[1/17/94: version 1.8b is in beta test and will be released soon.  It
includes several features LISTSERV users have wanted for a while, as well as
one that will be relevant more and more in the future: a spam control
function, in which LISTSERV's core servers will exchange information on
potential spams and automatically take action to limit their spread.  I will
cover this more in a future version of the FAQ.]

LISTSERV is sometimes called "BITNET LISTSERV," but it's not just for BITNET
any more!  As of version 1.8a, it's a commercial product sold by L-Soft
International, a company started by LISTSERV's author Eric Thomas
(ERIC@LSOFT.COM).  It is probably the fullest-featured of the MLM's; it also
is one of the easiest to configure remotely.  However, it's not free :-).

Evaluation kits are at <ftp://ftp.spc.edu/listserv/>.  They are fully
functional except that they support a limited number of lists and
subscribers, and include an "evaluation system" message in all outgoing mail.

Supported platforms: LISTSERV is available for AIX, BSDi, HP-UX, Irix, Linux,
OSF/1, Solaris, SunOS, and Ultrix, as well as VMS, VM/CMS, and Windows NT.

To find out the basics about using LISTSERV, write "HELP" in the body of a
message to LISTSERV@LISTSERV.NET.  To get more in-depth information, send it
the command "INFO" for a listing of informational files, and then "GET" the
files that sound interesting to you.  Release notes for the past few years'
worth of LISTSERV can be retrieved from LISTSERV@searn.sunet.se by sending it
"GET LINFO FILELIST" in the body of a message ("LINFO" being L-Soft Info).

For sales information, send mail to SALES@LSOFT.COM.

To discuss LISTSERV with sysadmins, subscribe to LSTSRV-L by writing "sub
LSTSRV-L Your Name" in the body of a message to LISTSERV@uga.cc.uga.edu.  You
may also be interested in LSTOWN-L, for owners of LISTSERV lists --
discussion here will give you a feel for what it's like to remotely
administer a LISTSERV list.  Subscribe by writing "sub LSTOWN-L Your Name" to
LISTSERV@searn.sunet.se.  You can browse through back issues of either of
these lists at <gopher://searn.sunet.se/>.  (Note: LISTSERV systems
participate in a global directory of lists, so commands and postings for
these lists and all other public LISTSERV lists can also be sent to
LISTSERV@LISTSERV.NET, for commands, or <listname>@LISTSERV.NET, for
postings.  This shortcut doesn't apply to getting files, though, because file
names don't imply a server site.)