Unofficial IBM-MAIN FAQ

This page was created to answer commonly asked questions on the IBM-MAIN mailing-list/newsgroup. It is not sanctioned or endorsed by the IBM-MAIN list owner or list provider.

What is the purpose of the IBM-MAIN mailing-list/newsgroup?

It is used for information sharing by users of IBM Mainframe computers. Although open to all users of IBM mainframes, the majority of posters are MVS (OS/390) systems programmers.

Who is owner of the IBM-MAIN mailing-list/newsgroup?

Darren Evans-Young

If you are having problems with the list, please send private email to him at darren@BAMA.UA.EDU and not to the list.

How do I subscribe to the IBM-MAIN mailing list?

Send an email to listserv@bama.ua.edu with this in the body of the note:

        SUBSCRIBE IBM-MAIN your_name_here

You will receive an email from the mailing list LISTSERV which you must replied to according to the directions in the email. If all goes well, you will get a confirmation email back.

How do I unsubscribe from the IBM-MAIN mailing list?

Send an email to listserv@bama.ua.edu with this in the body of the note:

        SIGNOFF IBM-MAIN

How do I search the IBM-Main Archives?

The easiest way is to use the IBM-Main Archives web page.
You can also search via the List Server by sending a note to listserv@bama.ua.edu and put this in the body of the note:

search 'str1' 'str2' in ibm-main since yyddmm
The Deja search engine can also be used. The Power Search option can be used to limit searches to IBM-Main by using the forum name of bit.listserv.ibm-main.

How can I get the IBM-MAIN mailing list in one big email a day?

You can change your subscription to DIGEST mode by sending an email to listserv@bama.ua.edu with this in the body of the note:

        SET IBM-MAIN DIGEST

As an alternative, many people direct their email from a mailing list to a folder to make mailing list emails more manageable.

Return to the Planet MVS home page.