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If you're an experienced Emacs user, you can skip the following conventions and definition of terms and go directly to section Getting Started below. The conventions are as follows:
A prefix argument allows you to pass an argument to any Emacs function. To pass an argument, type C-u before the Emacs command or keystroke. Numeric arguments can be passed as well. For example, to insert five f's, use C-u 5 f. There is a default of four when using C-u, and you can use multiple prefix arguments to provide arguments of powers of four. To continue our example, you could insert four f's with C-u f, 16 f's with C-u C-u f, 64 f's with C-u C-u C-u f, and so on. Numeric and valueless negative arguments can also be inserted with the META key. Examples include M-5 to specify an argument of 5, or M-- which specifies a negative argument with no particular value.
NOTE
The prefix C-u or M- is not necessary in mh-e's MH-Folder modes (see section Receiving Mail). In these modes, simply enter the numerical argument before entering the command.
There are several other terms that are used in Emacs that you should know. The point is where the cursor currently is. You can save your current place in the file by setting a mark. This operation is useful in several ways. The mark can be later used when defining a region, which is the text between the point and mark. Many commands operate on regions, such as those for deleting text or filling paragraphs. A mark can be set with C-@@ (or C-SPC).
The minibuffer is the bottom line of the Emacs window, where all
prompting and multiple-character input is directed. If you are prompted
for information in the minibuffer, such as a filename, Emacs can help
you complete your answer if you type SPC or TAB. A second
SPC or TAB will list all possibilities at that point. The
minibuffer is also where you enter Emacs function names after typing
M-x. For example, in the first paragraph, I mentioned that you
could obtain help with C-h t (help-with-tutorial). What
this means is that you can get a tutorial by typing either C-h t
or M-x help-with-tutorial. In the latter case, you are prompted
for `help-with-tutorial' in the minibuffer after typing M-x.
In case of trouble: Emacs can be interrupted at any time with C-g. For example, if you've started a command that requests that you enter something in the minibuffer, but then you change your mind, type C-g and you'll be back where you started. If you want to exit Emacs entirely, use C-x C-c.
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