Bulletin file (logon information file)

Systems support can set up a file which is stored under the name $TSOS.BULLETIN and is automatically output to all users on logon. $TSOS.BULLETIN must be shareable and should be protected with a write password or permit read access only:

Structure and content of the bulletin file

It is advisable to structure the bulletin file as follows:

1. General information for all users

2. Special information for certain user groups or individual users

3. Additional information that can be queried by all users

Alongside messages which are addressed to all users, special information can be sent to certain target groups or individual users. This is made available to dialog users by means of the message
CONTINUE userid (Y,N)?

If the user responds with N, the output of the bulletin file is aborted.

The bulletin file should be structured in such a way that, after the first current message, the dialog user can choose whether or not to output subsequent messages. For this reason the query should be inserted before every subsequent message.
CONTINUE (Y,N)? or CONTINUE userid (Y,N)?

Note on batch operation
All user-specific messages are output to SYSLST.
Only the first message of the bulletin file is output to SYSOUT. The most recent messages should therefore always be located at the start of the bulletin file.

Example

In the bulletin general information for all users should contain additional information which can be queried for the users ALLKIND and general information for all users which can be queried:

/START-EDT 
  *************************************************************************
  ** Welcome to the server X/YZ !                                        **
  ** Normal OPEN SESSION operation from 07:00 to 21:00.                  **
  **                                                                     **
  ** Service numbers:  Tape announcement Tel. 12345                      **
  **                   List output       Tel. 34512                      **
  **                   Control center    Tel. 51234                      **
  *************************************************************************
  ** IMPORTANT!                                                          **
  ** On Friday the system will be shut down at 17:00                     **
  ** for maintenance work.                                               **
  *************************************************************************
**STOP**$ALLKIND 
  ** IMPORTANT!  URGENT !                                                **
  ** Release the volumes MINE1 and MINE4 which you have reserved.        **
  ** ** For questions, telephone the Control Center on 89067             **
  *************************************************************************
**STOP**$ALLKIND 
  ** IMPORTANT!                                                          **
  ** Your private disk PRIV03 is not currently available.                **
  ** Please contact us (Tel. 51234).                                     **
  *************************************************************************
**STOP**$ALLKIND 
  ** Your account number M0815 will become invalid.                      **
  ** For a new account number: Mrs. Acco, Tel. 67890                     **
  *************************************************************************
**STOP** 
  ** During next week  print center refurbishment.                       **
  ** Please be ready for delays during this period.                      **
  *************************************************************************
W'BULLETIN'
HALT 

Output 1st screen

Output follow-up screen