Configuring elm

The elm configuration file is stored in the .elm hidden directory in your login directory. The configuration file itself is elmrc. This file can be modified with an editor to suit the user's individual tastes, or may be modified with the help of an interative menu utility invoked within elm itself by issuing

o

The interface should now look similar to figure 8.2.

  
Figure 8.2: elm Options Menu.

NOTE that this configuration menu only changes a small number of parameters. Many other elm features may be modified by using an editor on elmrc.

The main options users may want to change is the editor they would prefer using during the composition of the letter (press ``e" within the options menu), and the command used to send the current letter to a printer (press ``p" within the options menu).

Another option to consider is the ``level" of the elm menu seen at the bottom of the screen. The higher the level, the more menu items displayed! [One would expect the opposite (even though a menu item is not displayed, it is still accessible by typing the character representing it). Following that logic, most users should select expert as their User level. Even though a menu item is not displayed, it is still accessible by typing the character representing it. Help () may be used to list the available options.]

Once the choices are saved (using >), one can return to the main menu using ``i". Note that most commands within elm do NOT need to be followed by a carriage return (<CR>).

Modifying the file .elm/elmrc allow you to modify:

• The name of the file all outgoing messages are stored in. That feature may be turned ON, or OFF.
• The name of your ``signature" file. That file is automatically appended to any mail sent out.
• The behaviour of the mailer once a message is read. Is the mail deleted Is it automatically moved to a read folder
• Should the interface prompt for the subject and ``cc"
• Many other features.