Quick Start: LISTSERV

Contents

1. What is a LISTSERV?

2. Subscribing to a LISTSERV
3. Unsubscribing to a LISTSERV
4. Filtering LISTSERV Messages
5. Requesting a LISTSERV

What is a LISTSERV List?

LISTSERVs (often referred to as 'lists' or 'mailing lists') allow a user to distribute information through e-mail to many people at once by sending the message to one e-mail address. Each person who receives a message from a LISTSERV is considered to be 'subscribed' to that list. LISTSERVs are used for discussion forums, event and update notifications, and news delivery.

The most common use of LISTSERVs at Virginia Tech is for classes. Many course instructors set up a LISTSERV for each of their classes so they may distribute information to all the students in a specific class. They may e-mail important class updates or answer questions that come up during class time. This also allows a student to e-mail the LISTSERV with a question and for other students to answer the question. LISTSERVs are a valuable tool in saving class time.

LISTSERV does not restrict sending or receiving attachments. However, Virginia Tech imposes a 5 MB file size limit to any incoming or outgoing e-mail message. As long as the total size of the e-mail you are sending is less than 5 MB, you will be able to send attachments to any LISTSERV list.

If you are a student, it is important to know that when you are subscribed to a class list, you may be responsible for all information discussed on it. Instructors often make changes to homework assignments and clarify material discussed in class on LISTSERVs. Also, you can not remove yourself from a class list. The professor must sign you off.

LISTSERVs can generate many e-mail messages a day. It is recommended that you filter LISTSERV messages to keep them separate from other personal mail. Filtering puts LISTSERV messages in their own mailbox, making them easier to sort through. Instructions for setting up an e-mail filter in both Outlook Express and Eudora are listed below. If you find that a specific LISTSERV is generating too many unwanted messages and you don't need the list, you may unsubscribe from it.

When using a LISTSERV, you must abide by all rules set forth in Virginia Tech's Acceptable Use Policy. To view these regulations, see the Acceptable Use Guidelines.

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Subscribing to a LISTSERV

Since your interests are probably not limited to only the classes you are taking, you may want to join other LISTSERVs to discuss a variety of things. A list of Virginia Tech LISTSERVs can be viewed at the L-Soft website. Search for 'vt.edu' with a check in the 'Host name' box. This list contains only general lists, not class LISTSERVs. To subscribe to a class LISTSERV it is best to contact the instructor of the course. To subscribe to any general list, see Subscribing to a LISTSERV List. (http://www.answers.vt.edu/ask4help/ad_min/vtkb181.htm)

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Unsubscribing from a List

By removing yourself from a LISTSERV, you will no longer receive messages from the list or have the ability to post messages to the list. Before using the unsubscribe feature, consider whether or not you need the information it provides. When you are sure that you want to unsubscribe, refer to Unsubscribing from a LISTSERV List. (http://www.answers.vt.edu/ask4help/ad_min/vtkb173.htm)

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Filtering LISTSERV Messages

Some LISTSERVs can produce many e-mail messages a day. If you are a subscriber to such a list, and you don't want those messages to clutter your inbox, you may set up a filter to put them in a different folder. Instructions for filtering in Outlook Express and Eudora follow:

Outlook Express:

For Windows

1. Select 'Message Rules/Mail...' from the 'Tools' drop down menu.
2. If the 'New Mail Rule' dialogue box does not open automatically, click 'New...'.
3. In the list labeled '1. Select the Conditions for your rule:'
   • Place a check in the box for 'Where the From line contains people'.
   • Place a check in the box for 'Where the To line contains people'.
4. In the list labeled '2. Select the Actions for your rule:', place a check in the box for 'Move it to the specified folder'.
5. In the box labeled '3. Rule Description (click on an underlined value to edit it):'
   • Click on the 'contains people' link for 'Where the From line'.
     1. Type the address of the LISTSERV in the text box.
     2. Click 'Add'.
     3. Click 'OK'.
   • Click on the 'contains people' link for 'Where the To line'.
     1. Type the address of the LISTSERV in the text box.
     2. Click 'Add'.
     3. Click 'OK'.
   • Click on the 'and' link.
     1. Select the option for 'Match any one of the criteria'
     2. Click the 'OK' button.
   • Click on the 'specified' link.
     1. Click on 'New Folder'.
     2. Type in the name you want to call the folder.
     3. Click 'OK'.
     4. Click 'OK'.
6. Click 'OK'.
7. Click 'OK'.

For Macintosh:

1. Select 'Rules' from the 'Tools' drop down menu.
2. Click 'New'.
3. Type a name in the 'Rule name:' text box.
4. In the 'If' section:
   1. Select 'Any To recipient' from the pull down list with the default value of 'All messages'.
   2. Select 'Contains' from the new pull down list that appears.
   3. Type the e-mail address of the LISTSERV in the text box.
5. In the 'Then' section:
   1. Select 'Move message' from the pull down list.
   2. Select 'Choose folder...' from the next pull down list that appears.
   3. Click 'New' .
   4. Type a name in the 'Name of new folder:' text box.
   5. Click 'Create' .
   6. Click 'Choose'.
   7. Click 'OK' .

Eudora:

For Windows:

1. Select 'Filters' from the 'Tools' drop down menu.
2. Click 'New'.
3. Select 'To:' from the pull down list for the first 'Header:'.
4. Select 'or' from the pull down list with the default value of 'ignore'.
5. Select 'From:' from the pull down list for the second 'Header:'.
6. Type the address of the LISTSERV in both text boxes.
7. Under 'Action':
   1. Select 'Transfer To:' from the first pull down menu.
   2. Click the button that appears.
   3. Select 'New...' .
   4. Type a name for the new mailbox in the the text box.
   5. Click 'OK' .
8. Close the 'Filters' window.
9. Click 'Yes' .

For Macintosh:

1. Highlight a message from the LISTSERV you want to filter in the Inbox.
2. Select 'Make Filter...' from the 'Special' drop down menu.
3. Select the option button for 'Any Recipient contains'.
4. Click 'Create Filter'.

This will create a new mail box with the address for the LISTSERV as its title.

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Requesting a LISTSERV

Faculty of record, staff, and registered student organizations can request a Virginia Tech LISTSERV. Requests are reviewed to ensure that they are eligible. Virginia Tech lists are only available for official university functions.

• Faculty may automatically create a LISTSERV for their classes using the online Faculty Access form. Teaching Assistants (TAs) are not allowed to request a class list.
• To request a general list, use the online General List Request Form at: Request a General List.
• As an owner of a LISTSERV, you have many tools you can use to customize the list to suit your needs. To use online tools to customize your list, visit List Tools. A manual of LISTSERV commands can be found at the L-Soft website.

Note: If you or your organization would like a non-Virginia Tech affiliated recreational list (for example, discussions concerning hobbies), there are many free, web-based services available.

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