DOCUMENT ID: 1331-02

SYNOPSIS:    Running two or more concurrent mailtools

OS RELEASE:  2.4, 2.5

PRODUCT:     Solaris    

KEYWORDS:    mailtool coexist


DESCRIPTION:

Running multiple mailtools can cause confusion and file destruction.


SOLUTION:

The temptation to use the -f option as a cure for this problem is too
simplistic.  Use of the done button will make this very apparent.  The
$HOME/.mtdeletelog file being accessed by two mailtools concurrently is
the source of the "Mailtool is confused message".  Changing the notion
of each mailtool's home is the root of the solution.  A script similar
to the one illustrated will solve the problem.  The included script
demonstrates how a mailfile "boss_stuff" can be active currently with
full functionality and not conflict with a primary mailtool.  The reason
for a separate script file is to ease testing and avoid confusion. 
Several surrogate home directories are required.  Each "home" directory
is the residing place for a .mtdeletelog file and a "mailrc" type file
to allow separate mailtool configurations.  A link to the
$HOME/.Xauthority file must also be present in each "home" directory. 

WARNING: don't try to monitor your primary mail file with two concurrent
tools. 

 #!/bin/sh
 REALHOME=$HOME
 HOME=$HOME/althome1
 MAILRC=$HOME/.nmailrc
 MAIL=$REALHOME/MAIL/boss_stuff
 export HOME MAILRC MAIL
 mailtool -fg red &


DATE APPROVED: 05/08/95