Information Technology Services

UNIX System Information

How can I send an automatic reply to everyone who e-mails me while I'm away for the summer?

Once you have logged in to the server, just type in:

vacation

The 'vacation' command automatically replies to mail that someone sends directly to you that you will not be accessing your e-mail over the summer.

When you type in the 'vacation' command for the first time, you will be brought into a text editor where you can compose the message that will be automatically sent to a person who sends you mail. In the editor, you can compose any message you want. For example, you can include in the automated reply your summer address or phone number, or the e-mail address where you are receiving mail over the summer.

If you have run the 'vacation' program before, then the system may ask if you want to see your current vacation message. Type y to see it. Then you may be asked if you want to edit your current vacation message. Type y if you would like to make changes.

How to save the file depends on which text editor is set as your default editor.

• If you are using the pico text editor, the top of the screen will say "UW PICO(tm)" in the upper left corner. If this is the case, type Control-X (type the letter X while holding down the Control key).
• If you are using the joe text editor, the top of the screen will say "Ctrl-K H for help" in the upper right corner. If this is the case, type Control-K (type the letter K while holding down the Control key) then type the letter X.

Once you save this message, then the program will prompt you to enable the vacation program. When you enable the vacation program, it will save mail messages you receive just like they are normally saved on troi, so you will be able to read them normally when you return in the fall. Type y to enable the vacation feature. You should see a message that says, "Vacation feature enabled." If you do not see this message, then the vacation program has not been properly enabled. Start over from the beginning by typing vacation at the prompt.

When you return to the UR in the fall, you just need to run the 'vacation' command again and have the program disabled. This will stop sending out automated replies to people who write to you. You will see the same prompts as before to view and edit your vacation message. Then you will be prompted to remove your ".forward" file and disable the vacation feature. Type y. You should see a message that says, "Back to normal reception of mail." If you do not see this message, then the vacation program has not been properly disabled. Start over from the beginning by typing vacation at the prompt.