How Do I ... Send Messages
There are a few ways to send messages with Premvet 5 (vet3000, and to some extent PracticeMaster).
Messages can be split into two categories,
Specific users
E-Mail
This will work on ALL unix based systems so will include PracticeMaster.
E-Mail is sent to Unix users - that is to the name you enter when you first startup the system e.g. at the machine!login prompt. This option is ideal if you have staff spread over multiple sites or want to tell Auntie Flo in Australia she is a granny.
I won't go into details on E-Mail as there are lots of different Mail Readers available. If anyone wants more details mail me and the guides/How to's will be written. The system will check during the course of the day and will beep and advise you if new e-mail has been received.
To access your E-Mail from Premvet 5, use any of:
- At the $ (or #) prompt type
mail - Press F6 and at the Vet> prompt type
mail - Use the menu Option: 'T'ext Utilities -> 'E'-mail
If you are using a Windows Mailer e.g. Outlook, Eudora etc. just click the Icon - these do not require you to type anything on the Unix box.
There are on-line manuals for Mutt and Elm, popular readers on your system accessed via 'H'elp -> 'T'he Manual.
- At the $ (or #) prompt type
Vet System Messages
This option is built into Premvet 5 (and Vet3000) and does not depend on any Operating System commands. Messages are sent to specific (or groups) of Vet users - that is the user name you known as by Premvet 5.
Messages are sent by pressing the function key F5 (or ^T).
At this point you can:
- Enter the user ID of the user you want to send the message to
- Enter an asterix (*) for all users (Retired users will be ignored)
- Enter a number (1-5) to send to all members of that group
- (Groups are set within the password maint option to group together staff with a similar job function e.g. Vet's, Nurses, reception etc.)
You will then be prompted for up to 10 lines of text - enter as required.
The main menu will show you how many 'personal messages' you have (assuming option is switch on). Messages can be read by entering an '=' at the main menu, management or clinical prompt lines.
When you display the messages, the 1st 2/3 will be displayed and you can use the 'M'ore option to scroll through them. You have additional option to Print and Delete them - refer to the full manual for details.
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Talk
This is an oldish Xenix utility that allows you to have a 'real-time' conversation with another logged in user. To access this, press the function key F2 while logged into the vet System.
The screen will display the currently logged in users, select as required. The user you are contacting will be 'called' five times - a message will appear on their screen advising them you are calling, if they want to talk to you the press F2.
The screen will split into two, anything you type will appear in the top box and anything the other user types appears in the lower windows. To exit talk either user should press the DELete key.
Messages to all users.
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Premvet Messages
Use the F5 message - * option to mail everyone -
System-wide Message
The option 'U'tilities - 'S'ystemwide Message can be used to post a message that all users will see when they start up the vet system. (One of the parameter setting can switch this off).
The message is one screens worth and can be used to advise staff of rota changes, parties, changes in practice policy, prices etc.
The System-Wide message can also be read by pressing an '=' at the main menu.
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Unix 'wall' command
If you are shutting down the system or need to advise all logged in users in a hurry something is about to happen. Wall does not care about what is on the screen and does not care if the user is using a vet system - if they are logged in they will get the message.
Login as root (you can do it as a 'normal' user but need a couple of changes beforehand) and type wall. The cursor will jump down a line - type in the text, taking as many lines as required then when finished press <ctrl>d - the text will be sent to the remote screens.