.mailrc: Mail Customisation File

This file contains instructions that affect how the BSD mail command works. First, /usr/lib/Mail.rc is executed and then, if it exists, $HOME/.mailrc is executed.

Here are some of the entries found in a typical .mailrc or /usr/lib/Mail.rc file:

• alias nick_name real_address: this allows the user to use nick_name instead of real_address to send mail.
• set ask: asks the user for a Subject when sending mail.
• set append: appends new mail files at the end of folders, including mbox.
• set askcc: enables the Cc: prompt when about to send the message.
• set folder=dir: folders will all be within directory dir. Usually this directory is mail.
• set record=pathname: all outgoing messages are saved into this folder.
• set VISUAL=/usr/bin/vi: name of the editor to use when ~ v is used at composition time. This example uses /usr/bin/vi. It could use any available editor.

Consult your system manuals for more examples.