The unofficial
IBM-MAIN Mailing-List/Newsgroup
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions)


General question section

Fastpath to the other FAQ pages: [ General // Posting // Technical // Humor // Vendor ]


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.


What other ways can I interact with the listserver other than setting the DIGEST mode?

To see a list of the most commonly used LISTSERV commands, send an email to listserv@bama.ua.edu with this in the body of the note: 
        help
What are all of these WINMAIL.DAT application/ms-tnef things I see in the IBM-MAIN mailing-list digest?

A side effect of using Microsoft products - The sender needs to turn off the Microsoft Rich Text format option for his mail sent to this Mailing list. Not everybody uses Microsoft products!


What's up with those acronyms used on IBM-MAIN?

See the IBM-MAIN commonly used acronyms.


What are the other IBM mainframe-related Mailing lists and newsgroups?

Here are a few lists:
You can also search for Newsgroups and mailing lists via:


What other IBM-Main FAQs are available?



Did a squirrel knock IBM-Main down?

Yes, see: ADMINISTRIVIA: IBM-MAIN Outtage

Squirrel attack cuts power, cancels classes. January 30, 2002 :: The Crimson White (newspaper)


This web page was created from posts to the IBM-MAIN mailing-list/NewsGroup (unless noted differently). All dates have been changed to the ISO format: "CCYY-MM-DD". This FAQ is in the Public Domain. It is currently edited by David Alcock. Please feel free to send me any suggestions, spelling corrections, etc.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER

This article is provided as-is without any expressed or implied warranties. While every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this article, the author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use or mis-use of the information contained herein.

Any product or service mentioned in this document does not constitute any kind of recommendation or endorsement by the author. Should you decide to make use of any such product or service mentioned in this document you do so at your own risk.

This article, its associated web site, and its author are in no way affiliated with IBM, the IBM-MAIN list owner or list provider.

All trademarks mentioned in this document are property of their respective owners.


IBM-MAIN FAQ Version 1.4
This page was last updated on 2003-02-21