I enjoyed this review assignment. The book is enriched by additional possibilities of utilizing electronic mail. I discovered two complementary efforts, the imagination of the software designers and the author’s ability to explain the enhanced features of a unique piece of software. Anyone who views electronic mail as just a means to pass a memorandum or missive from one person to another will be surprised to see the added capabilities of Z-Mail.

The book describes the features in three modes of operation, including the full screen mode. I would like to concentrate on the enhanced features.

The concept of file folders for particular subjects seems natural within the UNIX environment, since file structures are important in the operating system, and Z-Mail exploits them. I appreciated the ability to get into and out of the vi editor, since it will allow users to create and edit messages with ease. Also, who wants to be directed to learn another editor?

The transmission of binary files was a total surprise. How many people have had to deal with Kermit or some other utility to port binary files? Here you have it all in one convenient software package.

The software package has some nice human engineering features. The ability to filter messages for viewing based on parameter selection is good. People often need to organize their attention to activities on a selective basis. This selection process may have multiple parameters. The use of aliases to abbreviate the identification of someone in the distribution process makes life easier.

The last surprise is just as good as the first. How would you like to embed UNIX script commands in the message itself? This technique is extremely powerful. I can imagine many uses for it.

I am not pleased with anyone who tampers with meta-character definitions. I can never endorse this folly and make no attempt to do that here.

The author takes you through the features and modes in such a way that you should enjoy learning and using Z-Mail. The author has taken advantage of a good effort in electronic mail software design. She is to be praised for her presentation style.

Anyone who is considering buying this book might be well advised to check what UNIX platforms Z-Mail runs on. As of January 30, 1992, Z-Mail is reported to run on the SUN, HP, DEC (Ultrix), IBM (AIX), and Santa Cruz versions of UNIX.