An element is the basic structural unit in a library. An
  element consists of a file and all its versions
  (generations).  When you create an element and place it
  in a CMS library for the first time, CMS creates
  generation 1 of that element.   Each time you replace an
  element in the library, CMS creates a new generation of
  that file.  Thus, a generation represents a specific
  version of an element.

  CMS can store any type of OpenVMS file except a directory
  file.

  You can perform the following functions on elements:

  o  Create and delete elements
  o  Reserve elements
  o  Fetch a readonly copy of an element
  o  Insert elements into and remove elements from
     groups
  o  Set or change the attributes of an element
  o  View elements, their generations, and their
     attributes

1  –  Element attrs

  You can display and set the following types of element
  attributes:

  o  Whether concurrent reservations are allowed
  o  Whether reference copies are maintained for
     elements
  o  Whether new element generations are marked
     for review
  o  Whether history information is included when the
     element is retrieved
  o  Whether notes are included when the element is
     retrieved

  Use the following steps to display an element's
  attributes:

  1. Display an Element view.
  2. Choose the desired element.
  3. Pull down the View menu.
  4. Pull down the Expand submenu.
  5. Choose the Attributes menu item.

  Use the following steps to set or change an element's
  attributes:

  1. Pull down the Maintenance menu.
  2. Pull down the Modify submenu.
  3. Choose the Element... menu item.

  A dialog box appears, allowing you to modify the element.