This section outlines the differences between how LISTSERV is implemented on VM and non-VM machines, and the differences between LISTSERV and LISTSERV Lite.
There are actually two different file server systems in operation across the LISTSERV network. One is the original version running on VM, which includes the ability to create "filelists" (indexes) which point in turn to more files which can be stored on the server, and the AFD and FUI functions mentioned above. This file server system, while still quite powerful and easy to use, is unfortunately written in a non-portable language, making a complete rewrite from the beginning a necessity. There has been no change in the VM file server from 1.8b through 1.8e (and subsequently 15.x).
The second file server system currently in operation runs on the VMS, unix, and Windows ports of LISTSERV. This is in essence still a subset of the old system in which the LISTSERV maintainer creates entries in a SITE.CATALOG file for each file that will be made available to users. It is also possible for the LISTSERV maintainer to create hierarchical sub-catalogs, which can be maintained by list owners or other responsible people. Finally, the GIVE command and the ability to create file "packages" are also available. For more information, please see Section 8
File and Notebook Archives.
L-Soft is still developing LISTSERV's file server, which will eventually include a super-set of the original VM file server command set. Pains are being taken to ensure that the most common commands will not change along the development path. This will help to keep a great deal of existing documentation that has been passed along the Internet from becoming obsolete overnight.
LISTSERV 15 includes a significantly-rewritten web archive and management interface. The web interface continues to be unavailable on VM but is available on all other platforms on which the software runs.
LISTSERV Lite is LISTSERV running with a special license activation key (LAK) which limits what you can do with the software. With the Free Edition of LISTSERV Lite (activated by a LAK which is both free and perpetual), you can run up to 10 mailing lists as long as you do not derive a profit from this activity. You can also purchase LISTSERV Lite LAKs that allow more (or unlimited) lists.
However, note carefully that LISTSERV Lite does not have all of the functionality of the full, Classic version--a list of the keywords and functions disabled in LISTSERV Lite follows this paragraph. For more information on the exact terms and conditions under which you may run LISTSERV Lite, please see L-Soft's World Wide Web site or contact L-Soft's sales department.
Note: The fact that the keyword is disabled only means that the default value cannot be changed. For instance, loop checking is still present, you just cannot control the details of its operation. On the other hand, if the default value is that the function in question is disabled (as is the case with "Peers="), then the function is actually gone. See the
List Keyword Reference document for more information.
