TOPS-10/TOPS-20 DECmail/MS Manual

This manual, revised in July 1986, serves as a comprehensive guide for users of the DECmail/MS electronic mail system on TOPS-10 and TOPS-20 operating systems. It caters to users of all experience levels, starting with basic concepts and progressing to detailed command descriptions.

Key areas covered include:

• Introduction: Fundamentals of the DECmail/MS system, keyboard interaction, vocabulary, command levels, and message sequences.
• Message Handling: Instructions on reading, perusing, sending (including replying to, forwarding, and network mail), and correcting undeliverable messages.
• Information Retrieval: Commands for obtaining help, checking for new mail, viewing message summaries, and displaying system or user information.
• File Management: How to move, retrieve, save, discard, print, and flag messages within message files.
• System Customization: Tailoring the DECmail/MS environment by defining message header items, creating alias names and address lists, configuring system settings with SET commands, and using command files for persistent configurations.
• Exiting: Procedures for ending or temporarily suspending a DECmail/MS session.
• Appendices: Details on common error messages, steps for repairing damaged message files, and an overview of the message file format.

The document emphasizes adherence to the ARPANET Request for Comments 822 (RFC822) standard for electronic mail.