Tip: A tooltip is shown automatically describing the function of each icon.
Icon definitions
Exit
Returns to the News screen of ZIMACS
Previous/Next message
Pressing these arrows will move you between messages without having to exit the current message and then double click on the next message.
Previous/Next subject
This allows you to move between subjects without having to read all the messages in the currently selected subject.
Next unread news article
This icon allows you to read through only those messages which are waiting to be read rather than having to move through previously received and read news messages.
Tip: Pressing the middle mouse button when the mouse cursor is over the message body text will move to the next unread item.
Follow-up News Article
Creates a new message for the currently selected subject. When clicked a dialog box will appear asking if you wish to quote the currently selected message. If answered 'Yes' then the News Write window appears with the quoted message displayed and ready for you to type your message with which you intend to refer to within your message. This is standard protocol as some users quote large sections of text followed by their reply. This is considered bad practice and can lead to you getting 'flamed'.
Tip: You can include part of the message by highlighting the text before clicking on Follow-up.
Direct reply
This icon is used to create an E-mail message addressed to the sender of the message. This is used when you wish to send a private reply of the subject rather than posting a follow-up in the newsgroup. As with Follow-Up button a dialog box will appear asking if you wish to quote the original message.
Forward message
This allows you to send an e-mail copy of the message to whoever you wish. When the button is pressed, the Mail Write screen appears with the message quoted in full. All that is required is for you to fill in the e-mail address of the person you wish to forward the e-mail to.
Tag message
This allows you to tag the message for working with later on. This is explained in a later section.
Show Header
Pressing this icon displays the message header. This contains information about the message itself and includes the Internet route that the message took, the date posted, the software used to post the message and the authors name.
Save message
This allows you to save the message as a text file. When pressed a dialog box appears asking for a filename to be given.
Print message
Pressing this button allows you to print out the message you are reading. When pressed the standard Windows printer dialog box appears. To print the message simply press the OK button. The printer is the default printer for Windows. This can be changed through the Control Panel of Windows.
Decode message
See 'Decoding File Attachments'
Delete message
Pressing this button will delete the current message. Note: Once you have deleted a message it cannot be recovered.
Tip: Right click on the sender address to bring up the kill file with the sender address in the Address box. Shift and right click on the subject to add it the kill file.
Tip: Double click on the sender address to add it to the Address Book.
Tip: Double click on a URL to open it with your default browser.