Using Filegrams
Here is a summary of the basic steps needed to send and install a
filegram:
- The filegram sender creates a FILEGRAM-type template for a
specified file (Create/Edit Filegram Template [DIFG CREATE] option). The
Display Filegram Template [DIFG DISPLAY] option can be used to review the
template.
- The sender can optionally designate specifiers with the
Specifiers
[DIFG SPECIFIERS] option. These are used for matching existing entries with
filegrams.
- The sender then generates a filegram for a specific entry (Generate
Filegram [DIFG GENERATE] option). The filegram is placed into a MailMan message. The
filegram sender sends this message to an individual or individuals at a remote
or local destination.
- The recipient
receives the Filegram with MailMan, reading the mail
message containing the filegram, and forwarding it to S.DIFG-SRV-HISTORY. This
is a special server that loads the message into the recipient's FILEGRAM
HISTORY file (#1.12) and sets up the interface between VA FileMan and MailMan
on the target system.
If you want to install the filegram on a system
other than the one where you received it, instead of immediately forwarding to
the S.DIFG-SRV-HISTORY server, forward the message to an individual on the
ultimate target system (who in turn forwards it to their
S.DIFG-SRV-HISTORY server.
- Both the sender and the recipient can use the
View Filegram
[DIFG VIEW] option to inspect the filegram.
- Then the recipient of the filegram on the target system uses
the
Install/Verify Filegram [DIFG INSTALL] option to install the filegram
into the destination file.
- Senders and recipients can
delete a
filegram at any time.
The recipient can choose to modify the S.DIFG-SRV-HISTORY server or
create another server to aid in the installation of filegrams.
NOTE: For additional information about setting up servers, please
refer to the Kernel and MailMan documentation.
Reviewed/Updated: June 2026