19. Startup

This section describes commands which are only useful in the `.screenrc' file, for use at startup.

19.1 echo

Command: echo [`-n'] message

(none)
The echo command may be used to annoy screen users with a 'message of the day'. Typically installed in a global screenrc. The option `-n' may be used to suppress the line feed. See also sleep. Echo is also useful for online checking of environment variables.

19.2 sleep

Command: sleep num

(none)
This command will pause the execution of a .screenrc file for num seconds. Keyboard activity will end the sleep. It may be used to give users a chance to read the messages output by echo.

19.3 Startup Message

Command: startup_message state

(none)
Select whether you want to see the copyright notice during startup. Default is `on', as you probably noticed.