Function Keys

NetMail/3000 Menu Interface

Users Guide

You’ll notice some special function keys while you are in the message display area. The function keys you will see include the “HELP” key (f1), “Zoom In<->Out” (f2), “Menu Bar” (f3), “Delete Message” (f4), “Refresh” (f5), “Tag this Message” (f7), and “EXIT” (f8). First and fore- most, the “HELP” key functions at any point while in the program, and will pop up a window describing where you are and what is expected. Some help screens will also have highlighted words or phrases on them; you may use the “TAB” or arrow keys to jump to one of these words, and when it is highlighted, hit the “RETURN” key to jump to the help screen for that topic.

The “ Zoom In<->Zoom Out“ function key allows you to temporarily expand the viewing area for your listing of mail messages. By default, the window where you can view is 18 lines long by 78 characters wide; by “Zooming in” you can expand that area to a full 23 lines by 80 columns (this hides the menu bar and status area at the bottom of the screen). Once you “Zoom in”, you can return the screen to its normal format by “Zooming out” (hitting the same function key again - each time you select the Zoom key it toggles).

The “ Menu Bar” key (f3) activates the menu bar at the top of the screen and allows you to select an operation from one of the menu selections. Each time the “Menu Bar” key is hit, it toggles you between the menu bar and the message display area.

The “ Delete Message” (f4) key deletes the current message (the currently high- lighted message in your message display area). If you have the “delete verify” setting enabled (described later) then a box will pop up to make you verify that you REALLY want to delete the message; if not, it will be deleted and your message display will be updated.

The “ Refresh” key (f5) can be used in the event something occurs to interrupt or cor- rupt your screen (a powerfail perhaps). It will re-paint the current screen for you.

NetMail/3000 allows you to perform operations on groups of messages at a time. Many of the menu options will operate on the current (highlighted) message, all messages in your current folder, sometimes on all new messages, and also on all “tagged” messages. The tagging capability allows you to randomly select messages in your current folder (by hitting the key f7 labelled

“Tag this Message”), after which they will be marked with a “[“ on the left and a “]” on the right side of the display around the message. You can tag up to twenty four (24) messages at a time. Once you have tagged ANY messages, you will be given the option of working on “all tagged” messages for those menu selections that support it (read, delete, print, file).

The “ EXIT’ key (f8) ends the program.

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NetMail/3000 specifications

HP NetMail/3000 was a pioneering messaging system designed primarily for the Hewlett-Packard 3000 series of computers. This innovative email system became popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, providing users with a robust platform for electronic communication, data sharing, and collaboration within organizations.

One of the key features of HP NetMail/3000 was its user-friendly interface, which allowed even less technical users to navigate and utilize its capabilities effectively. The system supported a wide array of email functionalities, including sending and receiving messages, creating distribution lists, and managing folders. Users could also attach files effortlessly, making it easy to share documents and other resources.

Underlying the HP NetMail/3000 system was a set of advanced technologies that enabled its robust performance. Built on the MPE/iX operating system, it leveraged the strengths of HP’s proprietary architecture. The system utilized a client-server model, allowing multiple users to access their emails simultaneously without degradation in performance. This architecture also facilitated easier management of the mail server, as system administrators could perform tasks such as backups and upgrades without disrupting user access.

Another remarkable characteristic of HP NetMail/3000 was its integration capabilities with other applications. The messaging system could seamlessly connect with various data management systems, enabling users to pull in data and automate workflows. This integration made it possible to create dynamic email notifications based on database events and streamline business processes.

Security was also a focal point for HP NetMail/3000. The system supported user authentication, ensuring that only authorized personnel could access sensitive information. Furthermore, messages could be encrypted, protecting the privacy of the communications exchanged over the network.

In terms of storage, HP NetMail/3000 offered significant capabilities to manage large volumes of email data. Users could organize their messages efficiently, archiving important communications while maintaining quick access to frequently used emails.

Despite its eventual decline with the rise of more modern email platforms, HP NetMail/3000 was a crucial stepping stone in the evolution of electronic mail systems. Its features, performance, and integration capabilities helped lay the groundwork for the sophisticated communication tools we use today. The legacy of HP NetMail/3000 endures as an important chapter in the history of digital communication.