diff --git a/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamListTimes/foamListTimes.C b/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamListTimes/foamListTimes.C
index 8e7f119db3..aff20e8df5 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamListTimes/foamListTimes.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/miscellaneous/foamListTimes/foamListTimes.C
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     {
         if (nProcs)
         {
-            // Info<< "Remove " << timeDirs.size()
+            // Serr<< "Remove " << timeDirs.size()
             //     << " processor time directories" << nl;
 
             forAllReverse(timeDirs, timei)
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
         }
         else
         {
-            // Info<< "Remove " << timeDirs.size()
+            // Serr<< "Remove " << timeDirs.size()
             //     << " time directories" << nl;
 
             forAllReverse(timeDirs, timei)
diff --git a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshInfo/surfaceMeshInfo.C b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshInfo/surfaceMeshInfo.C
index 000b88ca41..f800109ec0 100644
--- a/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshInfo/surfaceMeshInfo.C
+++ b/applications/utilities/surface/surfaceMeshInfo/surfaceMeshInfo.C
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
     const scalar scaling = args.lookupOrDefault<scalar>("scale", -1);
     if (scaling > 0)
     {
-        Info<< " -scale " << scaling << nl;
+        DetailInfo << " -scale " << scaling << nl;
         surf.scalePoints(scaling);
     }
 
diff --git a/bin/tools/RunFunctions b/bin/tools/RunFunctions
index 948f2ce349..acc3a987a3 100644
--- a/bin/tools/RunFunctions
+++ b/bin/tools/RunFunctions
@@ -56,9 +56,6 @@ notTest()
 # Extract 'numberOfSubdomains' from system/decomposeParDict
 # (or alternative location).
 #
-# Note that '#include' and other directives are disabled - only entries that
-# are in the dictionary are considered.
-#
 # On failure:
 #    return '1'
 #    exit status 1
@@ -68,14 +65,14 @@ getNumberOfProcessors()
     local dict="${1:-system/decomposeParDict}"
 
     # Re-use positional parameters for automatic whitespace elimination
-    set -- $(foamDictionary -disableFunctionEntries -entry numberOfSubdomains -value "$dict" 2>/dev/null)
+    set -- $(foamDictionary -entry numberOfSubdomains -value "$dict" 2>/dev/null)
 
     if [ "$#" -eq 1 ]
     then
         echo "$1"
     else
         echo "Error getting 'numberOfSubdomains' from '$dict'" 1>&2
-        echo 1 # serial as fallback
+        echo 1      # Fallback is 1 proc (serial)
         return 1
     fi
 }
@@ -84,9 +81,6 @@ getNumberOfProcessors()
 #
 # Extract 'application' from system/controlDict
 #
-# Note that '#include' and other directives are disabled - only entries that
-# are in the dictionary are considered.
-#
 # On failure:
 #    return 'false' which is also a command (ie, shell builtin or /bin/false)
 #    exit status 1
@@ -94,14 +88,14 @@ getNumberOfProcessors()
 getApplication()
 {
     # Re-use positional parameters for automatic whitespace elimination
-    set -- $(foamDictionary -disableFunctionEntries -entry application -value system/controlDict 2>/dev/null)
+    set -- $(foamDictionary -entry application -value system/controlDict 2>/dev/null)
 
     if [ "$#" -eq 1 ]
     then
         echo "$1"
     else
         echo "Error getting 'application' from system/controlDict" 1>&2
-        echo false
+        echo false  # Fallback
         return 1
     fi
 }
diff --git a/src/OSspecific/POSIX/POSIX.C b/src/OSspecific/POSIX/POSIX.C
index 061103e1cf..8c0072ec7d 100644
--- a/src/OSspecific/POSIX/POSIX.C
+++ b/src/OSspecific/POSIX/POSIX.C
@@ -66,6 +66,7 @@ Description
     #include <link.h>
 #endif
 
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Data Members * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 namespace Foam
@@ -74,9 +75,7 @@ namespace Foam
 }
 
 
-// * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Functions  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
-
-//! \cond fileScope
+// * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Local Functions * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 // Like fileName "/" global operator, but retain any invalid characters
 static inline Foam::fileName fileNameConcat
@@ -106,7 +105,23 @@ static inline Foam::fileName fileNameConcat
     // Both strings are empty
     return Foam::fileName();
 }
-//! \endcond
+
+
+// After a fork in system(), before the exec() do the following
+// 1. close stdin
+// 2. redirect stdout to stderr when infoDetailLevel == 0
+static inline void redirects()
+{
+    // Close stdin(0) - unchecked return value
+    (void) ::close(STDIN_FILENO);
+
+    // Redirect stdout(1) to stderr(2) '1>&2'
+    if (Foam::infoDetailLevel == 0)
+    {
+        // This is correct.  1>&2 means dup2(2, 1);
+        (void) ::dup2(STDERR_FILENO, STDOUT_FILENO);
+    }
+}
 
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
@@ -1312,6 +1327,7 @@ static int waitpid(const pid_t pid)
     // in parent - blocking wait
     // modest treatment of signals (in child)
     // treat 'stopped' like exit (suspend/continue)
+
     while (true)
     {
         pid_t wpid = ::waitpid(pid, &status, WUNTRACED);
@@ -1354,11 +1370,7 @@ static int waitpid(const pid_t pid)
 }
 
 
-int Foam::system
-(
-    const std::string& command,
-    const bool background
-)
+int Foam::system(const std::string& command, const bool bg)
 {
     if (command.empty())
     {
@@ -1369,17 +1381,22 @@ int Foam::system
         return 0;
     }
 
-    pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();   // NB: vfork, not fork!
+    const pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();   // NB: vfork, not fork!
+
     if (child_pid == -1)
     {
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "vfork() failed for system command " << command
             << exit(FatalError);
-    }
 
-    if (child_pid == 0)
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
+    }
+    else if (child_pid == 0)
     {
-        // in child
+        // In child
+
+        // Close or redirect file descriptors
+        redirects();
 
         // execl uses the current environ
         (void) ::execl
@@ -1395,27 +1412,19 @@ int Foam::system
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "exec failed: " << command
             << exit(FatalError);
+
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
     }
 
 
-    // In parent:
+    // In parent
+    // - started as background process, or blocking wait for the child
 
-    if (background)
-    {
-        // Started as background process
-        return 0;
-    }
-
-    // blocking wait for the child
-    return waitpid(child_pid);
+    return (bg ? 0 : waitpid(child_pid));
 }
 
 
-int Foam::system
-(
-    const CStringList& command,
-    const bool background
-)
+int Foam::system(const CStringList& command, const bool bg)
 {
     const int argc = command.size();
 
@@ -1432,17 +1441,25 @@ int Foam::system
     // triggered by fork.
     // The normal system() command has a fork buried in it that causes
     // issues with infiniband and openmpi etc.
-    pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();
+
+    const pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();
+
     if (child_pid == -1)
     {
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "vfork() failed for system command " << command[0]
             << exit(FatalError);
-    }
 
-    if (child_pid == 0)
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
+    }
+    else if (child_pid == 0)
     {
-        // In child:
+        // In child
+
+        // Close or redirect file descriptors
+        redirects();
+
+
         // Need command and arguments separately.
         // args is a nullptr-terminated list of c-strings
 
@@ -1453,32 +1470,24 @@ int Foam::system
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "exec(" << command[0] << ", ...) failed"
             << exit(FatalError);
+
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
     }
 
 
-    // In parent:
+    // In parent
+    // - started as background process, or blocking wait for the child
 
-    if (background)
-    {
-        // Started as background process
-        return 0;
-    }
-
-    // blocking wait for the child
-    return waitpid(child_pid);
+    return (bg ? 0 : waitpid(child_pid));
 }
 
 
-int Foam::system
-(
-    const Foam::UList<Foam::string>& command,
-    const bool background
-)
+int Foam::system(const Foam::UList<Foam::string>& command, const bool bg)
 {
     // In the future simply call the CStringList version:
     //
     //     const CStringList cmd(command);
-    //     return Foam::system(cmd, background);
+    //     return Foam::system(cmd, bg);
 
     const int argc = command.size();
 
@@ -1495,17 +1504,25 @@ int Foam::system
     // triggered by fork.
     // The normal system() command has a fork buried in it that causes
     // issues with infiniband and openmpi etc.
-    pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();
+
+    const pid_t child_pid = ::vfork();
+
     if (child_pid == -1)
     {
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "vfork() failed for system command " << command[0]
             << exit(FatalError);
-    }
 
-    if (child_pid == 0)
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
+    }
+    else if (child_pid == 0)
     {
-        // In child:
+        // In child
+
+        // Close or redirect file descriptors
+        redirects();
+
+
         // Need command and arguments separately.
         // args is a nullptr-terminated list of c-strings
 
@@ -1522,19 +1539,15 @@ int Foam::system
         FatalErrorInFunction
             << "exec(" << command[0] << ", ...) failed"
             << exit(FatalError);
+
+        return -1;  // fallback error value
     }
 
 
-    // In parent:
+    // In parent
+    // - started as background process, or blocking wait for the child
 
-    if (background)
-    {
-        // Started as background process
-        return 0;
-    }
-
-    // blocking wait for the child
-    return waitpid(child_pid);
+    return (bg ? 0 : waitpid(child_pid));
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams.H
index 438133dcd2..eeea7ed889 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/IOstreams/IOstreams.H
@@ -47,10 +47,19 @@ Description
 
 namespace Foam
 {
+    //- An Istream wrapper for std::cin
     extern ISstream Sin;
+
+    //- An Ostream wrapper for std::cout
     extern OSstream Sout;
+
+    //- An Ostream wrapper for std::cerr
     extern OSstream Serr;
+
+    //- An Ostream wrapper for parallel output to std::cout
     extern prefixOSstream Pout;
+
+    //- An Ostream wrapper for parallel output to std::cerr
     extern prefixOSstream Perr;
 }
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/Time/TimeIO.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/Time/TimeIO.C
index b1b76dcea1..3fd75510a5 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/Time/TimeIO.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/Time/TimeIO.C
@@ -93,8 +93,6 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
     }
 
     // Check for local switches and settings
-    // - echo values, unless the application was invoked with noBanner
-    const bool echo = argList::bannerEnabled();
 
     const dictionary* localDict = nullptr;
 
@@ -105,11 +103,9 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
      && localDict->size()
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding DebugSwitches according to "
-                << controlDict_.name() << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Overriding DebugSwitches according to "
+            << controlDict_.name() << nl;
 
         simpleObjectRegistry& objs = debug::debugObjects();
 
@@ -123,10 +119,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
             {
                 const List<simpleRegIOobject*>& objects = *objPtr;
 
-                if (echo)
-                {
-                    Info<< "    " << iter() << nl;
-                }
+                DetailInfo << "    " << iter() << nl;
 
                 if (iter().isDict())
                 {
@@ -157,11 +150,9 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
      && localDict->size()
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding InfoSwitches according to "
-                << controlDict_.name() << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Overriding InfoSwitches according to "
+            << controlDict_.name() << nl;
 
         simpleObjectRegistry& objs = debug::infoObjects();
 
@@ -175,10 +166,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
             {
                 const List<simpleRegIOobject*>& objects = *objPtr;
 
-                if (echo)
-                {
-                    Info<< "    " << iter() << nl;
-                }
+                DetailInfo << "    " << iter() << nl;
 
                 if (iter().isDict())
                 {
@@ -208,11 +196,9 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
      && localDict->size()
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding OptimisationSwitches according to "
-                << controlDict_.name() << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Overriding OptimisationSwitches according to "
+            << controlDict_.name() << nl;
 
         simpleObjectRegistry& objs = debug::optimisationObjects();
 
@@ -224,10 +210,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
 
             if (objPtr)
             {
-                if (echo)
-                {
-                    Info<< "    " << iter() << nl;
-                }
+                DetailInfo << "    " << iter() << nl;
 
                 const List<simpleRegIOobject*>& objects = *objPtr;
 
@@ -263,10 +246,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
      && fileHandler().type() != fileHandlerName
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding fileHandler to " << fileHandlerName << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo << "Overriding fileHandler to " << fileHandlerName << nl;
 
         // Remove old watches since destroying the file
         fileNameList oldWatched(controlDict_.watchIndices().size());
@@ -304,11 +284,9 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
      && localDict->size()
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding DimensionedConstants according to "
-                << controlDict_.name() << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Overriding DimensionedConstants according to "
+            << controlDict_.name() << nl;
 
         simpleObjectRegistry& objs = debug::dimensionedConstantObjects();
 
@@ -325,7 +303,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
             {
                 obj->readData(dummyIs);
 
-                if (echo)
+                if (Foam::infoDetailLevel > 0)
                 {
                     Info<< "    ";
                     obj->writeData(Info);
@@ -343,11 +321,9 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
         && localDict->size()
     )
     {
-        if (echo)
-        {
-            Info<< "Overriding DimensionSets according to "
-                << controlDict_.name() << nl;
-        }
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Overriding DimensionSets according to "
+            << controlDict_.name() << nl;
 
         simpleObjectRegistry& objs = debug::dimensionSetObjects();
 
@@ -358,10 +334,7 @@ void Foam::Time::readDict()
 
         if (objPtr)
         {
-            if (echo)
-            {
-                Info<< *localDict << nl;
-            }
+            DetailInfo << *localDict << nl;
 
             const List<simpleRegIOobject*>& objects = *objPtr;
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/calcEntry/calcEntry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/calcEntry/calcEntry.C
index 4fa4a4a271..5a452bdbf6 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/calcEntry/calcEntry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/calcEntry/calcEntry.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2013 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -66,7 +66,8 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::calcEntry::execute
     Istream& is
 )
 {
-    Info<< "Using #calc at line " << is.lineNumber()
+    DetailInfo
+        << "Using #calc at line " << is.lineNumber()
         << " in file " <<  parentDict.name() << endl;
 
     dynamicCode::checkSecurity
@@ -110,7 +111,8 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::calcEntry::execute
     Istream& is
 )
 {
-    Info<< "Using #calc at line " << is.lineNumber()
+    DetailInfo
+        << "Using #calc at line " << is.lineNumber()
         << " in file " <<  parentDict.name() << endl;
 
     dynamicCode::checkSecurity
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/codeStream/codeStream.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/codeStream/codeStream.C
index 60d42062c7..b2eed6a22f 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/codeStream/codeStream.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/codeStream/codeStream.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2017 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  |
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -147,7 +147,8 @@ Foam::functionEntries::codeStream::getFunction
 
     if (!lib)
     {
-        Info<< "Using #codeStream with " << libPath << endl;
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Using #codeStream with " << libPath << endl;
     }
 
 
@@ -372,7 +373,8 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::codeStream::execute
     Istream& is
 )
 {
-    Info<< "Using #codeStream at line " << is.lineNumber()
+    DetailInfo
+        << "Using #codeStream at line " << is.lineNumber()
         << " in file " <<  parentDict.name() << endl;
 
     dynamicCode::checkSecurity
@@ -405,7 +407,8 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::codeStream::execute
     Istream& is
 )
 {
-    Info<< "Using #codeStream at line " << is.lineNumber()
+    DetailInfo
+        << "Using #codeStream at line " << is.lineNumber()
         << " in file " <<  parentDict.name() << endl;
 
     dynamicCode::checkSecurity
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEntry/includeEntry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEntry/includeEntry.C
index e39e9a657a..f587ba964a 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEntry/includeEntry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEntry/includeEntry.C
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
 
         // Add watch on included file
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
 
         // Add watch on included file
@@ -234,7 +234,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::sincludeEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
 
         // Add watch on included file
@@ -272,7 +272,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::sincludeEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
 
         // Add watch on included file
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEtcEntry/includeEtcEntry.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEtcEntry/includeEtcEntry.C
index da008f6842..8a316b332c 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEtcEntry/includeEtcEntry.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dictionary/functionEntries/includeEtcEntry/includeEtcEntry.C
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::includeEtcEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEtcEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
         parentDict.read(ifs);
         return true;
@@ -137,7 +137,7 @@ bool Foam::functionEntries::includeEtcEntry::execute
     {
         if (Foam::functionEntries::includeEtcEntry::log)
         {
-            Info<< fName << endl;
+            DetailInfo << fName << endl;
         }
         entry.read(parentDict, ifs);
         return true;
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/codedBase/codedBase.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/codedBase/codedBase.C
index 753de34bbe..f7dabea32c 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/codedBase/codedBase.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/codedBase/codedBase.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016-2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -350,7 +350,8 @@ void Foam::codedBase::updateLibrary
         return;
     }
 
-    Info<< "Using dynamicCode for " << this->description().c_str()
+    DetailInfo
+        << "Using dynamicCode for " << this->description().c_str()
         << " at line " << dict.startLineNumber()
         << " in " << dict.name() << endl;
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/dynamicCode/dynamicCode.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/dynamicCode/dynamicCode.C
index 1967df30fd..2b5b5e2491 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/dynamicCode/dynamicCode.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/dynamicLibrary/dynamicCode/dynamicCode.C
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016-2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ License
 #include "dynamicCodeContext.H"
 #include "stringOps.H"
 #include "Fstream.H"
+#include "IOstreams.H"
 #include "OSspecific.H"
 #include "etcFiles.H"
 #include "dictionary.H"
@@ -210,12 +211,12 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::createMakeFiles() const
     mkDir(dstFile.path());
 
     OFstream os(dstFile);
-    //Info<< "Writing to " << dstFile << endl;
+    //Debug: Info << "Writing to " << dstFile << endl;
     if (!os.good())
     {
         FatalErrorInFunction
-                << "Failed writing " << dstFile
-                << exit(FatalError);
+            << "Failed writing " << dstFile
+            << exit(FatalError);
     }
 
     writeCommentSHA1(os);
@@ -247,12 +248,12 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::createMakeOptions() const
     mkDir(dstFile.path());
 
     OFstream os(dstFile);
-    //Info<< "Writing to " << dstFile << endl;
+    //Debug: Info<< "Writing to " << dstFile << endl;
     if (!os.good())
     {
         FatalErrorInFunction
-                << "Failed writing " << dstFile
-                << exit(FatalError);
+            << "Failed writing " << dstFile
+            << exit(FatalError);
     }
 
     writeCommentSHA1(os);
@@ -403,7 +404,8 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::copyOrCreateFiles(const bool verbose) const
 {
     if (verbose)
     {
-        Info<< "Creating new library in " << this->libRelPath() << endl;
+        DetailInfo
+            << "Creating new library in " << this->libRelPath() << endl;
     }
 
     const label nFiles = compileFiles_.size() + copyFiles_.size();
@@ -441,7 +443,7 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::copyOrCreateFiles(const bool verbose) const
         const fileName  dstFile(outputDir/srcFile.name());
 
         IFstream is(srcFile);
-        //Info<< "Reading from " << is.name() << endl;
+        //Debug: Info<< "Reading from " << is.name() << endl;
         if (!is.good())
         {
             FatalErrorInFunction
@@ -450,7 +452,7 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::copyOrCreateFiles(const bool verbose) const
         }
 
         OFstream os(dstFile);
-        //Info<< "Writing to " << dstFile.name() << endl;
+        //Debug: Info<< "Writing to " << dstFile.name() << endl;
         if (!os.good())
         {
             FatalErrorInFunction
@@ -473,7 +475,7 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::copyOrCreateFiles(const bool verbose) const
 
         mkDir(dstFile.path());
         OFstream os(dstFile);
-        //Info<< "Writing to " << createFiles_[fileI].first() << endl;
+        //Debug: Info<< "Writing to " << createFiles_[fileI].first() << endl;
         if (!os.good())
         {
             FatalErrorInFunction
@@ -501,15 +503,25 @@ bool Foam::dynamicCode::wmakeLibso() const
     // NOTE: could also resolve wmake command explicitly
     //   cmd[0] = stringOps::expand("$WM_PROJECT_DIR/wmake/wmake");
 
-    Info<< "Invoking wmake libso " << this->codePath().c_str() << endl;
-    if (Foam::system(cmd))
+    // This can take a bit longer, so report that we are starting wmake
+
+    if (Foam::infoDetailLevel > 0)
     {
-        return false;
+        Info<< "Invoking wmake libso " << this->codePath().c_str() << endl;
     }
     else
+    {
+        // Even with details turned off, we want some feedback
+        Serr
+            << "Invoking wmake libso " << this->codePath().c_str() << endl;
+    }
+
+    if (Foam::system(cmd) == 0)
     {
         return true;
     }
+
+    return false;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/error.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/error.H
index dd6e1edaca..79dd7f3166 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/error.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/error.H
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ SourceFiles
 namespace Foam
 {
 
-// Forward declaration of friend functions and operators
+// Forward declarations
 class error;
 Ostream& operator<<(Ostream& os, const error& err);
 
@@ -215,7 +215,7 @@ public:
 };
 
 
-// Forward declaration of friend functions and operators
+// Forward declarations
 class IOerror;
 Ostream& operator<<(Ostream& os, const IOerror& err);
 
@@ -334,9 +334,15 @@ public:
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 // Global error declarations: defined in error.C
 
+//- Error stream (uses stdout - output on all processes),
+//- with additional 'FOAM FATAL ERROR' header text and stack trace.
 extern error   FatalError;
+
+//- Error stream (uses stdout - output on all processes),
+//- with additional 'FOAM FATAL IO ERROR' header text and stack trace.
 extern IOerror FatalIOError;
 
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 } // End namespace Foam
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/errorManip.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/errorManip.H
index 446ef7cc0c..3462ec95c9 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/errorManip.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/errorManip.H
@@ -31,10 +31,16 @@ Description
 
 Usage
     \code
-        error << "message1" << "message2" << FoamDataType << exit(error, errNo);
-        error << "message1" << "message2" << FoamDataType << abort(error);
+        error << "message " << someType << abort(error);
+        error << "message " << someType << exit(error, errNo);
     \endcode
 
+Class
+    Foam::errorManipArg
+
+Description
+    Error stream manipulators for functions with an argument.
+
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
 #ifndef errorManip_H
@@ -47,7 +53,7 @@ Usage
 namespace Foam
 {
 
-// Forward declaration of friend functions and operators
+// Forward declarations
 template<class Err> class errorManip;
 template<class Err> Ostream& operator<<(Ostream&, errorManip<Err>);
 
@@ -90,7 +96,6 @@ inline Ostream& operator<<(Ostream& os, errorManip<Err> m)
                         Class errorManipArg Declaration
 \*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
 
-//- errorManipArg
 template<class Err, class T>
 class errorManipArg
 {
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.C b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.C
index c0b9e7219b..ff29dc1ae2 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.C
@@ -29,8 +29,12 @@ License
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Data Members * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
+// Default is 2 : report source file name and line number if available
 int Foam::messageStream::level(Foam::debug::debugSwitch("level", 2));
 
+// Default is 1 : report to Info
+int Foam::infoDetailLevel(1);
+
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Constructors  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
@@ -72,10 +76,8 @@ Foam::OSstream& Foam::messageStream::masterStream(const label communicator)
     {
         return operator()();
     }
-    else
-    {
-        return Snull;
-    }
+
+    return Snull;
 }
 
 
@@ -217,7 +219,7 @@ Foam::messageStream::operator Foam::OSstream&()
 
             if (maxErrors_)
             {
-                errorCount_++;
+                ++errorCount_;
 
                 if (errorCount_ >= maxErrors_)
                 {
@@ -244,12 +246,7 @@ Foam::messageStream::operator Foam::OSstream&()
 
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Global Variables  * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
-Foam::messageStream Foam::SeriousError
-(
-    "--> FOAM Serious Error : ",
-    messageStream::SERIOUS,
-    100
-);
+Foam::messageStream Foam::Info("", messageStream::INFO);
 
 Foam::messageStream Foam::Warning
 (
@@ -257,7 +254,12 @@ Foam::messageStream Foam::Warning
     messageStream::WARNING
 );
 
-Foam::messageStream Foam::Info("", messageStream::INFO);
+Foam::messageStream Foam::SeriousError
+(
+    "--> FOAM Serious Error : ",
+    messageStream::SERIOUS,
+    100
+);
 
 
 // ************************************************************************* //
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.H b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.H
index af9c40ecb2..2838a14182 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/db/error/messageStream.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2016 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016 OpenCFD Ltd.
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016-2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -28,9 +28,9 @@ Description
     Class to handle messaging in a simple, consistent stream-based
     manner.
 
-    The messageStream class is globaly instantiated with a title string and
+    The messageStream class is globally instantiated with a title string and
     a severity (which controls the program termination) and a number of
-    errors before termination.  Errors, messages and other data are piped to
+    errors before termination.  Errors, messages and other data are sent to
     the messageStream class in the standard manner.
 
 Usage
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ SourceFiles
 namespace Foam
 {
 
-// Forward declaration of classes
+// Forward declarations
 class IOstream;
 class Ostream;
 class OSstream;
@@ -71,13 +71,13 @@ class messageStream
 
 public:
 
-    //- Severity flags
+    //- Message type, or error severity flags
     enum errorSeverity
     {
-        INFO,       // Debugging information in event of error
-        WARNING,    // Warning of possible problem
-        SERIOUS,    // A serious problem (data corruption?)
-        FATAL       // Oh bugger!
+        INFO,       //!< General information output, not necessarily an error.
+        WARNING,    //!< Warning of possible problem.
+        SERIOUS,    //!< A serious problem - eg, data corruption.
+        FATAL       //!< A fatal error.
     };
 
 
@@ -93,8 +93,15 @@ protected:
 
 public:
 
-    // Debug switches
+    // Static data
 
+        //- Controls the output verbosity of messageStream
+        //
+        //  - level == 0 : suppress all output
+        //  - level == 1 : normal output
+        //  - level >= 2 : report source file name and line number if available
+        //
+        // \note The default level is normally 2.
         static int level;
 
 
@@ -203,10 +210,31 @@ public:
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 // Global error declarations: defined in messageStream.C
 
-extern messageStream SeriousError;
-extern messageStream Warning;
+//- Global for selective suppression of Info output.
+//  This is normally accessed implicitly via the DetailInfo macro and is often
+//  associated applications with suppressed banners. For example,
+//
+//  \code
+//      DetailInfo << "Hello, I'm running from program xyz" << nl;
+//      Info<< "Found ... invalid items" << nl;
+//  \endcode
+//
+//  The values are normally 0 or a positive value.
+//  \note This flag is initialized to 1 by default.
+extern int infoDetailLevel;
+
+//- Information stream (uses stdout - output is on the master only)
 extern messageStream Info;
 
+//- Warning stream (uses stdout - output is on the master only),
+//- with additional 'FOAM Warning' header text.
+extern messageStream Warning;
+
+//- Error stream (uses stdout - output on all processes),
+//- with additional 'FOAM Serious Error' header text.
+extern messageStream SeriousError;
+
+
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 } // End namespace Foam
@@ -290,6 +318,10 @@ extern messageStream Info;
 //  for FUNCTION_NAME in file __FILE__ at line __LINE__
 #define PoutInFunction PoutIn(FUNCTION_NAME)
 
+//- Write to Foam::Info if the Foam::infoDetailLevel is +ve non-zero (default)
+#define DetailInfo                                                             \
+    if (::Foam::infoDetailLevel > 0) Info
+
 //- Report write to Foam::Info if the local log switch is true
 #define Log                                                                    \
     if (log) Info
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.C b/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.C
index d62cabed2f..1fee9a3540 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.C
@@ -50,7 +50,6 @@ License
 // * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Static Data Members * * * * * * * * * * * * * //
 
 bool Foam::argList::argsMandatory_ = true;
-bool Foam::argList::bannerEnabled_ = true;
 bool Foam::argList::checkProcessorDirectories_ = true;
 Foam::SLList<Foam::string>    Foam::argList::validArgs;
 Foam::HashTable<Foam::string> Foam::argList::validOptions;
@@ -295,13 +294,13 @@ void Foam::argList::nonMandatoryArgs()
 
 void Foam::argList::noBanner()
 {
-    bannerEnabled_ = false;
+    ::Foam::infoDetailLevel = 0;
 }
 
 
 bool Foam::argList::bannerEnabled()
 {
-    return bannerEnabled_;
+    return (::Foam::infoDetailLevel > 0);
 }
 
 
@@ -914,7 +913,7 @@ void Foam::argList::parse
         const string timeString = clock::clockTime();
 
         // Print the banner once only for parallel runs
-        if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled_)
+        if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled())
         {
             IOobject::writeBanner(Info, true)
                 << "Build  : " << Foam::FOAMbuild << nl
@@ -972,7 +971,7 @@ void Foam::argList::parse
             fileOperation::New
             (
                 handlerType,
-                bannerEnabled_
+                bannerEnabled()
             )
         );
         Foam::fileHandler(handler);
@@ -1320,7 +1319,7 @@ void Foam::argList::parse
         }
     }
 
-    if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled_)
+    if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled())
     {
         Info<< "Case   : " << (rootPath_/globalCase_).c_str() << nl
             << "nProcs : " << nProcs << endl;
@@ -1371,12 +1370,12 @@ void Foam::argList::parse
 
         // Switch on signal trapping. We have to wait until after Pstream::init
         // since this sets up its own ones.
-        sigFpe::set(bannerEnabled_);
-        sigInt::set(bannerEnabled_);
-        sigQuit::set(bannerEnabled_);
-        sigSegv::set(bannerEnabled_);
+        sigFpe::set(bannerEnabled());
+        sigInt::set(bannerEnabled());
+        sigQuit::set(bannerEnabled());
+        sigSegv::set(bannerEnabled());
 
-        if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled_)
+        if (Pstream::master() && bannerEnabled())
         {
             Info<< "fileModificationChecking : "
                 << "Monitoring run-time modified files using "
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.H b/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.H
index ed2f9c12d4..1fe2fadb94 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/global/argList/argList.H
@@ -121,9 +121,6 @@ class argList
         //- Track enabled/disabled mandatory arguments
         static bool argsMandatory_;
 
-        //- Track enabled/disabled banner state
-        static bool bannerEnabled_;
-
         //- Track enabled/disabled checking of processor directories state
         static bool checkProcessorDirectories_;
 
@@ -494,10 +491,12 @@ public:
         //- Flag command arguments as being non-mandatory
         static void nonMandatoryArgs();
 
-        //- Disable emitting the banner information
+        //- Disable emitting the banner information.
+        //  Adjusts the Foam::infoDetailLevel flag.
         static void noBanner();
 
-        //- Banner status (enabled/disabled)
+        //- Banner status (enabled/disabled).
+        //  Queries the Foam::infoDetailLevel flag.
         static bool bannerEnabled();
 
         //- Remove the 'noFunctionObjects' option,
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/global/profiling/profiling.C b/src/OpenFOAM/global/profiling/profiling.C
index a8e23bf39d..d1079903e2 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/global/profiling/profiling.C
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/global/profiling/profiling.C
@@ -244,10 +244,7 @@ Foam::profiling::profiling
     Information *info = this->create(Zero);
     this->beginTimer(info);
 
-    if (argList::bannerEnabled())
-    {
-        Info<< "profiling initialized" << nl;
-    }
+    DetailInfo << "profiling initialized" << nl;
 }
 
 
@@ -283,10 +280,7 @@ Foam::profiling::profiling
     Information *info = this->create(Zero);
     this->beginTimer(info);
 
-    if (argList::bannerEnabled())
-    {
-        Info<< "profiling initialized" << nl;
-    }
+    DetailInfo << "profiling initialized" << nl;
 }
 
 
diff --git a/src/OpenFOAM/include/OSspecific.H b/src/OpenFOAM/include/OSspecific.H
index 1fd54ec0d5..85c84c1ae5 100644
--- a/src/OpenFOAM/include/OSspecific.H
+++ b/src/OpenFOAM/include/OSspecific.H
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
   \\      /  F ield         | OpenFOAM: The Open Source CFD Toolbox
    \\    /   O peration     |
     \\  /    A nd           | Copyright (C) 2011-2017 OpenFOAM Foundation
-     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016-2017 OpenCFD Ltd.
+     \\/     M anipulation  | Copyright (C) 2016-2018 OpenCFD Ltd.
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 License
     This file is part of OpenFOAM.
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ string domainName();
 //- Return the user's login name
 string userName();
 
-//- Is user administrator
+//- Is the current user the administrator (root)
 bool isAdministrator();
 
 //- Return home directory path name for the current user
@@ -208,34 +208,39 @@ bool ping(const std::string& host, const label timeOut=10);
 
 //- Execute the specified command via the shell.
 //  Uses vfork/execl internally.
+//  When Foam::infoDetailLevel is zero, redirects stdout to stderr.
+//
 //  Where possible, use the list version instead.
 //
-//  \param background return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
+//  \param bg return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
 //      for the child. Can be used (with moderation) to create background
 //      processes.
 //
 //  \note treats an empty command as a successful no-op.
-int system(const std::string& command, const bool background=false);
+//      When Foam::infoDetailLevel is zero, redirects stdout to stderr.
+int system(const std::string& command, const bool bg = false);
 
 //- Execute the specified command with arguments.
 //  Uses vfork/execvp internally
+//  When Foam::infoDetailLevel is zero, redirects stdout to stderr.
 //
-//  \param background return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
+//  \param bg return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
 //      for the child. Can be used (with moderation) to create background
 //      processes.
 //
 //  \note treats an empty command as a successful no-op.
-int system(const UList<string>& command, const bool background=false);
+int system(const UList<string>& command, const bool bg = false);
 
 //- Execute the specified command with arguments.
 //  Uses vfork/execvp internally
+//  When Foam::infoDetailLevel is zero, redirects stdout to stderr.
 //
-//  \param background return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
+//  \param bg return immediately to parent process instead of waiting
 //      for the child. Can be used (with moderation) to create background
 //      processes.
 //
 //  \note treats an empty command as a successful no-op.
-int system(const CStringList& command, const bool background=false);
+int system(const CStringList& command, const bool bg = false);
 
 //- Open a shared library and return handle to library.
 //  Print error message if library cannot be loaded (suppress with check=true)