Configuring Mail Behaviour

When the mail system is invoked, either for reading or sending mail, a system-wide mail configuration file (/usr/lib/Mail.rc) is read. Then, if it exists, file $HOME/.mailrc is also read.

That file may contain, among mail configuration commands, aliases for mail to use. An example of such an alias could be:

claude cantin@nickel.sao.nrc.ca +cantin
wayne wayne.podaima@nrc.ca +wayne
group claude stan

If mail is sent to group, it will then automatically be sent to both claude and wayne, which actually means cantin@nickel.sao.nrc.ca, the mail folder cantin, wayne.podaima@nrc.ca and the mail folder wayne.

For more information on the .mailrc file, see the Special Files chapter of Book II: Advanced Introduction.