advanced users should look toward any alternative mailers. These alternatives will be mentioned only briefly.

NOTE:

When you log onto a UNIX server, such as University users that have paid for Interactive access, you behave as a dummy terminal. That is, you use the UNIX server's resources to perform many functions rather than taking the advantage of your personal computers resources. In this way, UNIX mailers can be set up to print, however the slightest change in the UNIX environment or your own environment can result in a non-functioning printing arrangement. Also, since you are logged in as a dummy terminal, all functions are text based. Thus, you cannot view any attachments that are not strictly text. Thus, if you wish to print your messages or if you receive attachments regularly, you may wish to consider a different e-mail program.

At the University of Minnesota, Pine is the most popular e-mail client. It is used as the default mail program for all Interactive accounts. It is also one of the easiest to use of the UNIX mail clients.

From the main menu, you can select Setup. This will allow you to customize Pine. For instance, you can add a signature to your messages. All settings are options since Pine will correctly function when you initially start the program.

You are now ready to send and receive mail using Pine. To view any new messages, you will need to press the I key or select MESSAGE INDEX Messages are initially found in the Inbox folder. If you wish to archive messages you can:

1. Select a message.
2. Press the S key
3. Type the desired folder, or use the default of saved-messages

To send a message you will need to return to the main menu by pressing the M key. You can then press the C key or select COMPOSE MESSAGE This will open a mail sender and you can compose e-mail messages from this location.

Configuring the address book.

1. Return to the main menu by pressing the M key.
2. Press the A key or select ADDRESS BOOK
3. Use the menus on the bottom to guide you.

Groups and individuals are handled identically in Pine 4.x. Thus, if you wish add a group or individual, press the @ key.

NOTE:

1. Place given nickname in the proper field (To:, CC:, etc.) to use addresses
2. The default editor for Pine is pico.
3. You can use other editors, but you must configure this in Pine's Setup.
4. Once set up, you must enter Pine and then press the proper key to use alternate editor.