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The mail service has the capability to send out automated vacation messages to anybody who sends you a mail message after you have enabled the feature. This can be done using the Vacation Notification Manager, accessible via the CDE desktop, under the paper inbox icon. It is also invoked by typing the following pathname at the command prompt:
/etc/mail/admin/vacation
The Vacation Notification Manager (VNM) is accesible in either graphical or character mode.
When you return, you can disable the vacation messages and also view a log of everyone who was notified of your absence. Only one copy of the message is sent to each person who sends you mail during your absence.
For example, fred sends you three pieces of mail during your absence: only the first message from fred is replied to by the vacation service. Thus it is usually a good idea to edit your extended absence message to contain the date of your return.
Note that the vacation service is independent of the user agent you are running. Whether you use Netscape, dtmail, or a network client, the vacation service will work for you.
The vacation manager edits the file .maildelivery in your home directory to cause the /usr/bin/vacation program to be called for each mail message that arrives in your inbox. This program will then send out automated replies with a message of your choice. See vacation(1) and maildelivery(4) for more information if you wish to edit these files yourself.
Full details of the Vacation Manager are given in Vacation Notification Manager.