patch-metamail(1) UNIX System V (Release 1) patch-metamail(1)
NAME
patch-metamail - Install a patch to the latest metamail
release
SYNOPSIS
patch-metamail source-tree-root patch-number [hostname
[dirname [prefix]]]
DESCRIPTION
The patch-metamail program will attempt to retreive a patch
file for the metamail distribution, using anonymous ftp to a
trusted server, and then install that patch in your local
copy of the distribution.
The first two arguments, which are required, are the root
directory of your local copy of the metamail source
directory, and the patch number. The former is site-
dependent, the latter is patch-dependent.
In general, patch-metamail is intended to be called via
metamail, with a mailcap entry like the following:
application/x-metamail-patch;patch-metamail source-tree-root
%{patchnumber}; needsterminal
The default values for the host to ftp to, the directory
name to retrieve the file from, and the patch file name
prefix are hard-wired to thumper.bellcore.com, pub/nsb, and
"mm.patch.". While you can override these on the command
line, it would be a big mistake to make these parameterized
based on the contents of a mail message, because then
someone could spoof you into retrieving a new version of
metamail with a Trojan horse from their site! However, as
long as you retain control over what host and dire ctory the
patches are retrieved from, this program is reasonably safe
(as safe as the host you're depending on, anyway).
SEE ALSO
metamail(1)
COPYRIGHT
Copyright (c) 1991 Bell Communications Research, Inc.
(Bellcore)
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this
material for any purpose and without fee is hereby granted,
provided that the above copyright notice and this permission
notice appear in all copies, and that the name of Bellcore
not be used in advertising or publicity pertaining to this
material without the specific, prior written permission of
an authorized representative of Bellcore. BELLCORE MAKES NO
Page 1 (printed 5/3/99)
patch-metamail(1) UNIX System V (Release 1) patch-metamail(1)
REPRESENTATIONS ABOUT THE ACCURACY OR SUITABILITY OF THIS
MATERIAL FOR ANY PURPOSE. IT IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT
ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES.
AUTHOR
Nathaniel S. Borenstein, Bellcore
Page 2 (printed 5/3/99)
