OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List User's Edition Release 2.1B July 12, 1993 Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples For changes, suggestions, or additions please mail sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu or write: Timothy F. Sipples Center for Population Economics University of Chicago 1101 East 58th Street Chicago, IL 60637 U.S.A. I cannot acknowledge your contribution(s), but they are greatly appreciated. Mention of a product does not constitute an endorsement. Customers outside the United States should not necessarily rely on 800 telephone numbers, page numbers, part numbers, or upgrade policies contained in this List. Electronic mail addresses are in Internet form; use addressing appropriate to your mail system. This List is freely distributable. If you redistribute the List, please include all the original files. If you publish the List, in full or in part, please forward a copy of the finished publication to Timothy F. Sipples at the above address. This List is updated monthly and is distributed through various computer networks and online services, including the Internet, CompuServe, GEnie, and many BBSes. Both ASCII text and OS/2 Information Presentation Facility (INF) versions of the List are provided. To view the INF version of the List, go to any OS/2 command line prompt (e.g. double click on "OS/2 Window") and type: VIEW OS2FAQ.INF The ASCII text version may be viewed using any text editor, word processor, or file listing utility. The text version is intended to answer any questions you may have before actually obtaining and using OS/2. You will find that the INF version provides a much more attractive List, with hypertext links, fast indexing, and, increasingly, illustrations. If you have not received both files (OS2FAQ.INF and OS2FAQ.TXT), please ask your system operator to make sure he/she is receiving the correct and complete package every month. Related information: (0.1) Release Notes (0.1) Release Notes Text which has been revised or updated since the last release will appear in the same color as this paragraph. Unfortunately, this form of marking will not be evident in the plain text or hardcopy versions of the List. If anyone has any strong objections to this form of revision marking, please let me know. (I have several ideas on how to improve this method, but I would appreciate your feedback.) At some point in the future I plan to add Master Help Index entries. I also hope to add a glossary of terms. Substantial changes have been made to this List to reflect new information on IBM OS/2 Version 2.1. Hence, the version number of the List has changed (to match OS/2's version number). Revision marking is omitted in this release since so much has changed since the last release. BBS operators and archive maintainers: please retain Version 2.0L of this List, the last version to deal specifically with OS/2 Version 2.0. This release, 2.1B, is identical to Release 2.1A with the following exceptions: the logo has been changed to a bitmap (OS/2 was not able to print the FAQ List with the metafile logo on certain systems), a typographical error was corrected relating to the price of the Toshiba 3401 CD-ROM drive in Section (2.5), and an icon file is included in the distribution. Release 2.1C, due in early August, 1993, will contain substantially revised content. Please contact the author [See (0.0) Introduction and Credits] if you would like to volunteer to redistribute the List to BIX. Related information: (0.0) Introduction and Credits (0.2) Recent Developments (0.3) Questions in this Release (0.2) Recent Developments See (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 for complete information on IBM's new version of OS/2. IBM will be holding the next Personal Software Products (PSP) Technical Interchange conference (formerly the OS/2 Technical Interchange) in Orlando, Florida, from August 29 through September 2. Call 800-872-7109 or 508-443-4990 for more information. See (3.10) Special Software Offers for additional software specials and for more information on some of the following: o WordPerfect is now accepting orders for WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 for delivery in the next few weeks. WordPerfect for OS/2 features integration with the Workplace Shell, multithreaded background printing, and background conversion of documents stored in older formats. o Two new on-the-fly disk compression packages are now available. Proportional Software's DCF/2 Version 1.1 is both HPFS and FAT compatible and is certified for both OS/2 2.0 and 2.1. Stacker for OS/2 and DOS (from Stac Electronics, list price $199) provides compression on FAT drives only, but backward compatibility with the DOS version is assured. o VisPro/REXX, the visual application builder for OS/2, is now shipping. VisPro/REXX, produced by HockWare (formerly UCANDU Software), offers an environment which is tightly integrated with the Workplace Shell. Applications are built by dragging GUI elements (such as sliders, containers, and buttons) to a form. A series of simple menus help to establish relationships between these GUI elements. VisPro/REXX automatically generates the REXX code necessary to write the application. A VisPro/REXX application can be saved to a simple .EXE file (which has only about 90K of overhead) and distributed royalty-free. VisPro/REXX is available for $299 direct from HockWare (telephone 919-387-7391 or FAX 919-380-0757) or at a discount from such dealers as The Programmer's Shop. o IBM is close to finishing a trio of new, powerful multimedia development tools. Ultimedia Builder/2 features a graphical filmstrip interface with authoring and playback buttons to help users build applications that feature audio, video, still images, and view interaction. It offers a powerful multimedia scripting language, and a state-of-the-art multimedia tutorial and online help are available. Ultimedia Workplace/2 allows you to manage multimedia objects simply and visually by providing browsable icons for each object. It provides natural extensions to the Workplace Shell and allows you to define and enter descriptive fields for multimedia objects. UW/2 will integrate with several relational databases. Ultimedia Perfect Image/2 offers easy capture and enhancement of images for use in multimedia presentations. It lets users enhance, retouch, or rearrange images in popular true color file formats. To obtain a CD-ROM containing the final beta versions of these tools, or to inquire about the retail products, telephone 415-694-3049. o Corel Systems has reduced the price of Corel Draw 2.5 for OS/2 to $199 (list). o IBM is now shipping beta Remote LAN Access code. A pair of new applications provides dial-in capability to OS/2 LANs. For more information on this beta program, ask your IBM representative to submit on online request on IBM's VM Network to BETASRUS at AUSVM1, FAX 512-838-4002, or phone 800-IBM-3040 (800-561-5293 in Canada). o Through September 1, Sytron is offering its Sytos Rebound add-on to Sytos Plus for just $79. Rebound provides users of Sytos Plus with a character mode restore program. Now it is not necessary to reinstall OS/2 to perform a system restoration from backup. Sytron can be reached at 800-877-0016 or 508-898-0100. o Watcom will release VX REXX for OS/2 this month at an introductory price of $99. VX REXX is another visual builder for OS/2 REXX. Contact Watcom at 800-265-4555 or FAX 519-747-4971 for more information. o IBM is now offering developers access to their new Continuous Speech Series for OS/2. Beta level software and an array of support services and discounts are available for developers who wish to produce applications based on IBM's new OS/2- and AIX-based continuous speech recognition software, the most advanced technology of its kind. For more information on IBM Continuous Speech Series, contact the Developer's Program at (404) 283-2200. Related information: (0.3) Questions in this Release (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 (3.10) Special Software Offers (0.3) Questions in this Release The following questions are addressed in this release: (1.0) Fundamentals (1.1) What is OS/2? (1.2) What are the differences between versions? (1.3) How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility? (1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost? (1.5) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work with DOS? (2.0) Hardware (2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.1? Do I need a PS/2? (2.2) Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter? (2.3) Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer? (2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.1? (2.5) Are there any specific hardware recommendations? (2.6) Can I use more than 16 MB of RAM? (2.7) What device drivers are available that aren't included with OS/2? (3.0) Software (3.1) What applications are available for OS/2? (3.2) Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware? (3.3) What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles? (3.4) Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2? (3.5) I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS. What is available? (3.6) What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications? (3.7) Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.1? (3.8) What networking products are available for OS/2 2.1? (3.9) What is Extended Services? (3.10) Are there any special software offers I should know about? (3.11) What backup software is available? (3.12) What multiuser extensions and security options are available? (4.0) Installation, Maintenance, and Support (4.1) I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do? (4.2) I can't install OS/2 from Drive B. What's wrong? (4.3) What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2? (4.4) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages now -- how do I "repair" my hard disk? (4.5) How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions? (4.6) What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get them? (4.7) Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join? (4.8) Are there any OS/2 user groups? (4.9) What OS/2 books and magazines are available? (4.10) How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM? (4.11) What OS/2 BBSes can I dial? (5.0) Using OS/2 (5.1) I'm a Unix wizard. How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix? (5.2) I prefer Windows. How do I make OS/2 2.1 resemble Windows (or OS/2 1.3)? (5.3) Sometimes OS/2 2.1 will freeze when I run an application. What do I do? (5.4) How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command line? (5.5) How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces? (5.6) How do I tweak OS/2 2.1 for maximum performance? (5.7) How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage? (5.8) My background bitmap does not display correctly. What's wrong? (5.9) How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.1? (5.10) Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.1? (5.11) How do I use REXX? What does it do? (5.12) What ANSI escape sequences can be used? (6.0) Miscellaneous (6.1) What can I do to promote OS/2? (6.2) How can I create INF files? (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 On May 18, IBM announced OS/2 Version 2.1, slated for delivery in the United States on June 14 to all users. Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 (MMPM/2), the OS/2 multimedia extensions, are now a part of the base operating system (included at no extra charge). MMPM/2 includes support for sound output (including WAV and MIDI format files), software motion video (Ultimotion and Intel Indeo formats), and other advanced multimedia features. Ultimotion software motion video is the most advanced on the market for PCs, providing on most hardware, without any assist, up to 320x240 pixel video images displayed at up to 30 frames per second in 256 colors with an 8- or 16-bit soundtrack. These video images are properly synchronized with the sound output thanks to OS/2's preemptive multitasking and multithreading architecture. Background tasks continue to operate without loss of foreground responsiveness to most multimedia operations. OS/2 2.1 includes drivers for the MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum series of adapters, Creative Labs SoundBlaster series, and IBM M-Audio. Other drivers are expected to be released in parallel with OS/2 2.1 on vendor bulletin boards. Note: SoundBlaster clones may not operate properly with the Creative Labs drivers in MMPM/2. MediaVision is working on a simple patch (to enable their ThunderBoard to work with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster driver), and that patch should work with other SoundBlaster clones. IBM will also be releasing a driver which provides limited fidelity sound output on the standard PC speaker. This driver does require a substantial amount of processor attention, so background tasks may experience decreased responsiveness. This speaker driver will be released to OS/2 bulletin boards, CompuServe, the Internet, and other electronic sources, and it should be available on or about June 14. It will provide MMPM/2 sound output for those customers who do not have dedicated sound hardware. The shrinkwrap OS/2 2.1 package now includes over 600 pages of hardcopy documentation, with extensive information on installation and use of the operating system. Moreover, the online documentation (particularly the online Command Reference) has been enhanced. Beta testers of OS/2 2.1 will recall that FAX/PM (an applet which could send one page faxes using Class 2 faxmodems) was part of the product. This applet has been pulled from the final release of OS/2 2.1 because it was found to be far too limiting. Instead, a new multimedia game, Mahjongg, has been provided. Follow the instructions in the OS/2 2.1 README file to install Mahjongg. OS/2 2.1 adds several new SuperVGA drivers, all with so-called "seamless" Windows support (meaning that Windows applications can run alongside OS/2 and DOS applications on the OS/2 Workplace Shell desktop). The built-in SuperVGA support extends to display adapters based on most Tseng 4000, Cirrus Logic, Trident 8900, ATI, Paradise/Western Digital, IBM, and Headland/Video7 chipsets. Both the 8514/A and XGA drivers also support "seamless" Windows. Text window scrolling speed for SuperVGA adapters has been improved. OS/2 2.1 has also routinized the procedure for using video mode setting utilities (to set customized refresh rates or reset registers properly). Many drivers for other SuperVGA adapters based on other chipsets are expected to be released on or shortly after the June 14th delivery date, through vendor bulletin boards and other electronic sources. OS/2 2.1 adds support for Windows 3.1 applications, including enhanced mode applications. The OS/2 exclusive features (such as the ability to start multiple Win-OS/2 desktops) are preserved. Also, DOS and OS/2 applications can be started from the Win-OS/2 Program Manager and from other Windows applications. Windows 3.1 features, such as OLE and the Windows Multimedia Extensions, are built into OS/2 2.1, as are most of the Windows 3.1 applets. VxD (virtual Windows drivers) are not supported under OS/2 2.1 (affecting only a couple applications, notably MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft Visual C++). Support for PCMCIA adapters, Advanced Power Management (for portable and notebook computers), additional printers (including the DeskJet series and HP LaserJet 4), most CD-ROM drives, and more SCSI adapters have been added. Refinements have been made to the Workplace Shell, including drag and drop icon assignment. Several new background bitmap images are provided for tiled backgrounds (like "bricks," "columns," and so forth). OS/2 2.1 will be available in three media types: 3.5 inch diskettes, 5.25 inch diskettes, and CD-ROM. The CD-ROM version includes two 3.5 inch and two 5.25 inch "bootstrap" diskettes. These diskettes allow installation of OS/2 2.1 from the CD-ROM when a native OS/2 driver is in use. If an OS/2 driver is not available for a particular CD-ROM drive and adapter combination, a full set of installation diskettes can be built under DOS from the CD-ROM. This capability will be familiar to beta testers of OS/2 Version 2.1. Extensive documentation has been included in the regular manual to enable the beginner to successfully install OS/2 from this new media type. (The CD-ROM and diskette versions of OS/2 2.1 contain the same documentation, save for an extra one page insert in the CD-ROM package.) The CD-ROM version is the preferred version of OS/2, since it enables quicker installation and since it includes extra features not found on the diskette versions (namely more sample software motion video clips and extra sound files). The CD-ROM version is also less expensive to manufacture, and IBM passes on the savings. It is also less susceptible to damage by stray magnetic fields, for example. OS/2 2.1, like OS/2 2.0, is available in an upgrade version for DOS and OS/2 users. This upgrade version includes a "sniffer" utility. In order to install the upgrade edition, you must have any version of DOS (PC-DOS, DR-DOS, or MS-DOS) or OS/2 (IBM OS/2, Microsoft OS/2, or any other version) installed on your hard disk. The first time you install the OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition the "sniffer" will examine your hard disk to see if you have one of these operating systems. If you do, a file will be written to Diskette 1 of the installation set (or the second bootstrap diskette if installing from CD-ROM) which will make the Upgrade Edition identical to the non-upgrade package. In other words, once the "sniffer" has verified that a previous operating system is present, it will not attempt to interfere with any subsequent installation. This procedure prevents mishap in the event that the contents of the hard disk are lost due to some catastrophic failure -- OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition can be reinstalled without any previous operating system on the hard disk. OS/2 beta testers may install the Upgrade Edition over their existing beta system, but IBM recommends that they reformat the hard drive early in the installation, when prompted. (The "sniffer" will disable itself after seeing the OS/2 2.1 beta code.) Unofficially, you may install OS/2 2.1 without reformatting. This procedure should only be undertaken by someone who is very familiar with OS/2. Start by booting the OS/2 2.1 Installation Diskette, then insert Diskette 1 when prompted. At the next prompt, press ESC. You should then be left at the command line. Leave Diskette 1 in Drive A. Execute the following commands: C: [You should log to the drive where OS/2 is installed. This example assumes Drive C.] ATTRIB -r -h -s \* /s DEL \OS2* DEL \README DELTREE \OS2 DELTREE \Desktop DELTREE \Nowhere DELTREE \Spool DELTREE \PSFonts DELTREE \Delete DELTREE \MMOS2 RENAME \CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.BET RENAME \AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.BET A: EXIT [Note that the second DELTREE command should refer to your OS/2 desktop directory, whatever its name.] Then proceed with installation as directed. DELTREE is a utility that comes as part of the GammaTech Utilities. It deletes a directory and all its contents (including any subdirectories). A similar function can be performed using the GNU file utilities ("RM -rf ..."). If you do not have such a utility you will have to use the DEL and RD commands several times to eliminate all the directories listed in the DELTREE lines, above. Do not attempt to perform the above steps under DOS. Note that you may want to run CHKDSK from an OS/2 diskette boot (as directed in this List) prior to installation of OS/2 2.1. Do not attempt to migrate your INI files unless the utility you use (e.g. WPSBackup, DeskMan/2) is specifically certified for migration of beta INI files to the released version of OS/2 2.1. (Note that in OS/2 2.1 the INI files may now be copied using the COPY command, even while OS/2 2.1 itself is running.) The "sniffer" is satisfied if you have performed a SYS C: to your hard disk from DOS, or, in the case of OS/2 2.0, if you have completed installation through the second insertion of the Installation Diskette (and the request to remove the Installation Diskette to reboot). Thus, you do not have to go to great lengths to satisfy the "sniffer" in the Upgrade Edition, even if you are starting from an empty hard disk for some reason. (The "sniffer" is also satisfied if it sees beta OS/2 code.) In the United States, IBM has priced OS/2 2.1 extremely competitively. Moreover, discounts for upgrades from OS/2 apply to any previous version of OS/2 (excluding beta releases), including OS/2 versions from Microsoft and non-IBM OEMs, including Version 1.x of OS/2. Through the telephone number 800-3-IBM-OS2, IBM is now accepting orders for OS/2 2.1 for shipment on June 14. OS/2 2.1 on diskette (Upgrade Edition) costs $119. On CD-ROM, the price is $99. Both prices include shipping. A rebate coupon will be enclosed in the package. Return the coupon with the first page from your OS/2 manual and you will receive a rebate check for $30. IBM is equipped to send your rebate check within 24 hours of receipt of the rebate form and manual page. Non-upgrade pricing is also available; call for details. Additional licenses cost $69 (with a $10 rebate available to users upgrading from OS/2). These prices are subject to change 90 days after June 14. IBM strongly encourages users to purchase OS/2 2.1 from dealers. Pricing is expected to be substantially lower at software dealers such as Egghead Discount Software. Initial reports indicate that, for users upgrading from OS/2, software dealer pricing is typically under $50 for the CD-ROM version and under $70 for the diskette version (after rebate). Some dealers will even handle all the rebate paperwork for you (provided you bring in the necessary OS/2 proof of purchase), automatically reducing the price at the register. This pricing strategy is designed to encourage software dealers to carry OS/2 2.1, to provide even more visibility for what is expected to be an extremely successful product. Shifting demand for OS/2 2.1 to dealers is likely to encourage those same dealers to carry more OS/2 applications (as well as the operating system itself). Most software dealers will have OS/2 2.1 product available for purchase on June 14. You should contact your local software dealer by telephone right now to reserve your copy. (You should avoid calling 800 numbers; the local dealer will know the most about local availability for June 14.) Technical support for OS/2 2.1 has been enhanced. The same, free 800 number support made available for OS/2 2.0 is also available for OS/2 2.1 (for up to 60 days following your first call). Each copy of OS/2 includes the 60 days of free support, so customers with multiple copies can effectively get more free support. The 800 number will now be dedicated to OS/2 support, and your call will be directed more quickly and efficiently. IBM will continue to work to enhance the support available through electronic means (such as CompuServe, the OS/2 BBS, the Internet, and other electronic forums). IBM's marketing efforts have been expanded for OS/2 2.1. You will see more (and improved) advertising in both trade publications and mass market general publications. This new wave of advertising kicked off on Monday, May 10. Simultaneous with the release of OS/2 2.1, IBM is now offering a CD-ROM containing the complete suite of OS/2 and OS/2-related documentation in electronic form. This one stop source for OS/2 documentation (including programming information, information on OS/2-related products such as LAN Server, MMPM/2 information, and other electronic publications) is in Book Reader format, and an OS/2 Book Reader program is provided on the CD-ROM. This CD-ROM is available for $49 from the 800-3-IBM-OS2 telephone number in the United States. Also, IBM is releasing the OS/2 2.1 Programmer's Toolkit. This updated Toolkit (now part of C Set ++) provides utilities and programming information for developing the best OS/2 applications. Call IBM's OS/2 Hotline for information on the Toolkit, or ask your local software dealer. IBM believes in supporting its customers to the best of its abilities. That is why IBM will be releasing another Service Pak for OS/2 Version 2.0. While IBM strongly encourages users to upgrade to OS/2 Version 2.1, some users may wish to continue running OS/2 Version 2.0. OS/2 2.1 provides several new features, and the new Service Pak for OS/2 2.0 will not be providing such features (such as MMPM/2, Windows 3.1 compatibility, Advanced Power Management, support for PCMCIA adapters, and so on), but it will fix all outstanding bugs found in the product to date. This new Service Pak will be made available through electronic means (such as CompuServe and the Internet), and it will also be available for a nominal charge on diskette direct from IBM. Expect this Service Pak by the end of July. Large customers who wish to purchase licenses for 1000 or more copies of OS/2 2.1 may be allowed to obtain OS/2 2.1 without Windows 3.1 support. Since Microsoft receives royalties on Win-OS/2 3.1, elimination of this code can reduce the cost over a large number of copies. Large customers who wish to pursue this avenue should speak with their IBM representative. This offer is not available to smaller customers since IBM cannot supply custom OS/2 2.1 configurations at a competitive price in smaller quantities. OS/2 2.1 pricing and availability will vary from country to country to some extent. Contact your local IBM office or IBM dealer for details. For example, in the United Kingdom OS/2 2.1 upgrades are available from the International OS/2 User Group for 69 pounds plus VAT and shipping. Northgate, Unisys, AST, and ALR join the ranks of major system vendors who have agreed to preload OS/2 on request on new systems. Dell, Tangent, and Ariel Design will also preload OS/2 on their new systems on request. Since OS/2 2.1 is less expensive on CD-ROM and offers several extra multimedia samples in that format, interest in purchasing CD-ROM drives has increased. The advice found in other sections of this List applies. As a general rule of thumb, choose a SCSI-2 compliant CD-ROM drive that supports audio discs, ISO 9660/High Sierra data discs, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD. For the adapter, choose an Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, or IBM for easiest, "out of the box" support. External CD-ROM drives are generally the safer investment. Compare drives according to data transfer speed (the higher the better) and average access time (the lower the number, in milliseconds, the better). This advice applies to new purchases. If you already have a CD-ROM drive (especially the non-SCSI Sony, Phillips, and Mitsumi varieties), check CompuServe or other electronic sources for the appropriate OS/2 driver. (1.0) What is OS/2? What is OS/2? OS/2 is an advanced operating system for PCs and PS/2s with an 80286 processor or better. It was codeveloped by Microsoft and IBM and envisioned as the successor to DOS. It was designed from the ground up with preemptive multitasking and multithreading in mind. "Preemptive multitasking" means that the operating system is responsible for allocating processor time to the one or more applications which are running. (Cooperative multitasking, as found in Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh's System 7, requires that each application surrender the processor after a certain amount of time. If one application refuses to yield, all the other applications stop running.) "Multithreading" means that programs can start subtasks which will then be executed by the operating system in the background. For example, a word processor may create a separate thread (subtask) to handle printing or saving to disk. When the user asks the word processor to perform one of these tasks, the word processor creates a new thread and control returns to the word processor (and the user) immediately. The subtask is executed by the operating system in the background. The user is then free to ask the word processor to perform another task without waiting for the thread to complete. Applications which utilitize multithreading can be much more responsive to the user. OS/2 also protects applications from one another (a single misbehaved program will not typically disrupt the entire system), supports all addressable physical RAM, and supplies virtual memory to applications as requested, breaking DOS's 640K barrier. An OS/2 demonstration diskette (which will run on any PC with VGA or better, and DOS or OS/2) is available from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2. The OS/2 2.1 demo diskette may also be downloaded; see (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Related information: (1.2) Differences Between Versions (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.9) Extended Services (1.2) Differences Between Versions What are the differences between versions? o IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is the latest release of OS/2, offering Windows 3.1 compatibility, multimedia support (including software motion video), and more device drivers. With Version 2.1 IBM has ended the practice of including extra features in its own, preinstalled versions of OS/2 2.0 that were not found in the off-the-shelf package. o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is the first release of OS/2 which will run only on machines with an 80386SX processor or better. With this release IBM started developing OS/2 (and its Intel and non-Intel-based successors) independently but continued to involve third party PC manufacturers in its testing. Improvements included an object-oriented Workplace Shell (WPS); a multiple operating system boot mechanism; better DOS and Windows support [See (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility]; new 32-bit programming interfaces; support for more than 16 MB of physical RAM [See (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM]; and more third party device drivers. OS/2 1.x applications, unmodified, still run under OS/2 2.0. o IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is the last release of OS/2 to operate on PCs with 80286 CPUs. This version introduced built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) [See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager], providing scalable typefaces for screen and printer. Procedures Language/2 (REXX), a powerful batch-oriented programming language, became a part of Standard Edition with this release. [See (5.11) REXX.] (A few OEMs are shipping Microsoft OS/2 Version 1.3, but Microsoft has ceded all OS/2 development to IBM.) o OS/2 Version 1.2 was the first to incorporate the High Performance File System (HPFS) [See (1.5) High Performance File System]. With this release IBM OS/2 added a dual boot mechanism and IBM Extended Edition [See (3.9) Extended Services] introduced REXX. o OS/2 Version 1.1 was the first to include the Presentation Manager (PM) GUI/API. Microsoft OEM versions added a dual boot mechanism with this release. o OS/2 Version 1.0, introduced in late 1987, was the first release of OS/2. Task switching was accomplished using a character-based shell and limited DOS compatibility was provided. Related information: (1.1) What is OS/2? (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM (3.9) Extended Services (5.5) Adobe Type Manager (5.11) REXX (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility? OS/2 1.x [See (1.2) Differences Between Versions] justifiably earned a reputation for poor DOS compatibility. Since it was hampered by the 80286, it could not run more than one DOS application at a time. The situation changed dramatically with OS/2 2.0, and Version 2.1 adds further refinements. Version 2.1 preemptively multitasks DOS and Windows (standard and enhanced mode) applications in separate, protected sessions, without purchasing either environment. OS/2 2.1 provides a complete DOS emulation equivalent to DOS 5.0. The operating system can provide each DOS application with up to 32 MB of EMS 4.0 (expanded memory), 16 MB of XMS 2.0 (extended memory), and/or 512 MB of DPMI 0.95 (DOS Protected Mode Interface extended memory), all from its pool of physical and/or virtual memory (meaning you do not have to have as much RAM in your system as your applications request). These limits are in addition to the up to 730K free conventional memory supplied to each DOS application, even after mouse and network drivers [See (3.8) Networking Products] are loaded. As in DOS 5.0, DOS code and device drivers may be loaded into high memory. A 386 memory manager like QEMM is not needed -- these features are provided by OS/2 2.1 directly. The DOS emulation allows customization of device driver sets -- each DOS application shares a systemwide CONFIG.SYS and the equivalent of its own CONFIG.SYS. Also, there is a systemwide AUTOEXEC.BAT file; however, batch commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using separate, application-specific AUTOEXEC.BAT files. And many DOS Settings are provided to fine tune [See (5.6) Performance Tuning] each DOS/Windows application's behavior (e.g. IDLE_SENSITIVITY). Most of the popular DOS/Windows applications on your hard disk will be migrated automatically when you install OS/2 2.1. In addition, OS/2 2.1 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult applications (e.g. DOS networks, MSCDEX). So, for example, it is possible to multitask DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and Desqview running atop DOS, all in separate sessions, either windowed or full screen, all with the same and/or separate device drivers, TSRs, environment variables, etc. DOS boot images may be stored on a hard disk. These procedures are described in the online Command Reference (under VMDISK), Master Help Index, and in the Installation Guide (Appendix E). [See also (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions.] Standard graphics modes [ generally up to the resolution of the desktop; See (2.2) SuperVGA Support] are supported in DOS windows, as are selectable text mode fonts. Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications is supported (to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications), including graphics cut/paste. Theoretically, OS/2 2.1 can run up to 240 simultaneous DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on system resources. OS/2 2.1 will, in fact, run virtually all DOS applications in existence, including notorious ones such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wing Commander, Maple, MatLab (Version 3.5k or later), and others. Those that do not run generally fall into the following categories: 1. Programs that use Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) memory extenders or other extenders which require direct access to 80386 control registers. Since such applications are also all but incompatible with Windows, most vendors have updates for DPMI compatibility; 2. Applications which attempt to directly address the physical sectors of an OS/2 managed nonremoveable hard disk drive. Such programs include UnErase in Norton Utilities [See (3.4) Disk Utilities]. Fortunately OS/2 2.1 has a built-in UnDelete feature which is more robust than Norton's approach. (Consult the online Command Reference for information on how to enable UNDELETE); 3. Timing sensitive DOS applications. Certain DOS programs that generate digitized sound through the PC's internal speaker may have distorted sound. High speed, real time data collection may be compromised. These problems can often be minimized or even eliminated using OS/2 2.1's DOS Settings. 4. Certain DOS programming debuggers. DOS applications running under OS/2 2.1 are not permitted to access debug registers DR0-DR7 from a DOS session. Also, DOS debuggers will not be able to set hardware breakpoints, and all read/write operations to debug registers in virtual 8086 mode will be ignored. See (3.11) Backup Software for information on OS/2 backup issues. DOS-based disk caching software is not required since OS/2 includes a built-in, highly configurable, efficient disk cache. DOS programs running under OS/2 2.1 are extremely fast. A single DOS application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2 2.1 typically achieves 95-97% of the performance it would have under native DOS. If the DOS application performs any disk I/O it can actually operate up to several times faster than it would if running under native DOS. If pure DOS is absolutely required, OS/2 2.1 includes a utility called the Boot Manager. The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the operating systems available on the system and will allow selection of any one at startup, with a default after timeout. The OS/2 1.x DualBoot method is still available as well. Consult the Installation Guide for instructions on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot. Note that OS/2 2.1 need not be installed on Drive C -- it can reside on other volumes [See (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning]. Compatibility with Windows, a popular DOS extender, is provided by Win-OS/2, an environment based on Microsoft's Windows source code. It runs Windows 3.x enhanced mode and standard mode applications under OS/2 2.1, either on a full screen Windows desktop (with the familiar Program Manager and one or more Windows applications) or "seamlessly," alongside OS/2 applications on the Workplace Shell desktop. "Seamless" operation is available in VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, and XGA resolutions with OS/2 2.1 as it ships. [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support.] Several icon conversion utilities can convert Windows icons for use by the OS/2 Icon Editor and/or OS/2-specific programs [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. (No conversion is necessary if the icons are to be used with Windows programs running under OS/2 2.1.) OS/2 2.1 directly provides all Windows enhanced mode features save one: support for Windows virtual drivers (VxD). Only two applications are affected: MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft Visual C++. Services provided by WINMEM32.DLL are supported. Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 Workplace Shell environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) is supported among Windows applications. Adobe Type Manager [See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager] and TrueType for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2 2.1. Windows screen (for a full screen desktop) and printer device drivers will work under Win-OS/2 [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support]. Such notorious Windows applications as Word, Norton Desktop (save portions described above), Toolbook, and After Dark work fine under Win-OS/2. Even applications which rely on the Windows Multimedia Extensions (supplied as part of Win-OS/2) operate without trouble. [See (3.6) Multimedia for information on the OS/2 multimedia extensions, MMPM/2.] All the Windows applets (except those made redundant by OS/2's applets) are provided. Win-OS/2 departs from Microsoft Windows in that it allows more than one Windows desktop and can preemptively (rather than cooperatively) multitask Windows applications in separate, robust, protected sessions. Some Windows applications require custom settings in WIN.INI. If such a Windows application has been installed under the DOS version of Windows, Win-OS/2 may not be able to find the appropriate files or configuration. Try reinstalling the Windows application under Win-OS/2. (Note that several options are available for Win-OS/2 interaction with the Windows INI files. For example, the Windows INI files may be migrated during installation. Or both Win-OS/2 and Windows can share a single set of INI files.) In short, OS/2 2.1 is generally regarded as the most DOS and Windows compatible among the new crop of 32-bit operating systems (NT included). It is also generally regarded as a better DOS multitasker than Desqview. Related information: (1.2) Differences Between Versions (2.2) SuperVGA Support (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.4) Disk Utilities (3.6) Multimedia (3.8) Networking Products (3.11) Backup Software (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (5.5) Adobe Type Manager (5.6) Performance Tuning (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions (1.4) Availability and Cost of OS/2 Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost? In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is available directly from IBM. Until September 14, promotional pricing is in effect. OS/2 2.1 can be ordered directly from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2. The price is $119 for the diskette versions (5.25 or 3.5 inch media) and $99 for the CD-ROM version (with both 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch "bootstrap" diskettes). These prices are for the Upgrade Edition (for customers who already have any version of DOS or OS/2). Non-upgrade packages are priced higher. Both prices include express shipping. A rebate coupon is enclosed in each Upgrade Edition package; users of any version of OS/2 receive a $30 rebate. IBM part numbers are as follows: 61G0900 for 3.5 inch media, 61G0902 for 3.5 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0901 for 5.25 inch media, 61G0903 for 5.25 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0904 for compact disc, 71G1877 for compact disc Upgrade Edition. An additional license certificate (no media or manuals) is 61G0910; an additional license Upgrade Edition certificate is 61G0911. However, OS/2 2.1 is now available from almost any software dealer (including Corporate Software, Egghead, Software Etc., and many others). Software dealer pricing is lower than that available directly from IBM -- often $10 or $20 lower. With rebate, OS/2 2.1 is about $65 for the diskette version and about $50 for the CD-ROM version from most dealers. (The CD-ROM version is less expensive because it costs much less to manufacture.) Additional license certificates are available for second and subsequent copies (with a $10 rebate per Upgrade Edition certificate if upgrading from any version of OS/2). However, with the promotional pricing now in effect it does not make economic sense to purchase license certificates when upgrading from OS/2. Through most dealers the CD-ROM package costs the same as a license certificate, after rebate. Each CD-ROM (or diskette) package includes a set of OS/2 manuals and 60 days (per package) of toll free technical support. An additional license certificate does not come with either. These prices mean that OS/2 2.1 costs about the same as Microsoft Windows for DOS and roughly one fifth to one third as much as the base (not server) versions of Windows NT, NeXTStep, Solaris, and UnixWare (NT is not yet available). In Canada phone 800-465-1234 to order. In the U.K. phone the OS/2 User Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0800-181182. In other countries, contact any IBM dealer or office. Pricing varies from country to country. IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is still available and may be ordered through many IBM dealers. IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.1 available everywhere DOS is purchased. If your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.1, take your business elsewhere (and explain why). IBM bundles OS/2 2.1 with some PS/1, most ValuePoint, and all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems. Several other vendors, including AST, Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Ariel Design, and Tangent, will preload OS/2 2.1 on request. IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.: a 30-day, no questions asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee [See (2.1) Hardware Requirements]. Related information: (1.2) Differences Between Versions (2.1) Hardware Requirements (3.8) Networking Products (1.5) High Performance File System (HPFS) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work with DOS? HPFS offers long file names (up to 254 characters including the path, greatly exceeding the "8 dot 3" limit in DOS's FAT file system), contiguous storage of extended attributes (without the EA DATA. SF file used by FAT), resistance to file fragmentation, improved media error handling, smaller cluster size, support for larger file storage devices (up to 512 GB), and speedier disk operation, particularly on large hard disks, on systems with more than 6 MB of RAM. HPFS is not case sensitive, although it does preserve case in file names. However, HPFS is not currently supported on removeable media, although some programs (e.g. BACKUP) preserve long file names on such FAT disks. Also, native mode DOS cannot access a HPFS partition. However, DOS/Windows sessions running under OS/2 can use all files that conform to the "8 dot 3" naming conventions, even if they are stored on HPFS volumes. Related information: (3.4) Disk Utilities (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (2.1) Hardware Requirements What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.1? Do I need a PS/2? You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or more strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 15-37 MB free, depending on which features you wish to install), a supported video adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, XGA, or third party driver) with appropriate display, and a high density 3.5 or 5.25 inch floppy drive for installation. A mouse or other pointing device is strongly recommended. Allow extra RAM and hard disk space for OS/2-based networking [See (3.8) Networking Products], Extended Services [See (3.9) Extended Services], and/or extra system loads (i.e. an extraordinary number of large applications running simultaneously). When calculating hard disk space requirements, subtract space occupied by files already on the hard disk which are functionally included in OS/2 2.1 and may be deleted, e.g. DOS, a 386 memory manager, Windows 3.1, Adobe Type Manager [See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager] with base typefaces, etc. The Workplace Shell (WPS) will not operate with the Monochrome Display Adapter or the Hercules Monochrome Graphics Adapter. Usually the WPS will fail to work with monochrome EGA. However, some EGA adapters (e.g. Paradise Monochrome EGA Card, ATI EGA Wonder) will emulate all color EGA modes on TTL monochrome monitors and, thus, will work with the WPS. Many dual monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for advice. On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly all MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, and IBM SCSI adapters. (True OS/2 2.1 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g. Trantor, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Seagate, Mylex, CE Infosys, Ciprico, MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum, and others are available directly from the adapter manufacturers or from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. A driver for the Always IN-2000 adapter is available by phoning Columbia Data Products at 407-869-6700. Columbia also provides the necessary EPROM and PROM upgrades.) In addition, "generic" INT13 support is provided for all other hard disk adapters. This "generic" support even embraces such devices as Iomega's Bernoulli and SyQuest's removeable media products (but for best results contact Iomega or SyQuest for an OS/2 2.1 driver). OS/2 driver support is available for the following CD-ROM drives: o Hitachi - CDR-1650S - CDR-1750S - CDR-3650 - CDR-3750 o IBM - all models o NEC - CDR-25 - CDR-36 - CDR-37 - CDR-38 - CDR-72 - CDR-73 - CDR-74 - CDR-82 - CDR-83 - CDR-84 o Panasonic - CR-501 - LK-MC501S - MC501B - MC521 o Pioneer - DRM-600 - DRM-604X o Sony - CDU-541 - CDU-561 - CDU-6111 - CDU-6211 - CDU-7211 o Texel - DM-3021 - DM-3024 - DM-5021 - DM-5024 o Toshiba - XM-3201 - XM-3301 - XM-3401 when attached to IBM, Future Domain, Adaptec, DPT, or other SCSI adapters with native OS/2 2.1 support. The OS/2 CD-ROM support includes audio, ISO 9660/High Sierra, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD compatibility for those drives which support these standards. Drivers for non-SCSI Sony CD-ROM drives (e.g. CDU-535, CDU-31A, and related models) and Mitsumi CD-ROM drives (and compatibles, e.g. Tandy CDR-1000 and DAK) are available from several sources [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Storage Devices offers OS/2 drivers for its parallel port attached peripherals, including its CD-ROM drive. Corel Systems offers a set of OS/2 drivers (in its "Corel SCSI" package) for many more CD-ROM drives, magneto-optical drives, and other SCSI devices when attached to any of a number of SCSI adapters. DOS device drivers, when installed using a specific DOS session [See (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions], will still provide CD-ROM services to DOS/Windows programs for the remainder. See (2.3) Printer Support for information on OS/2 printer and plotter compatibility. Version 2.1 is explicitly supported on non-IBM PC compatibles. IBM is offering a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S. Should OS/2 2.1 fail to work on your compatible within the first 90 days of use, and should IBM be unable to fix the problem, your purchase price will be refunded. To date over 750 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.8) Networking Products (3.9) Extended Services (5.5) Adobe Type Manager (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions (2.2) SuperVGA Support Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter? Consult the OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide and Using the Operating System manuals for complete information on SuperVGA support. OS/2 2.1 contains built-in 256 color drivers for most SuperVGA adapters based on the following chipsets: ATI 28800 Cirrus Logic CL-GD5422 and CL-GD5424 Headland Technologies HT209 IBM VGA256C Trident Microsystems TVGA8900B and TVGA8900C Tseng Labs ET4000 Western Digital/Paradise WD90C11, WD90C30, and WD90C31 (in WD90C30 mode) Some SuperVGA adapters (notably ATI's Vantage and Ultra lines) are 8514/A hardware compatible and will function in 1024x768 256 color mode with OS/2's built-in 8514/A driver. Drivers for other SuperVGA adapters (along with installation instructions), and modified versions of the built-in drivers (such as 16 color versions or small icon versions) should be available from the adapter vendors directly or through (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. In addition, IBM will be releasing a set of drivers for SuperVGA adapters based on S3 chipsets to these public sources. (However, certain S3-based adapters will require custom drivers from vendors.) Regular Windows 3.1 display drivers may be used for the full screen Win-OS/2 desktop. To install a Windows 3.1 display driver under Win-OS/2, simply replace the \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV file with the Windows .DRV file supplied by the vendor. (Be sure to make a copy of the original OS/2-supplied driver file first.) Note that you may have to use the EXPAND program supplied with Win-OS/2 to decompress the vendor's .DRV file. OS/2 2.1 has now routinized the procedure for setting customized refresh rates using DOS-based utilities. You will be prompted during installation of a SuperVGA driver, and you can specify the DOS utility you wish to execute along with its parameters (if any). The utility will then be run whenever you start OS/2 (to reset the SuperVGA adapter as required). Related information: (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps (2.3) Printer Support Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer? OS/2 2.1 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets (including the LaserJet 4 series), DeskJets (including the new 1200C and 510 models), and PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets, Proprinters, Quickwriters, Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix, ink jet, and laser printers; Postscript devices; and other printers (e.g. Panasonic, Okidata) compatible with these families. A variety of IBM and HP plotters (including HPGL/2 plotters) is also supported. Drivers for NEC dot matrix printers and Canon laser and BubbleJet printers are now available for download [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources or contact the Canon Support BBS at 714-438-3325]. DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows applications. OS/2 2.1 includes a large assortment of Windows printer drivers for Win-OS/2. If necessary install Windows printer drivers using the Win-OS/2 Control Panel. OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 1.3 printer drivers are interchangeable in many cases. If your printer is not compatible with one of the drivers supplied with OS/2, check with the printer manufacturer first then with (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. If you own an IBM printer, check with the Lexmark BBS (modem 606-232-5653). If you are using a Postscript printer, and you are having difficulty printing under Win-OS/2 3.1, particularly over a network, try adding the following line to the Postscript section of your WIN.INI file: CtrlD=0 If you are having trouble printing generally, see the configuration advice in (4.1) Installation for assistance. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.1) Installation (2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2? COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort. On (E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS. Using a text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)" parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames. One example: DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10) DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10) Parameters for COM1 and COM2 need not be included (unless they are somehow nonstandard). OS/2 must end up with sequentially numbered logical COM ports, if possible. For example, if (physical) port two is not installed but port three or port four is installed, start numbering using (2,...) in the DEVICE lines. See the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual, starting on Page 374, for more information on COM ports under OS/2. If these efforts fail, try the SIO drivers [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Note that IRQ 2 is actually redirected to IRQ 9 on the AT bus, so use (...,...,9) in the above COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS settings if your serial port is set to use IRQ 2. Note that AT bus COM ports cannot be used at the same time if they share interrupts because of bus design limitations (cf. "Under the Hood: How Interrupts Work," Byte, February, 1992). An adapter which provides more flexibility in interrupt selection [e.g. the 16-bit model from STB; See (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations] may prove helpful. Also, PolyCom, a replacement driver available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, supports up to eight ports with the right hardware. "Smart" (coprocessor controlled) multiport communication adapters should be used when installing more than four ports. Such an adapter will work with OS/2 if the manufacturer has written an appropriate driver. Examples include: Company Telephone Number IBM (ARTIC) (800) PS2-2227 Digiboard (612) 943-9020 Stargate (216) 349-1860 Arnet (615) 834-8000 Computone (404) 475-2725 Comtrol (612) 631-7654 CTC Systems (415) 966-1688 Equinox (305) 255-3500 I-Concepts (214) 956-7770 Specialix (408) 378-7919 Stallion (408) 395-5775 Related information: (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations Are there any specific hardware recommendations? Here are some of the peripherals and adapters that are particularly well suited to OS/2. Some true bargains are included. Prices do not include shipping and handling. o CatsEye/X XGA-2 Adapter. An AT bus display adapter with the latest IBM P2 XGA-2 chipset, providing superior performance and the best driver support under OS/2. Price: $249 from FutureComm (phone 203-937-7725 or FAX 203-932-3154; ask for John Jaser). A Microchannel version is available from IBM for a comparable price. o ATI 8514/A Compatible Display Adapters. Harmony Computers (phone 800-441-1144 or 718-692-2828) is advertising two of ATI's 8514/A hardware compatible Mach8 display adapters. Both operate in 1024x768 256 color mode at up to 72 Hz noninterlaced using the OS/2 8514/A driver. (Confirm, though, that these adapters have the full megabyte of video memory for the Mach8 processor, required for OS/2 operation.) The ATI 8514/Ultra ($179) is designed to work in both Microchannel and AT bus machines and, while it uses fast VRAM video memory, it does not contain onboard VGA circuitry. A separate VGA or SuperVGA display adapter, with passthrough connector, is required. The ATI Graphics Ultra ($199) also uses VRAM, has onboard SuperVGA circuitry, and works with AT bus computers. Computer Discount Warehouse (tel. 800-795-4239, FAX 708-291-1737) offers the 2 MB DRAM version of the ATI Graphics Ultra Plus for just $239.55. The ATI GUP includes the more recent (and faster) Mach32 coprocessor, yet it is still 8514/A hardware compatible. CDW also sells the ATI Graphics Vantage (a DRAM version of the original Graphics Ultra) for only $158.41. Both the Vantage and GUP are AT bus adapters. o Western Digital EtherCard Plus. An 8-bit ethernet adapter (meaning you'll need a free, lower interrupt). IBM LAN software (like TCP/IP) includes an EtherCard Plus driver -- no need to go searching. Price: $49 from Hi-Tech (phone 805-966-5454). Not the fastest, but probably among the least expensive and best supported. o NEC CDR-25 CD-ROM Drive with SCSI Interface. An external, portable CD-ROM drive (with optional battery back available). Compatible with ISO 9660/High Sierra, audio, CD-ROM/XA, and single session Kodak Photo CD. Speed: 650 ms average access time, 150K/second sustained data transfer rate. Does not use CD-ROM caddies. Price: $219 from ICP Corp. (phone 908-613-4444). An 8-bit Trantor SCSI adapter and cable is $39 extra. (CompUSA is reportedly selling the CDR-25 for $179, excluding adapter.) A slightly faster (450 ms) drive, the NEC CDR-36, is available with cable and Trantor SCSI adapter for $288 from ERM Liquidators (phone 800-776-5865). This model does not support Kodak Photo CD, however. o Toshiba CD-ROM Drive. The latest, super fast (200 ms average access time; 300K+/second sustained data transfer rate) Toshiba CD-ROM drive, Model XM-3401, is available from many dealers for about $500 (internal model; external model is priced higher). The Toshiba is the best choice when performance is critical. o SCSI Adapters Two good values are the Adaptec 1522 (available for about $95 from many dealers, including MegaHaus, phone 800-426-0560) and the Future Domain 1680 (only $129 from Computability, phone 800-554-9948 or FAX 414-357-7814). Both are 16-bit AT bus SCSI-2 adapters with on board diskette controllers, and both are supported by drivers that ship with OS/2 2.1. Neither use DMA [see (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM]. o Wangtek Tape Drives. Super Technologies (phone 909-393-4648) offers a seven month warranty on several Wangtek SCSI tape drives. The Wangtek 5150ES (250 MB) is $295, the 5525ES (525 MB) is $495, and the 6200HS (2 GB DAT) model is $650. All will work with GTAK tape backup software [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] when attached to an OS/2 supported SCSI adapter. o Irwin Accutrack Tape Drive with EZTape/PM. Several dealers offer the Irwin Accutrack series of tape drives bundled with EZTape for DOS, Windows, and OS/2. Prices start at about $200. o 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Port Adapters. Improves high speed serial communications performance. Price: $35 for a two port adapter from Zero-One Networking (phone 714-693-0808). Ask about adapters with parallel ports. o Four Port 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Adapter. The STB 4-COM adapter is available for $119 delivered by calling 800-735-5266 Ext. 64. The 16-bit STB adapter provides four buffered serial ports, each with an independently selectable interrupt and address. IRQs above 7 are supported for each port. Up to two of these adapters may be installed in the same system (for up to eight buffered serial ports). Four six inch 8-pin DIN to DB9 male converter cables are supplied. Fifteen month manufacturer's warranty and free technical support from STB. o Creative Labs SoundBlaster. Original (Revision 2.0), Pro, and 16ASP models are available from many suppliers and provide audio output for OS/2 multimedia applications. Prices range from about $90 to $250. o IBM M-Audio Adapter. Available in either AT bus or Microchannel models for the same price. Provides compact disc quality audio reproduction and recording capabilities under OS/2. Price: $235 from IBM Direct (phone 800-IBM-2YOU) or $222 from IBM Educational Sales (phone 800-222-7254). o MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum 16. The PAS 16, as it is known, offers compact disc quality audio reproduction and recording capabilities and an on board SCSI port (for CD-ROM drives and other peripherals). Available from several dealers for about $150. The Logitech SoundMan 16 is identical to the PAS 16 (and sometimes less expensive), although it does not include a SCSI port. MediaVision's new ProAudio Studio, a more expensive adapter, is also supported under OS/2 2.1. All three are AT bus adapters. Related information: (2.1) Hardware Requirements (2.2) SuperVGA Support (2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM Can I use more than 16 MB of RAM? OS/2 2.1 will address all the RAM in your system. If the BIOS recognizes the memory, OS/2 will find it and use it. However, on certain systems the RAM beyond the 16 MB boundary may be used as a fast swap area. OS/2 relies on its swap file, SWAPPER.DAT, to hold code and data which cannot fit into real memory (i.e. to provide virtual memory). If the swap file can only be accessed via a hard disk adapter which uses 24-bit DMA for disk access (e.g. the Adaptec 154x series), then the system must move code and data below the 16 MB boundary before it can write it to disk. This "double move" is costly (in terms of performance), and often OS/2 will merely use all the RAM above the 16 MB boundary as a fast swap area (before writing to disk) to avoid the problem. It is up to the hard disk adapter driver, however, to decide how to handle this situation. Only AT bus adapters are limited to 24-bit DMA. Microchannel, EISA, and other 32-bit adapters are not so limited. Moreover, only a select few AT bus hard disk adapters utilize DMA. Nearly all MFM, RLL, and IDE adapters, and many SCSI adapters, do not use DMA for disk access. Suffice it to say that, regardless of your present hardware, OS/2 will take advantage of it as best it can. However, if you are planning new hardware purchases, you may wish to take this particular hardware design limitation into account. Specifically, if you plan to install more than 16 MB of RAM in your system, either choose a 32-bit hard disk adapter (Microchannel or EISA, for example) or choose an AT bus adapter which does not utilize DMA for disk access (a standard IDE adapter, an Adaptec 152x series SCSI adapter, or a Future Domain SCSI adapter, for example). Related information: (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations (2.7) Device Driver List What device drivers are available that aren't included with OS/2? (This section will be completed in a future release of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List.) Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.1) Applications What applications are available for OS/2? In addition to the thousands of applications available for DOS and Windows, there are a couple thousand OS/2-specific applications representing almost every category imaginable. The DOS/Windows applications with 16-bit OS/2-specific counterparts include: o Aldus - Pagemaker o AutoDesk - AutoCAD o Borland - Sidekick - Paradox - Brief o Corel Systems - CorelDraw o DeScribe - Word Publisher o FutureSoft - DynaComm o Hilgraeve - HyperAccess/5 o IBM - DisplayWrite - DisplayWrite Composer o Informix - Wingz o JP Software - 4OS2 (4DOS for OS/2) o Lotus Development - 1-2-3 - Freelance Graphics - Notes - cc:Mail o Micrographx - Designer o Microrim - R:Base o Microsoft - Word - Excel - Multiplan - Mail o New England Software - Graph-in-the-Box o Omen - Pro-YAM o Oracle - Database o SAS Institute - SAS o SemWare - QEdit o SPSS Inc. - SPSS o Ventura - Publisher o WordPerfect Corp. - WordPerfect and many others. In some cases DOS and OS/2 versions ship together (e.g. Microsoft Word 5.5, Lotus 1-2-3 3.0, Wingz). OS/2 2.1 provides an attractive, 32-bit, Workplace Shell environment for new applications; many do not have DOS/Windows predecessors. This new class of 32-bit applications will (or does) include: o Borland - ObjectVision - C++ o Computer Associates - ACCPAC Simply Accounting - Compete! - Consensus - dBFast - Realizer - SuperProject - Telon/PWS - Textor - Unicenter o Corel Systems - CorelDraw o DeScribe - Word Publisher o Hilgraeve - HyperAccess/PM o Lotus Development - 1-2-3 - Freelance Graphics - Notes - cc:Mail - Ami Pro o Microformatic - Fax/PM o Micrographx - Draw - Designer - (All others) o Microrim - R:Base o Proportional Software - DCF/2 (disk compression) o SofNet - Faxworks o Spinnaker - PFS:Works o Stac Electronics - Stacker o Symantec - Norton Commander - Zortech C++ o Vienna Software Publishing - N/Joy: The World of Objects o WordPerfect Corp. - WordPerfect - Office - Presentations o ZSoft (WordStar) - Publisher's Paintbrush and many more. Over 1200 new 32-bit OS/2 2.1 applications have been released to date. OS/2-specific versions of popular utilities include ZIP/UNZIP, ARC, LHA, Zoo 2.1, many GNU tools, tens of different file finders, desktop clocks, calculators, and many more. Programming languages include Assembler, C++, COBOL, Pascal, C, Fortran, BASIC, REXX (included with every copy of OS/2 2.1), Icon, Smalltalk, Modula-2, LISP, Ada, Prolog, Forth, and still more, from vendors such as Borland, Clarion, Watcom, Symantec (through its Zortech subsidiary), IBM, Microway, and many more. Two free ports of the 32-bit GNU C/C++ compiler, GCC/2 and EMX/GCC, are available [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Fortran to C (f2c) and Pascal to C (p2c) translators are also available. (See the Programmer's Edition of this List for more information.) The IBM PC Company BBS (404-835-6600) provides an online product database of OS/2-specific software. A directory of OS/2 applications, IBM document number G362-0029, is published by Graphics Plus (phone 800-READ-OS2). The OS/2 Development Tools Guide is available free of charge by calling the IBM Developer Assistance Program at (407) 982-6408. TINF [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] is an applications directory (for use with the OS/2 VIEW facility). Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware? See (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for information on bulletin board systems that support OS/2. On the Internet, the Usenet conference comp.binaries.os2 carries OS/2 software. And several sites are available via anonymous ftp. (No ftp? Send a single line message with the word HELP to bitftp@pucc.bitnet or ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com to learn about ftp mail servers.) Some are (with Internet node numbers and subdirectories): ftp-os2.cdrom.com 192.153.46.254 /os2 ftp-os2.nmsu.edu 128.123.35.151 pub/os2 software.watson.ibm.com 129.34.139.5 pub/os2 mtsg.ubc.ca 137.82.27.1 os2: access.usask.ca 128.233.3.1 pub/archives/os2 luga.latrobe.edu.au 131.172.2.2 pub/os2 funic.funet.fi 128.214.6.100 pub/os2 pdsoft.lancs.ac.uk 148.88.64.2 micros/ibmpc/os2 ftp.uni-stuttgart.de 129.69.1.12 soft/os2 src.doc.ic.ac.uk 146.169.2.1 computing/systems/os2 zaphod.cs.uwindsor.ca 137.207.224.3 pub/local/os2 ftp.luth.se 130.240.18.2 pub/pc/os2 ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de 131.159.0.198 /pub/comp/os/os2 The ftp-os2.nmsu.edu library is available on CD-ROM from Walnut Creek (phone 510-947-5996). EMS (phone 301-924-3594) offers an OS/2 shareware/freeware library on diskette. Other sources include CompuServe (FIND OS/2) and archive servers (send a single line message with the word HELP to listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be or mail-server@rus.uni-stuttgart.de for more information, or use ftp). TRICKLE servers are also available outside the United States. For more information on TRICKLE services, including automatic file subscription procedures, send a single line message with the word HELP to any one of the following sites nearest you: Country Address Austria TRICKLE@AWIWUW11.BITNET Belgium TRICKLE@BANUFS11.BITNET Colombia TRICKLE@UNALCOL.BITNET France TRICKLE@FRMOP11.BITNET Germany TRICKLE@DEARN.BITNET Israel TRICKLE@TAUNIVM.BITNET Italy TRICKLE@IMIPOLI.BITNET Netherlands TRICKLE@HEARN.BITNET Sweden TRICKLE@SEARN.BITNET Turkey TRICKLE@TREARN.BITNET TRICKLE@TRMETU.BITNET IBM has been releasing freely distributable employee written software (e.g. Visual REXX) and OS/2 patches to these sites. Related information: (3.3) "Must Have" Shareware and Freeware (3.5) Running a BBS Under OS/2 (3.7) Viruses (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (4.11) OS/2 BBSes (3.3) "Must Have" Shareware and Freeware What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles? Here are some of the shareware and freeware selections that have proven popular among OS/2 users. Where available, an approximate filename is provided. However, since version numbers are changing frequently, please bear in mind that some of this information may be dated. Also, please register any shareware you use -- your support will ensure a continuing supply of capable OS/2 shareware. o OS2Exec (OS2EXEC.ZIP): Start any OS/2 program from any OS/2 DOS session. o Worldwide OS/2 BBS List (OS2WORLD.ZIP): List of BBSes around the world where OS/2 is the predominant area of discussion and where large OS/2 software archives are held. o 4OS2 Version 1.1 (4OS232.ZIP): A replacement command interpreter from JP Software. A must for command line users. o StartD (STARTD.ZIP): Provides the capability to start DOS sessions with specific, custom DOS Settings from the OS/2 command line. o Icon Extractor (ICON_160.ZIP): Converts Windows icons to OS/2 format. Icons can be extracted from Windows executables. Assigns icons via drag and drop. Deletes undeleteable objects. o Mr. File/PM (MRFILEPM.ZIP): File manager and program launcher. o Workplace Shell Backup (WPSBK7.ZIP): Backup the OS/2 desktop. o Extended Attributes Backup (EABK202.ZIP): Saves extended attributes so that non-EA aware backup software preserves all necessary OS/2 data. o Visual REXX (VREXX2.ZIP): Provides the ability to write REXX programs which use Presentation Manager windows, scroll bars, menus, and other features. o Icon Programming Language (ICON88.ZIP): A simple yet powerful programming language for many platforms, including OS/2. Supports graphical applications. o EMX/GCC (various): Powerful C/C++ compiler with programming aids and enhanced libraries. o Enhanced Editor Toolkit and Accessories (various): Add-ons to the Enhanced Editor (EPM) which provide editor macro capabilities, documentation, and various accessories. o INI Maintenance (INIMNT1E.ZIP): Edit and maintain your vital OS/2 INI files. o Info-Zip's UnZip 5.0 (UNZ50X32.EXE): Extract files from ZIP archives. PKZip 2.x compatible. Supports extended attributes. Companion utility, Zip 1.9, also available. o GTAK GNU tar (GTAK212.ZIP): Tape archive (backup and restore) utility. Supports SCSI tape drives. o MR/2 ( MR2_139.ZIP): Reader for BBS QWK mail packets. o TE/2 (TE2_123.ZIP): A full featured terminal emulation and modem communications program. o PMComm (PMCOM110.ZIP): As full featured as TE/2, but with a Presentation Manager interface. o C-Kermit 5A(188) (CK5A188.ZIP): A terminal emulation and modem communications program featuring the Kermit file transfer protocol. o SIO COM Drivers (SIO100.ZIP): Replacement serial port drivers which offer enhanced performance. o McAfee's Virus Scan (OSCN102.ZIP): Detects viruses. Companion Virus Clean and Net Scan utilities also available. o Minesweeper (DMINE110.ZIP): A game which requires you to avoid the mines in a minefield. Several other versions are available. o Galleria (GALLERIA.ZIP): Graphics manipulation and screen capture utility. o FracInt 17.2 (PMFRA2.ZIP): Render fractal images. Also converts among several image formats. o IBM Configurator and Pricer (ICPAUSA.ZIP): Prices IBM personal computer systems and accessories. o PS/2 Assistant (PS2AST72.ZIP): Provides information on most of the IBM personal computer product line, including OS/2. o Install B (INSTB.ZIP): Allows installation of OS/2 from 3.5 inch media when Drive A is a 5.25 inch high density floppy drive and Drive B is a 3.5 inch high density floppy drive. o emTeX (various): Provides professional typesetting and document composition. o BlackHole (BLAKHOL3.ZIP): A Workplace Shell object that destroys anything dragged to it. o CONFIG.SYS Editor (CFGED1B.ZIP): A Presentation Manager utility which eases CONFIG.SYS editing. o BootOS2 (BOOT2X.ZIP): Creates an OS/2 bootable diskette. o psPM (PSPM2.ZIP): Displays a graphical representation of the processes running on an OS/2 system and allows termination of any or all. o Workplace Shell Tools (WPTOOL02.ZIP): Creates or deletes standard Workplace Shell objects. o GhostScript PM (GS252PM.ZIP): Postscript interpreter and viewer. o OS2You (OS2YOU27.ZIP): OS/2 remote control over a modem or LAN connection. Companion program PM2You, for control of graphical applications, including DOS and Windows, is also available. o UUPC/Extended (various): Provides uucp connection for mail, news, and other services. o TedP (TEDP090.ZIP): Text editor, under 10K in size -- perfect for an emergency boot diskette. o BookShelf (BOOKSHLF.ZIP): Utility which presents a coherent menu of all available INF files on your system. o VSwitch (VSWITCH.ZIP): A task list for full screen sessions. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.4) Disk Utilities Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2? Not yet, although Norton Desktop, Norton Utilities, and Norton Commander all work under OS/2 2.1's DOS/Windows sessions [with limitations; See (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility]. Also, Norton Commander is now available for OS/2 2.1. However, the GammaTech Utilities should fill the role. Contact their publisher at 405-359-1219. Note that OS/2 2.1 has a built-in UnDelete utility (see the online Command Reference), and HPFS is resistant to fragmentation [See (1.5) High Performance File System]. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (1.5) High Performance File System (3.5) Running a BBS Under OS/2 I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS. What is available? OS/2 is an excellent environment for BBS operation (even using DOS/Windows software), including large multiline facilities. Related software will enable FidoNet capabilities, gateways to Usenet/UUCP, nodelist processing, additional file transfer protocols, and more. Five popular OS/2-specific BBSes are Maximus and Simplex [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources), Omega Point/2 (BBS 404-564-1961), Magnum (phone 818-706-9800, BBS 818-706-9805), and Multi-Net (phone 503-883-8099, BBS 503-883-8197). For more information on operating a BBS under OS/2 (with conferences devoted to the subject) log on to one of the OS/2 BBSes listed in (4.11) OS/2 BBSes. Related information: (2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support (4.11) OS/2 BBSes (3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2) What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications? OS/2 2.1 includes both the Win-OS/2 multimedia extensions and MMPM/2, the OS/2 multimedia extensions, at no extra charge. OS/2 2.1's MMPM/2 includes software motion video support for both IBM Ultimotion and Intel Indeo files. Software motion video provides playback of video clips in a window under OS/2. (Video for Windows will operate correctly under Win-OS/2, but Ultimotion is far more capable than Video for Windows. Ultimotion supports higher frame rates, larger image sizes, better synchronization of video and audio, and, often, simultaneous playback of two or more video clips, even with background tasks running.) An accelerated display adapter and a fast processor can help improve the quality of software motion video. Drivers for the Creative Labs SoundBlaster series, MediaVision ProAudio series, and IBM M-Audio Capture and Playback Adapter are provided with MMPM/2. Other drivers should be available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, or contact your adapter vendor for information on OS/2 driver support. (MediaVision will be releasing a patch which allows the Creative Labs Soundblaster driver to operate with SoundBlaster clones, like their own ThunderBoard. The original SoundBlaster and certain ATI SoundBlaster clones may require a low cost upgrade from the manufacturer to work with MMPM/2.) A driver for the PC speaker will be released by IBM in June, 1993, but this driver demands a huge amount of processor attention and does not provide the fidelity that audio adapters do. Note that the MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum Plus operates correctly when using the built-in MMPM/2 ProAudio Spectrum 16 driver. However, to obtain full functionality you must change the PARAMSTRING line in the [ibmwavepas1601] section of the file \MMOS2\MMPM2.INI after installation of MMPM/2. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor), change the line so that BPS=8 instead of BPS=16. This change causes MMPM/2 to default to 8-bit audio (since the ProAudio Spectrum Plus does not support 16-bit audio). MMPM/2 drivers should also be available for Digitan and Omni sound adapters, directly from their manufacturers. VideoLogic's (phone 617-494-0530) DVA-4000 supports video capture and video display in OS/2 windows as does New Media Graphics's (phone 508-663-0666) Super VideoWindows. Tecmar (phone 800-624-8560 or 216-349-1009, or FAX 216-349-0851) offers various OS/2 multimedia products, including the ProSound audio adapter. REXX programs [see (5.11) REXX] can be used to play, record, and manipulate MMPM/2 audio and video files. For more information on REXX and MMPM/2, consult the online Multimedia with REXX document (located in the Multimedia folder). More information on IBM's OS/2 multimedia extensions (MMPM/2) and tools, Ultimotion, multimedia hardware, and IBM multimedia titles (e.g. Illuminated Manuscript) is available through IBM's Multimedia Office (phone 800-426-9402 ext. 150). Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support (5.11) REXX (3.7) Viruses Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.1? At present there are no OS/2-specific viruses. However, DOS/Windows viruses can conceivably infect an OS/2 2.1 system. DOS/Windows antivirus tools are just as useful in preventing such infection. Also, IBM has an antivirus package (AntiVirus/2) which runs under OS/2 directly (without DOS/Windows emulation). McAfee's OS/2 SCAN and CLEAN have been released, as has Dr. Solomon's Antivirus Toolkit for OS/2 from Ontrack Systems. Others (Dr. Cohen, for example) are in development. But OS/2 2.1 is likely to be much more resistant to viruses because of its design. Viruses running in one virtual DOS/Windows session are likely to be confined to that session. Low level disk access is curtailed under OS/2 2.1, thus preventing most virus infection at that level. And when a DOS/Windows virus does trigger, it is far less likely to disrupt the entire system. In fact, OS/2 is most vulnerable when it isn't in charge (i.e. when native DOS is being used). A DOS virus then has free reign to write to the hard disk and possibly disable OS/2. The greater risk comes from leaving OS/2. OS/2 2.1 is by no means virus proof -- no system is. But it should prove more resistant to virus infection. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.8) Networking Products What networking products are available for OS/2 2.1? In addition to DOS/Windows products, OS/2-specific TCP/IP support is available from IBM (phone 800-IBM-CALL), Essex Systems (phone 508-532-5511), FTP Software (send mail to info@ftp.com), and others. (A freeware SLIP implementation, PMNOS, is available; see (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.) The NetWare Workstation Kit 2.01 for OS/2 is available from Novell (phone 800-873-2831) and IBM for a small charge; it is also available free of charge from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Note that NetWare 4.0 Server (including all the NLMs) can run alongside OS/2 2.1 at the same time, making OS/2 2.1 the only operating system providing nondedicated NetWare 4.0 server and client capability (a boon for administration and dual LAN Server/NetWare servers, for example). IBM offers both NetWare and LAN Server 3.0 (Basic and Advanced) with LAN requesters. Microsoft sells LAN Manager (which comes bundled with OS/2 1.3). An OS/2 2.1 LAN Manager Requester, part no. 96F8359, is available from IBM; Microsoft offers a similar requester with LAN Manager 2.1a (or later). DEC sells Pathworks (Version 2.0b) for OS/2. Banyan Vines 5.5 (or later) includes an OS/2 2.x requester. OS/2 NDIS MAC drivers for most network adapters are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, as well as vax.ftp.com via Internet anonymous ftp. Drivers for 3Com adapters are available via anonymous ftp from ftp.3com.com, from the 3Com Support BBS, or from CompuServe (GO THREECOM). Drivers for Cabletron adapters are available via anonymous ftp from ftp.ctron.com. Peer-to-peer networking under OS/2 2.1 is best accomplished (at the moment) with either a TCP/IP or APPN product, like IBM's TCP/IP or Communications Manager/2, respectively. TCP/IP (with NFS) is available for nearly all platforms, so it is a particularly good choice in a mixed environment. Artisoft is reportedly working on an OS/2 version of LANtastic; contact the company for details. Note that LANtastic 5.0 can run in an OS/2 2.1 DOS session, providing either client or server capability (including access to HPFS long filenames for DOS clients). IBM may have its own offering in the near future (a repackaging and upgrade of the peer-to-peer support already provided in LAN Server 3.0). This support can interoperate with Microsoft Windows for Workgroups. Infoworld recently called OS/2 the best PC operating system for networking in a mixed environment (i.e. with multiple network protocols and/or platforms). With IBM's Network Transport Services/2 at the base (i.e. by working through a single NDIS interface, using "shims" if necessary), multiple network protocols can share the same network adapter under OS/2, avoiding contention. OS/2 is equally adept as network client, server, and/or peer. It is flexible enough to meet the needs of almost any network user. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.9) Extended Services (3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions (3.9) Extended Services What is Extended Services? Prior to Version 2.0, IBM offered two separate packages with each release of OS/2: Standard Edition and Extended Edition. Extended Edition included extra, bundled software products: the Communications Manager (for communication with IBM mainframes, minicomputers, and other hosts), Database Manager (a full, network aware, relational database), and LAN Requester. IBM has now unbundled the Extended Edition features, dropped LAN Requester from the package (now available separately, with IBM's LAN Server), updated it for OS/2 2.x, and renamed it Extended Services 1.0. ES, by itself, no longer includes the base operating system as Extended Edition once did. This new arrangement makes it easier to update the base operating system with CSDs [See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes]. And now ES 1.0 will run under OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition as well as OS/2 2.x. Also, ES 1.0, like OS/2 2.x itself, is designed to operate on both IBM and non-IBM systems [See (2.1) Hardware Requirements]. While Extended Services will remain available, IBM has decided to further separate the ES components. DB/2, a full 32-bit relational database, is available separately as a replacement for ES's Database Manager. Communication Manager/2 is now also available by itself. With each component available "a la carte," you can configure your OS/2 system to your exact specifications (almost always at a lower cost), and you are free to substitute similar products from other vendors (so you aren't locked into IBM's offerings). Related information: (1.2) Differences Between Versions (2.1) Hardware Requirements (3.8) Networking Products (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (3.10) Special Software Offers Are there any special software offers I should know about? Here are some of the OS/2 software products that represent particularly good values. Most prices do not include shipping and handling. o FaxWorks. SofNet is offering a native OS/2 fax application which supports faxing from DOS, Windows, and OS/2 applications. SendFax, Class 1, Class 2, Brooktree, Intel, and other faxmodems are supported. The standalone version is just $99 direct from SofNet (phone 800-4FAXWORKS or 404-984-8088, or FAX 404-984-9956); ask about network versions. o Novastor's Novaback Tape Backup Software. This package supports a wide variety of tape drives, but check ahead to see if yours is supported. Available for $112 from Programmer's Connection, phone 800-336-1166 or 216-494-8715. o IBM C Set ++. IBM has released its C++ compiler for OS/2 at a special price. Through August 31, C Set ++ is $175 on diskette, $149 on CD-ROM. To order call 800-342-6672 in the U.S. or 800-465-7999 in Canada. Outside North America, contact your local IBM dealer. C Set ++ on diskette is IBM Part No. 61G1175; on CD-ROM, 61G1412. o Borland C++ for OS/2. Available from Below Zero in Calgary (phone 800-461-2777, 403-547-0669, or FAX 403-547-1018) for about $136 U.S., including shipping. Add GST in Canada. Below Zero will export outside North America. o IBM PL/I. Not everyone is a PL/I programmer, but IBM is offering free copies of Workframe/2 with every purchase and free product videos. Phone 800-426-3346 ext. STL10 for more information on the two packages available. o IBM TCP/IP for OS/2. The universal peer-to-peer networking solution. In the United States the base package is available for $131 from IBM Direct (phone 800-IBM-2-YOU); NFS (for disk sharing) and X Windows add-ons are $95 each. Part numbers are 02G6968, 02G6970, and 02G6980, respectively. Both 3.5 inch and 5.25 inch media are included in each package. Additional license certificates are available at a lower cost. o New Lotus Applications. Lotus 1-2-3 2.0 and Freelance Graphics 2.0 for OS/2 are now available. These 32-bit, Workplace Shell and HPFS aware applications are available at the same prices as the DOS and Windows counterparts. For educational discounts in the United States contact Douglas Stewart Co. (phone 800-279-2795). o Imara ScanTool. Imara Research Corp. is offering its OS/2 ScanTool software at a special price of $99 with a 30 day money back guarantee. Works with HP ScanJet, ScanJet Plus, ScanJet IIP, and ScanJet IIC scanners. Saves files as PCX, raw TIFF, or compressed TIFF. Phone Imara at 416-581-1740 (or FAX 416-581-1605) for more information or to order. o DeScribe. DeScribe 4.0, the first 32-bit Workplace Shell and HPFS aware word processor for OS/2, is available for $275 from the IBM OS/2 Hotline (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2). To qualify for this price you must have purchased something else (anything else, e.g. the $15 March OS/2 2.1 Beta CD-ROM) through the Hotline. The price includes any minor maintenance and the next full release of DeScribe. DeScribe is also available at the educational price of $125 by calling 800-448-1586 or 916-646-1111, or by FAX at 916-923-3447; ask for Monica. o Conner Backup Exec. Conner, through some recent acquisitions, has obtained expertise in OS/2 backup software. Backup Exec is the latest effort, on sale at a special price of $69. Call 800-468-2587 for more information or to order. o Corel Draw 2.5. Corel Systems has dropped the price of Corel Draw 2.5 for OS/2 to just $199 (list). o Corel SCSI Software. Corel Systems offers a SCSI driver package which will give you additional support for removeable media (such as magneto-optical drives) under OS/2 (and DOS). This package is available for $64.95 from Computability (phone 800-554-9948 or FAX 414-357-7814). o PFS:Works. Spinnaker has slashed the price of PFS:Works for OS/2, an integrated software package providing word processing, spreadsheet, charting, database, and communications functions. Many dealers are carrying PFS:Works for OS/2 for under $40, including Indelible Blue (phone 919-834-7005, FAX 919-783-8380). o WordPerfect 5.2. WordPerfect Corp. will ship WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 in June, 1993. If you already have WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, you may obtain the diskettes for the OS/2 version for about $25, thanks to WordPerfect's generous multiplatform license. (A manual is extra.) Contact WordPerfect for details, including educational and nonupgrade pricing. WordPerfect can be reached at 800-451-5151 or FAX 801-222-5077. o Norton Commander. Through June 30, Symantec is offering the Norton Commander for OS/2 for just $49. Norton Commander is a file manager and menuing system. To order phone 800-343-4714 or FAX 303-727-4611. o Relish. Relish is a 32-bit PIM (personal information manager), handling scheduling and calendar functions. Relish is now available for only $69 directly from Sundial Systems; mention the "OS/2 User Group Birthday Special" when ordering. A demonstration version of Relish is available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. o IBM DB2/2. The single user version of IBM's Database 2 for OS/2 is on sale through August 31 for just $199 (part no. 62G3648). This powerful, 32-bit database is the successor to the Database Manager found in Extended Services. Server versions are available. Related information: (3.1) Applications (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.11) Backup Software What backup software is available? Generally DOS backup programs will work under OS/2 2.1, but they may not capture some OS/2 data (especially extended attributes) on the hard disk without the assistance of utilities such as EABackup [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. OS/2 backup tools are available, notably: Software Title Company Telephone PMTape and PS2Tape IBM (800) IBM-CALL Sytos Plus Sytron (508) 898-0100 BBS (508) 898-2608 EZTape and Backup Exec Irwin (Conner) (800) 821-8782 DMS/Intelligent Backup Sterling (916) 635-5535 FileSafe Mountain (408) 438-2665 KeepTrack Plus Finot (800) 748-6480 Back in a Flash! CCT Inc. (612) 339-5870 NovaBack NovaStor (818) 707-9900 OBackup ? See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources BackMaster MSR Development (409) 564-1862 MaynStream Maynard (407) 263-3500 The OS/2 BACKUP utility is best used from an OS/2 diskette boot [See (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette]. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security What multiuser extensions and security options are available? As shipped, OS/2 does not support multiuser operation, although third parties have grafted multiuser capabilities onto the base operating system. These products include: Software Title Company Telephone Remote-OS Software Lifeline (407) 994-4466 OS2You ? See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources Citrix Citrix Systems (305) 755-0559 PolyMod2 MemSoft (407) 997-6655 PC/DACS (Pyramid, phone 203-257-4223) offers security (for multiple users, one at a time, in a lab setting for example). IBM LAN Server provides local security (as well as LAN-oriented multiuser features). Related information: (3.8) Networking Products (4.1) Installation I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do? First consult the Installation Guide and other materials accompanying OS/2 2.1. Make sure your PC meets the system requirements in (2.1) Hardware Requirements. And if the following instructions do not help, fall back on IBM's toll free technical support (phone 800-992-4777 in the United States) and/or consult IBM's Tips and Techniques file [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. o Some PCs have trouble printing under OS/2 2.1. This problem can often be traced to an interrupt conflict, a substandard cable, an interfering software security "dongle," or a faulty printer adapter. LPT1 uses IRQ 7, and LPT2, if installed, uses IRQ 5. Interrupts should not be shared on AT bus machines. The SoundBlaster, for example, comes set to IRQ 7. Reset it to an unused interrupt. o Make sure adapters with onboard ROMs are not conflicting with other adapters. For example, many SuperVGA adapters use large segments of upper memory, and many hard disk adapters have onboard ROMs which can be mapped into the same areas. Adapters must not share address space or interrupts. Check your product manuals for more help. o Be sure adequate free disk space is available before installing, including space for a swap file. Drives compressed using Stacker or similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless access to these drives from OS/2 is not needed). [An OS/2 version of Stacker is available, as is Proportional Software's (phone 303-484-2665) DCF/2 on-the-fly disk compression package.] o Do not select HPFS when installing if your machine has 6 MB of RAM or less, or diminished performance will likely result. Change the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS to REM IFS=... if necessary. o Be sure your CMOS setup parameters are set correctly, especially those relating to floppy drives. RAM should be given sufficient wait states and precharge cycles. Test with cache memory and/or shadow RAM disabled if necessary. The AT bus should run at 8 MHz. For best performance, make sure all your RAM is set to be cacheable. o If you are using the IBMINT13.I13 driver to access an MFM, RLL, or ESDI hard drive, and the hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders, be certain your hard disk adapter's sector translation mode is enabled. o Some Quantum LPS105AT IDE hard disks require a free ROM update (to Version 2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2. o If your AMI keyboard BIOS is below Revision F you may need an update. Contact Washburn & Assoc. (phone 716-248-3627) for an inexpensive replacement. o Check to make sure keyboard DIP switches are set correctly. For example, if the keyboard is attached to a system with an AT bus it should typically be switched to "AT" mode. o "Autoswitching" on non-IBM EGA adapters should be disabled (usually with a DIP switch or jumper setting). In rare cases it may be necessary to switch third party VGA/SuperVGA adapters into 8-bit mode and/or disable "autosense." See (2.2) SuperVGA Support. o OS/2 is particularly sensitive to bad RAM or cache memory (often reflected in TRAP 0002 error messages). Use a thorough RAM testing utility, and try not to mix 9-chip and 3-chip SIMM/SIPP memory modules. When upgrading, avoid adding RAM which is not rated (in nanoseconds) at least as fast (i.e. with an equal or lower number) as the RAM already in the system. o Allow several minutes for OS/2 2.1 to build your desktop (and display icons) at the end of installation -- take the Tutorial offered to you in the meantime. Avail yourself of the "Start Here" icon, the other online help, and the README file located in the root directory. They will help in getting started with the Workplace Shell and in properly configuring your system. o When installing over a beta version of OS/2 be sure to reformat. o To install the Upgrade Edition of OS/2 2.1, DOS or OS/2 must already reside on the hard disk. If Diskette 1 is not write protected then the installation program will record a file indicating that upgrade terms have been satisfied and, in the future, will not require DOS or OS/2 on the hard disk to install. o OS/2 uses the same diskette format as DOS, so use DISKCOPY to backup the installation diskettes and verify that none have been corrupted. o Owners of IBM PS/2s should make sure that any applicable ECAs (engineering changes) have been performed and that the most recent Reference Diskette is in use. Reference Diskettes are available from the IBM PC Co. BBS (modem 404-835-6600). o Try disconnecting any tape backup device if "Cannot find COUNTRY.SYS" messages are encountered when booting OS/2. o An Always IN-2000 SCSI adapter with BIOS 3.06A or 3.20 requires an updated version from the manufacturer. A companion 8-pin serial PROM chip may also need to be updated. Contact Always at 818-597-9595. Also ask about non-IBMINT13.I13 driver support. o The TI TM4000 notebook may require a BIOS update to run OS/2 2.1; phone 817-771-5856 for help. o For the technically advanced user, the following list of TRAP error codes may help you in addressing OS/2 problems. Code Description 0000 Divide by zero error 0001 Debug exception 0002 Non Maskable Interrupt (usually memory parity error) 0003 Breakpoint (one byte INT 3 instruction) 0004 Overflow 0005 Bounds check (BOUND instruction) 0006 Invalid opcode 0007 Coprocessor not available 0008 Double fault 0009 (Reserved) 000A Invalid TSS 000B Segment not present 000C Stack exception 000D General protection 000E Page fault 000F (Reserved) 0010 Coprocessor error 0011-001F (Reserved) 0020-00FF Available for external interrupts via INTR pin o For the technically advanced user who wishes to install a secondary diskette controller (provided it uses a separate DMA channel, IRQ, and I/O address), the following parameters are available for the BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD line in CONFIG.SYS: Parameter Description /MCA Load on Microchannel machine /A:x Adapter ID (where x is 0 or 1) /IRQ:x Interrupt level (where x is a number) /DMA:x DMA channel (where x is a number) /P:hhhh Controller I/O address (hhhh) /U:x Drive number (where x is 0 to 3) /F:ccc Drive capacity (where ccc is 360KB to 2.88MB) /CL:tttt Changeline type (where tttt is NONE, AT, or PS2) /SPEC:hh Controller specify bytes (hh) Example: BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /A:0 /DMA:3 /IRQ:10 /P:370 /U:0 /F:360KB Related information: (2.1) Hardware Requirements (2.2) SuperVGA Support (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (4.2) Installing from Drive B I can't install OS/2 2.1 from Drive B. What's wrong? IBM OS/2 2.1 can only be installed starting from Drive A, like DOS (unless your BIOS supports booting from Drive B). After booting from Drive A, OS/2 can then be copied from CD-ROM or across a network. (For more information on installation across a network, see Remote Installation and Maintenance, IBM Publication No. GG24-3780. Related publications include Automated Installation for CID Enabled OS/2 2.0, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3783, and Automated Installation for CID Enabled Extended Services, LAN Server 3.0 and Network Transport Services/2, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3781.) If you have the wrong disk size go back to your dealer and obtain the correct media. Otherwise you could open your machine and swap floppy drive cable connectors, use your system's setup utility to set the new CMOS parameters, and then install OS/2 from the "new" Drive A. Sometimes the floppy drive cable connectors will not be the same. If so you can obtain an adapter plug. You may also use IBM's twin "bootstrap" diskette images [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] to boot from a 5.25 inch Drive A and install using 3.5 inch OS/2 diskettes inserted into Drive B. This procedure should only be used if absolutely necessary. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.1) Installation (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2? There is no single best way to partition your hard disk for OS/2. For some advice on the subject you should consult the IBM OS/2 Installation and Planning Guide, available for download from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, and the OS/2 Installation Guide in the OS/2 package. It can be useful to place OS/2 by itself in a separate partition of about 40 or 50 MB. If you then elect to experiment with beta releases of OS/2, you can reformat that particular partition quite easily to erase all old code. The swap file can be placed on another partition; its location is determined by the SWAPPATH line in CONFIG.SYS. Partitioning should be performed by booting the OS/2 Installation Disk. Executing FDISK from the command line will not allow certain functions to be performed. Related information: (1.5) High Performance File System (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (and CHKDSK) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages now -- how do I "repair" my hard disk? With IBM OS/2 2.1, insert the Installation Diskette, Shutdown (if necessary), and reboot. When prompted insert Diskette 1 and press ENTER. When prompted, press ESC. You will be given an OS/2 command line prompt. From there you can make necessary changes to your hard disk -- an OS/2 character mode text editor on diskette is handy for such changes. (Make sure you backup CONFIG.SYS before making any changes so that you can easily revert to the old version should things go wrong.) You may use this diskette boot method to run CHKDSK on your FAT or HPFS volumes. After you reach the command line, insert Diskette 2. Do not log to another drive. Type CHKDSK X: /F to repair most kinds of damage to your hard disk, replacing X with the appropriate drive letter. (If you are checking a HPFS disk, use /F:3 if you have the time.) OS/2 CHKDSK will also mark your hard disk as accessible, if possible, should OS/2 "lock it out" for some reason. It will also allow Workplace Shell drive objects to open properly if they are not functioning correctly. Repeat for each drive letter you wish to check and/or repair. "Errors" may be reported by CHKDSK if OS/2 was booted from the hard disk. These "errors" are normal. Since the hard drive is in use by OS/2 itself (and files are open) CHKDSK is unable to accurately report errors. The best way to avoid the need to perform CHKDSK is to always select Refresh then Shutdown. Click on the Workplace Shell desktop background using mouse button two to bring up the appropriate menu. Also, avoid manipulating OS/2-related files when using native DOS. Finally, enable autochecking for all your hard disk volumes. For HPFS volumes use the /AUTOCHECK parameter in the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS. For FAT volumes use the AC parameter in the DISKCACHE line of your CONFIG.SYS. See the online Command Reference for details. Several utilities [including BOOTOS2; See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] can create a single, bootable OS/2 diskette (as a convenience). Preloaded versions of OS/2 2.0 can create a bootable diskette pair from the Welcome folder. (This step, along with a full BACKUP after a diskette boot, should be performed immediately upon receipt of any IBM preloaded OS/2 2.0 system.) Related information: (1.5) High Performance File System (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions? If your question is not answered in this List, post a note to the appropriate Usenet conference: comp.os.os2.apps carries discussions related to finding or using any application running under OS/2, comp.os.os2.networking looks at networking issues, comp.os.os2.advocacy deals with opinions and speculation, comp.os.os2.programmer.porting helps programmers move applications over to OS/2 from other operating systems and environments, comp.os.os2.programmer.misc addresses anything else related to OS/2 programming, comp.os.os2.beta explores beta releases of OS/2, comp.os.os2.ver1x supports all releases of OS/2 prior to Version 2.0, comp.os.os2.announce carries important OS/2 announcements, comp.os.os2.bugs discusses possible bugs found in released versions of the operating system, comp.os.os2.multimedia fosters conversation about OS/2 multimedia (including MMPM/2), comp.os.os2.setup offers a place to talk about setup and installation issues, and comp.os.os2.misc is for any other OS/2-related discussion. These groups are watched closely by OS/2 experts from IBM. Also, comp.lang.rexx discusses REXX programming. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) has a dedicated channel (#os/2) which provides round-the-clock, real time OS/2 support and information thanks to the efforts of several volunteers. If you are not familiar with IRC, ask your system administrator for help. A LISTSERVer distributes its own OS/2 conference by mail; send a single line message with the word HELP to listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be for full instructions; or send the same message to listserv@frors12.circe.fr for information on an unedited mailing list. To subscribe to the Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 [See (3.6) Multimedia] mailing list, send a single line message with the phrase SUBSCRIBE MMOS2-L (Your Name) to mail-server@knex.via.mind.org. Your local FidoNet BBS may carry OS/2 echo conferences and/or OS2NET. If not, ask your system operator to join them. CompuServe (FIND OS/2) and Prodigy are also excellent resources. The IBM PC Co. BBS's (modem 404-835-6600) message areas, product database, and PS/2 Assistant file(s) are invaluable resources. Information on the IBM OS/2 BBS is included in the OS/2 2.1 package. In the United States IBM has toll free technical support (phone 800-992-4777), an OS/2 Hotline ( general information, orders, upgrades, phone 800-3-IBM-OS2; ask about OS/2 videotapes, T-shirts, and other accessories), the HelpWare Center (phone 800-PS2-2227), a software order line (phone 800-IBM-CALL), two FAX information services (phone 800-IBM-4FAX and/or 800-IBM-3395), and an educational inquiries/order line (phone 800-222-7257). In Canada phone IBM Personal Systems Software at 800-465-1234. OS/2 2.1 developers should contact the IBM Developer Assistance Program (phone 407-982-6408); membership is free. (You may also join on CompuServe with GO OS2DAP.) The OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-ROM, containing a wide selection of development tools and code, is available from IBM (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2 to order in the United States for $20, express shipping included; in Canada, phone 800-465-1234; in Australia, phone Rohaini Cain or Mike Voris at 13-2426 ext. 7684; elsewhere, contact the International OS/2 User Group by phoning 285-641175 in the U.K.) The OS/2 Device Driver Source Kit CD-ROM is also now available from IBM, part no. 71G3703. To order phone 407-982-4239 (FAX 407-982-4218) in North America, 61-2-354-7684 (FAX 61-2-354-7766) in most of the Far East and Pacific Rim, 81-3-5563-5897 (FAX 81-3-5563-4957) in Japan, 81-2-528-1548 (FAX 82-2-528-1414) in Korea, or 011-52-627-1846 (FAX 011-52-395-7812) in Latin America. IBM offers classes worldwide to help in using and programming OS/2 2.1; phone your local IBM branch office (or the OS/2 Hotline) for more information. Or contact one of these third party providers of classes training materials: Company Telephone Acumen People and Productivity 61-3-853-6662 Adaptive Research and Design 305-889-0070 Adar International 212-750-5820 Allied Computer Service Singapore 2948741 AOSI 415-586-3454 Applied Learning 708-369-3000 ATI 310-823-1129 Ron Beauchemin 203-285-5896 Bell and Associates 61-2-953-7619 Broadway and Seymour 800-274-9287 Chapman and Associates 714-831-4442 Charles Hatvany and Associates 617-648-4100 CIE 800-882-3981 Computer Information Associates 708-766-4677 Computer Training Center 901-753-9706 CompuTrainers 212-984-0522 Comsell 404-872-2500 Creative Systems Programming 609-234-1500 David Bernstein Company 206-282-8711 Denenfeld Systems Design 519-396-8088 Descriptor Systems 319-362-3906 Development Technologies 803-790-1234 Edutrends 201-838-6700 Chris Eldridge Pty Ltd. 61-2-016-289-093 Electronic Directions 212-213-6500 Fermier Consulting and Education 817-481-4966 Future Enterprises 202-662-7676 Gateway Technologies Corp. 203-693-1097 Hailey Griffin Corp. 416-475-4200 Huffman and Associates 805-461-1053 Iconisys 805-522-8863 InfoLink Solutions 404-876-1512 Infotec Training Institute 800-282-7990 Instruction Set 617-890-4930 Instructional Systems Co. 212-477-8800 Instructware 800-267-0101 iQ Training Systems 44-71-613-5771 IS International 407-994-4373 JRT Information Services 407-547-0178 Jensen Enterprises 616-429-9599 Kee Systems 301-880-0880 Kemtex Services 212-661-5770 Knowhow Solutions 61-2-955-9592 Dr. Michael S. Kogan 904-246-8341 Logical Operations 716-482-7700 Management Technology Education 61-2-261-5555 61-3-629-5811 61-7-840-9248 61-8-231-3048 61-9-324-1142 Mannix Enterprises 914-229-8109 Mentor Technologies 614-265-3170 Microtransfer 44-869-50340 Minasi and Company 703-276-8940 Object Management Laboratory 818-879-9620 One on One Computer Training 708-628-0500 One Up Corp. 214-620-1123 PC Dialogs 212-663-3459 PC Etcetera 212-736-5870 PCLC 212-953-9800 Professional Development Assoc. Singapore 2272883 Pinnacle Technology 918-455-2520 Productivity Point International 800-848-0980 Productivity Solutions 215-631-5685 Professional Development Assoc. 44-71-706-3744 Progressive Software Technologies 303-932-2051 QED Information Sciences 800-343-4848 Rockey and Assoc. 215-640-4880 SCS Computer Consulting 718-321-1572 Kenneth E. Sanger 914-948-8496 SE International 407-241-3428 Sims Software Technology 415-731-2222 Software Education Corp. 908-946-0606 Software Paradise 44-222-887521 Soza & Company 703-560-9477 Stratemm Pacific Ltd. New Zealand 07-578-5100 Testek 207-539-8825 Touchstone Systems Group 312-263-1444 User View 612-331-7212 ViaGrafix U.S. 918-825-6700 VisGrafix Australia 61-9-417-3178 Wave Technologies Training 214-650-9283 William H. Zack & Assoc. 203-255-2979 Worthman & Assoc. 303-290-9700 For a free copy of the IBM IV League catalog (with OS/2 books, videotapes, and other support materials), phone 800-342-6672. For more information on the IBM IV (Independent Vendor) League, an organization of individuals and companies who develop and market products and services that support OS/2, call 203-262-3769 or 203-262-3776. You may also dial the IV League BBS at 203-380-8264. If you need to reach any individual at IBM, but you do not know that person's direct telephone number, call the IBM Switchboard at 800-IBM-3333. See (4.9) Books and Magazines for information on OS/2 publications. Any of the regular DOS or Windows resources (e.g. books, magazines, shareware/freeware sources) will be useful since both environments come with OS/2 2.1. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.6) Multimedia (4.8) User Groups (4.9) Books and Magazines (4.10) Problem Report Form (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get them? CSDs are Corrective Service Diskettes, or bug fixes (Service Paks), periodically issued by IBM. The OS/2 CSD level number may be obtained using the command SYSLEVEL from an OS/2 command line prompt. CSDs are cumulative, i.e. only the most recent CSD is required to bring a system up from any previous CSD level. However, CSDs only apply within a major version number. For example, an upgrade, not a CSD, would bring OS/2 Version 2.0 up to Version 2.1. Note also that each national language (e.g. French, U.K. English) uses a distinct CSD. CSDs may be ordered by phoning 800-3-IBM-OS2. Customers with IBM customer numbers (usually large sites) should phone 800-237-5511 or order through IBMLink. Outside the United States, ask an authorized IBM dealer or representative for the CSD. CSDs may also be downloaded from the IBM PC Co. BBS (modem 404-835-6600), CompuServe (FIND OS/2), or from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. And CSDs may be ordered through IBM's OS/2 BBS. The latest, current OS/2 2.1 CSD level will be listed in this List and in the PS/2 Assistant files. At present there is no Service Pak for OS/2 2.1. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.7) Online Services Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join? IBM's official non-IBM online service for OS/2 user and developer support is CompuServe (FIND OS/2). In the United States you can obtain CompuServe membership information by phoning 800-848-8199. IBM maintains an unofficial presence on many other networks. For information on the Internet consult one of the many books describing the network. One example: The Whole Internet by Ed Krol, O'Reilly & Associates (phone 707-829-0515), ISBN 1-56592-025-2. Once you start using the Internet you should peruse the information files posted to the news.answers newsgroup to familiarize yourself with Internet resources. The OS/2 Roundtable (Page 1400, Keyword OS2) has opened on GEnie. To subscribe to GEnie, set your communications software to half duplex and either 1200 or 2400 bps then have your modem dial 800-638-8369 (800-387-8330 in Canada). Upon connection, type HHH and press RETURN. At the U#= prompt type SIGNUP and press RETURN, then follow the directions given. See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, (4.5) Technical Support, and (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for information on other online services with high OS/2 content. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support (4.11) OS/2 BBSes (4.8) User Groups Are there any OS/2 user groups? The following OS/2 user groups meet regularly: Northeast Ohio (Akron) OS/2 User Group Contact: Garey Smiley (phone 216-630-3565) Atlanta OS/2 Users Group Contact: Robert Cannon (phone 404-908-2121) Baton Rouge OS/2 Users Group Contact: David Arbour (phone 504-753-9637) North Suburban Chicago OS/2 User's Group Contact: James Schmidt (phone 708-317-7405) Greater Chicago OS/2 User Group Contact: Lisa Der Mateosian (phone 312-245-6418) West Suburban Chicago OS/2 User Group Contact: Dwight Cannon (phone 708-742-0700 ext. 2170) Mid Missouri (Columbia) OS/2 Users Group Contact: Woody Sturges (BBS 314-446-0016) Denver OS/2 User's Group Contact: Ronald Van Iwaarden (BBS 303-744-0373) Computer Users of Erie (Pennsylvania) OS/2 SIG Contact: Tom Kuklinski (phone 814-866-5396) Fort Wayne OS/2 Users Group Contact: Stephen Gutknecht (phone 219-484-0062) Indianapolis OS/2 Users Group Contact: Jay Schultz (phone 317-634-8080) Las Vegas OS/2 User Group Contact: Karu Karunaratne (phone 702-435-0018, BBS 702-433-5535) Long Island OS/2 User's Group Contact: Jeffrey Altman (phone 516-444-3751) Los Angeles OS/2 Users Group Contact: Paul Duncanson (phone 805-584-6721) Minnesota OS/2 User Group Contact: Marcus Krumpholz (phone 612-869-7956, BBS 612-379-8272) Montreal OS/2 Users Group Contact: Gilbert Daigle (phone 514-923-9964) New England OS/2 User Group Contact: Dave Pinard (phone 203-954-1872) Phoenix PC User Group and OS/2 SIG Contact: 602-222-8511 Triangle (Raleigh, North Carolina) OS/2 User Group Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone 919-254-5637) Sacramento OS/2 Users Group Contact: Charlie Kotan (phone 916-641-4007) San Diego OS/2 User Group Contact: Craig Swanson (BBS 619-558-9475) Bay Area (San Francisco) OS/2 User Group Contact: Sanford Rockowitz (phone 415-755-3124) Singapore (NUS) OS/2 User Group Contact: N. Sriram (Internet: swknasri@nuscc.nus.sg) Tampa Bay OS/2 User Group Contact: Paul Wylie (phone 813-786-4567) International OS/2 User Group (based in the U.K.) Contact: Mike Gove (phone +44(0)285-641175 or FAX +44(0)285-640181) Wellington (New Zealand) OS/2 Users' Group Contact: Andrew McMillian (phone 801-4764 days, 233-9123 evenings) Westchester (New York) OS/2 User Group Contact: Patrick Pearce (phone 914-762-8950) [OS/2 user groups: please send information on your group to the author. See (0.0) Introduction and Credits.] See (6.1) Promoting OS/2 for information on IBM assistance to OS/2 user groups. Related information: (0.0) Introduction and Credits (4.5) Technical Support (6.1) Promoting OS/2 (4.9) Books and Magazines What OS/2 books and magazines are available? OS/2 has its own magazines: OS/2 Developer Magazine (phone 800-WANT-OS2 or 708-647-5960, FAX 708-647-0537), OS/2 Monthly (mail 72550.2440@compuserve.com or phone 800-365-2642), Inside OS/2 (phone 502-491-1900), OS/2 Professional (phone 301-770-7302), and the OS/2 Newsletter (phone 714-495-3757). Many OS/2 2.x books can be ordered by calling IBM Fulfillment Headquarters at 800-342-6672. Or you may obtain OS/2 books through most computer book sellers. Here are just a few of the OS/2 2.x books available, with ISBN and IBM Publication Number, if available: o Designing OS/2 Applications, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-58889-X, IBM Publication No. SC28-2701. o Easy OS/2, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-145-X. o The Little Book of OS/2: 2.1 Edition, Peachpit Press. o Micro Focus COBOL/2 Workbench for the Application Developer, QED. o OS/2 for Non-Nerds, New Riders, ISBN 1-56205-153-9, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4319. o OS/2 Inside & Out (2.1), Osborne McGraw-Hill. o OS/2 2.x Notebook: The Best of OS/2 Developer Magazine, Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-01522-4, IBM Pub. No. G362-0015. o OS/2 2.1 Complete, Abacus. o OS/2 2.1 Programming, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-881910-5. o OS/2 2.1 Unleashed, Sams, ISBN 0-672-30240-3, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4318. o The Shell Collection: OS/2 2.1 Utilities, Van Nostrand Reinhold. o Stepping Up to OS/2 2.1, Abacus, ISBN 1-55755-185-5. o Ten-Minute Guide to OS/2 2.1, Alpha, ISBN 1-56761-185-0, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4322. o Using OS/2 2.1: Special Edition, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-118-2, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4317. o Your OS/2 Consultant, Sams. o Advanced OS/2 for Programming Managers, John Wiley & Sons. o Dvorak's Guide to OS/2, Random House. o OS/2 for Dummies (2.1), IDG, ISBN 1-878058-76-2. o OS/2 Instant Reference Book, Sybex. o The OS/2 2.1 User's Bible, Abacus. o OS/2 2.1 Power User's Guide, Van Nostrand Reinhold. o Real-World Programming for OS/2, Sams. o Learn OS/2 in a Day, Wordware Publishing. o Micro Focus CICS Option: Developing CICS Applications on the PC, QED. o OS/2: The Workplace Shell, A User's Guide & Tutorial for Release 2.1, Computer Information Associates. o PC Learning Labs Teaches OS/2, Ziff-Davis Press. o Quick Reference Guide for OS/2 2.1, DDC. o Van Wolverton's Guide to OS/2, Random House. IBM's OS/2 "redbooks" (power user guides) are IBM Publication No. GBOF-2254. (To order these and other IBM publications phone your local IBM office and ask for the Librarian or phone 800-765-4IBM.) These redbooks are also available in electronic form [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources ]. Other OS/2 publications, such as the OS/2 Technical Library, IBM Part No. 10G3356, are available by calling IBM Technical Books at 800-IBM-PCTB. IBM also offers the OS/2 Online Book Collection CD-ROM, part no. 53G2166. This CD-ROM provides nearly all of the OS/2 publications produced by IBM in electronic form. The CD-ROM includes the following titles: o IBM C Set ++ Version 2.0 - IBM WorkFrame/2 Introduction - IBM C/C++ Tools: Browser Introduction - Collection Class Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools C Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: C Language Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: C++ Language Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: Debugger Introduction - IBM C/C++ Tools: Programming Guide - IBM C/C++ Tools: Standard Class Library Reference - User Interface Class Library Guide - User Interface Class Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: EXTRA Introduction o IBM International Technical Support Center (Red Books) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 1: Control Program (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 2: DOS and Windows Environment (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 3: PM and Workplace Shell (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 4: Application Development (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 5: Print Subsystem (ITSC) - OS/2 2.1 Technical Update o OS/2 LAN Server Version 2.0 - OS/2 LAN Server Migration Handbook - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning - DOS LAN Requester User's Quick Reference - LAN Server User's Quick Reference - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages - LAN Support Program User's Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrator's Tasks - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts - DOS LAN Requester Windows User's Guide - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids - Network Administrator Reference Supplement for OS/2 2.0 o OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 - PC LAN Program Migration Guide - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning - DLR and DLR Windows User's Quick Reference - OS/2 LAN Requester User's Quick Reference - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages - IBM LAN Support Program User's Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrators Tasks - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and Configuration Guide - Messages and Problem Determination Guide o Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 Version 1.1 - MMPM/2 Application Programming Guide - MMPM Toolkit/2 - CUA Guide to Multimedia User Interface Design - MMPM/2 Programming Reference - OS/2 Multimedia Advantage o Network Transport Services/2 Version 1.0 - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and Configuration Guide - Messages and Problem Determination Guide o OS/2 2.0 - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) - IBM OS/2 2.0 Getting Started - OS/2 2.0 Installation Guide - OS/2 2.0 Quick Reference - OS/2 2.0 Command Reference - IBM OS/2 2.0 Migrating to the OS/2 Workplace Shell - OS/2 2.0 Using the Operating System - Tips and Techniques - OS/2 2.0 Adobe Type Manager for WIN-OS/2 - OS/2 2.0 Compatibility Information - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support o OS/2 2.1 - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) - OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System - OS/2 2.1 Book Catalog - OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide - OS/2 2.1 Quick Reference - OS/2 2.1 Command Reference - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support - OS/2 2.1 Performance Tuning for End Users (White Paper) - OS/2 2.1 Performance Improvements (White Paper) o Operating System/2 2.0 Technical Library - OEM DASD and SCSI Device Driver Support - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume III - Getting Started: OS/2 2.1 Toolkit - Getting Started: Toolkit - Information Presentation Facility - Physical Device Driver Reference - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume I - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume II - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume III - Application Design Guide - Procedures Language 2/REXX User's Guide - Presentation Driver Reference - Virtual Device Driver Reference - System Object Model Guide and Reference - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume I - OS/2 Programming Guide: Volume II - Bidirectional National Language Support - Control Program Programming Reference - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume I - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume II - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume III - OS/2 2.1 CP Programming Reference - Procedures Language 2/REXX Reference - SAA CUA Advanced Interface Design Reference - SAA CUA Guide to User Interface Design o PL/I Package/2 Version 1.1 - PL/I Package/2 Programming Guide - PL/I Package/2 Language Environment Run-Time Messages - PL/I Package/2 Installation - PL/I Package/2 Language Reference - PL/I Package/2 Reference Summary - PL/I Package/2 Fact Sheet o SAA Common User Access Controls Library/2 Version 1.0 - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Programming Guide - Common User Access Controls Library/2 PM Reference - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Windows Reference o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2 for OS/2 - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: User's Guide - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2.1 for OS/2 - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: User's Guide - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: LAN Adapter and Protocol Support - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide Related information: (4.5) Technical Support (4.10) Problem Report Form How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM? If you would like to send an OS/2 bug report to IBM, you may phone IBM at 800-992-4777 (in the U.S.) or you may fill in the OS/2 Problem Report Form and mail it to IBM via CompuServe or the Internet. The Problem Report Form helps IBM solve your problem more quickly, especially if you include all the relevant details. IBM then has to ask fewer questions in order to determine the problem. To use the Problem Report Form, follow these steps: 1. If you are reading the INF version of this List, press CTRL-F. This panel will then be saved to a file named TEXT.TMP. 2. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor), open either TEXT.TMP or the plain text version of this List. 3. Delete all the extra lines in the file so that only the OS/2 Problem Report Form remains. 4. Fill in all the requested information using your text editor. 5. Save the Form to disk (as file name OS2PROB.TXT for example). 6. Upload the file to CompuServe Mail or the Internet, and send the Form to IBM. (The exact procedure will depend on the service and the software you use.) You may use the Problem Report Form as many times as you need to, but please include only one problem per copy. If you wish, you can use the Defect Report Form found on Page 493 of the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual instead of this form. ------ Submit an OS/2 Problem Report ------ <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << THIS SUPPORT IS ELIGIBLE FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS ONLY >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Customers should use this form to report a suspected OS/2 DEFECT to IBM support. IBM employees should refer to the OS2DFECT FORUM in IBMPC for instructions on how to report an OS/2 defect. If you have How-to or other questions about OS/2, please refer to these sources: - The OS/2 on-line help and README. - If you have a CompuServe ID, you may submit an item to the appropriate section within the forums under IBMOS2 (GO IBMOS2). - Many bulletin board systems contain user forums where OS/2 users share information and ideas on OS/2. If you have Beta problems or suggestions, please refer to the bottom of this form for the proper reporting procedure. While we appreciate your input, we do not accept Beta problems through the Base defect or ES/LS support ID's. Customers with CompuServe ID's may report problems on CIS in IBM's PSPBETA forum. If you do NOT have a CIS ID, please send the feedback via Internet to the CIS address: 76711.175@compuserve.com. Please provide as much information as possible on your problem. Feel free to add additional space, or remove sections of the form that are not relevant to your problem. CONTACT PERSON: __________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: (___) ___-____ x____ Phone number where you can be FAX NUMBER: (___) ___-____ x____ contacted between 8-5, M-F. Note: Support will normally be handled electronically through CompuServe mail. IBM may contact you via telephone if it appears it will expedite resolution to the problem. Would you rather be contacted by phone? Y _ N _ ONE LINE DESCRIPTION OF THE OS/2 PROBLEM: ___________________________________________________________________ DETAILED PROBLEM DESCRIPTION - If possible, provide step-by-step recreation scenario. Also, please include any fixes or workarounds you may have already tried. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Enter any error messages that occur: ________________________________ Select the appropriate answers by placing an "X" in the space indicated. Can you recreate the problem? Y _ N _ Has the problem occurred on more than one system? Y _ N _ OS/2 OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION: OS/2 Version 2.1 .........: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 Version 2.0 .........: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition : _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition : _ CSD Level: _______ NOTE - CSD = Corrective Service Diskette. Use the SYSLEVEL command to determine, if unknown. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION (provide as much as possible): Brand and model of PC: ____________________________________ Microprocessor: Intel _ Other (specify) _______________ Type: 286 _ 386SX _ 386 _ 486SX _ 486 _ Speed: __ MHz Total RAM ....: __ MB Disk drive ...: ____ MB File System: FAT _ HPFS _ Manufacturer: ___________________ Model # _______ Type: IDE _ SCSI _ MFM _ RLL _ Unknown _ Manufacturer and model # of disk controller: ______________________ Manufacturer, revision #, and date of System BIOS: __________________ Manufacturer and model # of video adapter: __________________________ Manufacturer and model # of display: ________________________________ Memory installed on video adapter: _____ EGA _ VGA _ SVGA _ XGA _ Diskette Drive A: 3 1/2" _ 5 1/4" _ Diskette Drive B: 3 1/2" _ 5 1/4" _ List other adapters installed: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ TRAP INFORMATION - If a TRAP occurs and results in the 16 bit trap display similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you recorded: SESSION TITLE: __________________________________________________ TRAP____ AX=____ BX=____ CX=____ DX=____ BP= ____ SI=____ DI=____ DS=____ ES=____ FLG=____ CS=____ IP=____ SS=____ SP=____ MSW=____ CSLIM=____ SSLIM=___ DSLIM=___ ESLIM=____ CSACC=__ SSACC=__ DSACC=__ ESACC=__ ERRCD=____ ERLIM=____ ERACC=__ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ If a TRAP occurs and results in the 32 bit trap display similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you recorded: TRAP ____ ERRCD=____ ERACC=____ ERLIM=________ EAC=________ EBX=________ ECX=________ EDX=________ ESI=________ EDI=________ EBP=________ FLG=________ CS:EIP=____:________ CSACC=____ CSLIM=________ SS:ESP=____:________ SSACC=____ SSLIM=________ DS=____ DSACC=____ DSLIM=________ CR0=________ ES=____ ESACC=____ ESLIM=________ CR2=________ FS=____ FSACC=____ FSLIM=________ GS=____ GSACC=____ GSLIM=________ THE SYSTEM DETECTED AN INTERNAL PROCESSING ERROR AT LOCATION ##____:________ - ____:____. _____, ____ ________ INTERNAL REVISION _.___, __/__/__ PRINTER - If this is a printer problem, please provide the following: Printer Vendor: __________________ Model ....: ________________ Driver Name ..: __________________ Port Used : ________________ Printer is attached to: Local _ LAN Server _ Host _ COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - If this is a problem with Communications Manager, please provide answers in this section: OS/2 Extended Services ............: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 EE Communications Manager 1.3 : _ CSD Level: _______ Describe your Communications Manager configuration (DFT, T-R, etc): ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ LOCAL AREA NETWORK - If this is a local area network problem, please enter information about the LAN involved: LAN SERVER: OS/2 LAN Server Version 1.3 : _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Entry ..: _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Advanced: _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Entry ..: _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Advanced: _ CSD Level: ________ LAN REQUESTER: LAN Server 3.0 Requester....: _ CSD Level: ________ LAN Server 2.0 Requester....: _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 1.3 Requester..........: _ CSD Level: ________ DOS LAN REQUESTER: LS 3.0 Requester ...........: _ CSD Level: ________ LS 2.0 Requester ...........: _ CSD Level: ________ OS/2 1.3 Requester .........: _ CSD Level: ________ DOS Version: ____ DOS Vendor: _________________ Is the failing system a Domain Controller? Y _ N _ Is the failing system an additional server? Y _ N _ DATABASE MANAGER - If this is an OS/2 DATABASE MANAGER problem, please enter information about the DataBase Manager problem below. SQL Error Code ....: ________ Secondary Return Code: ________ Error occurs when database is being accessed as: Stand Alone ......: Y _ N _ Requester (Client): Y _ N _ Database Server ..: Y _ N _ Using RDS ........: Y _ N _ Using LAN ........: Y _ N _ If the error is occurring at a requester, can the problem be recreated at the server? .....: Y _ N _ Error occurs in which application? Query Manager.....: _ LI ..............: _ (Command Line Interface) User Application..: _ If a trap has occurred, provide the SQLABEND results: _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ PLEASE REVIEW ALL OF THIS PROBLEM REPORT BEFORE SENDING. When you are ready to send this OS/2 Problem Report, send the form via CISMAIL to --- Base problems - Base Support, 76711,610 ES/LS problems - ES/LS Support, 76711,611 (ES = IBM Extended Services, LS = IBM LAN Server) Beta problems - 76711,175 (FEEDBACK purposes only...you will not be contacted). (To send from the Internet use address 76711.610@compuserve.com, 76711.611@compuserve.com, or 76711.175@compuserve.com, as appropriate.) Related information: (4.5) Technical Support (4.7) Online Services (4.11) OS/2 BBSes What OS/2 BBSes can I dial? The following BBSes hold large OS/2 libraries: Fernwood (203) 483-0348 OS/2 Shareware (703) 385-4325 Bay Area OS/2 (510) 657-7948 Gateway/2 (314) 554-9313 Greater Chicago Online (708) 895-4042 OS/2 San Diego (619) 558-9475 OS/2 Las Vegas (702) 433-5535 Denver OS/2 BBS (303) 755-6859 OS/2 Source BBS (303) 744-0373 Inside Technologies BBS (313) 283-1151 OS/2 Woodmeister (314) 446-0016 IBM Germany 049-711-785-7777 IBM Denmark 45-42-88-72-22 OS/2 UK 0454-633197 IBM UK 0256-336655 IBM Norway 47-66-99-94-50 OS/2 Norway 47-22-38-09-49 OS/2 Australia 61-2-241-2466 Abaforum (Barcelona, 34-3-589.38.88 Spain) (The monthly Worldwide OS/2 BBS Listing, available from these BBSes, lists others.) The IBM PC Company BBS (modem 404-835-6600) has some shareware/freeware as well, along with CSDs [See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes] and the PS/2 Assistant (an invaluable resource for locating almost any sort of information on OS/2). For information on IBM's OS/2 BBS phone 800-547-1283. IBM Canada maintains several support BBSes: (416) 946-4255 (514) 938-3022 (604) 664-6464 (416) 946-4244 Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (5.1) Making OS/2 Resemble Unix I'm a Unix wizard. How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix? A great number of GNU and Unix utilities have been ported to OS/2 native mode and are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. A uucp package, UUPC/Extended, is available via anonymous ftp from sun.soe.clarkson.edu, directory pub/uupc; mail help@kew.com with questions. In addition, the Hamilton C Shell is available from Hamilton Labs (phone 508-358-5715 or mail 3890321@mcimail.com). The Thompson Toolkit, a Bourne-like shell, and awk are published by Thompson Automation (phone 206-224-1639). MKS (phone 519-884-2251 or mail pat@mks.com) publishes a number of standard Unix utilities for OS/2. Hippix (Hippo Software; consult file pub/hippo/press.txt, available via anonymous ftp from morgan.cs.utah.edu, for more information) provides a set of low cost Unix-like command utilities (such as grep, awk, sh, and vi) along with a POSIX programming library. For OS/2-specific X-Windows server support, IBM provides an optional package available with its TCP/IP 1.2.1 for OS/2. The TCP/IP 1.2.1 base package includes a news reader as a sample application. DOS and Windows based utilities and aids still work fine under OS/2 2.1. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.8) Networking Products (5.2) Making OS/2 Resemble Windows I prefer Windows. How do I make OS/2 2.1 resemble Windows (or OS/2 1.3)? Spend some time with the Workplace Shell first. Browse the online Tutorial, Master Help Index, and Start Here facilties. Consult the Unofficial Guide to the Workplace Shell, available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. If you still prefer Windows-like behavior, follow the instructions beginning on Page 401 in the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual. Note that you can run the Win-OS/2 Program Manager "seamlessly" on your OS/2 desktop, and you can use it to launch DOS, Windows, and OS/2 applications. Using the Program Manager in this way can make even hard core Windows users more comfortable. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (5.3) Recovering from Crashed Sessions Sometimes OS/2 2.1 will freeze when I run an application. What do I do? Before rebooting with CTRL-ALT-DEL, try CTRL-ESC. Do not hit additional keys, do not move the mouse. Wait up to a minute. Either the Window List or an error message should pop up. You may close the offending application at that point; allow some time for it to close. (Try ALT-ESC if you have disabled CTRL-ESC in that application's DOS Settings. If you do not get any response, press CTRL-ESC or ALT-ESC repeatedly until the dialog appears.) Note that the Workplace Shell can recycle, independent of running applications, if it crashes. If the system is badly disabled, sometimes pressing CTRL-ALT-NUMLOCK twice will result in a prompt to create a dump diskette. You may do so (the online Command Reference describes dump diskettes), or at that point you may reboot with CTRL-ALT-DEL. To prevent applications from automatically restarting see (5.10) Clever Tricks. To restore the desktop to "factory defaults," use ALT-F1 when OS/2 2.1 starts. See Appendix C of the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual for details. Note that if you have installed an OS/2 Service Pak [See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes] the ALT-F1 sequence will restore your desktop to the state it was found in just before installation of the Service Pak. Related information: (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (5.10) Clever Tricks (5.4) Starting Background Processes How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command line? Look up the START and DETACH commands in the online Command Reference. If you wish to start a DOS session with nondefault settings, use a utility such as STARTD. If you wish to start an OS/2 session from a DOS session, try OS2EXEC. Both (and several others) are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (5.5) Adobe Type Manager How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces? (NOTE: The answer to this question may be slightly inaccurate due to minor changes made to Adobe Type Manager under OS/2 2.1. This note will be removed in a future release of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List after any necessary corrections have been made.) OS/2 2.1 comes with built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) for OS/2 and Win-OS/2. A basic set of typefaces (Courier, Helvetica, and Times New Roman) comes with OS/2 2.1 and is installed (if selected) for use under both OS/2's and Win-OS/2's ATM. Each typeface should come with three separate files with PFB, AFM, and INF extensions. To install a typeface for use under Win-OS/2, use the ATM Control Panel. The Win-OS/2 ATM Control Panel will then build a PFM file from the INF file. To install a typeface for use with OS/2-specific applications, select OS/2 System -> System Setup -> Font Palette -> Edit Font -> Add. PFM files may converted to AFM files using the PFM2AFM utility, available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. (However, these converted AFM files sometimes produce unusual results.) AFM files for Adobe commercial typefaces are available via Internet anonymous ftp from ftp.mv.us.adobe.com. Many public domain typefaces for OS/2's ATM are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Atech Software's (phone 800-786-FONT) AllType and Ares Software's (phone 415-578-9090) FontMonger convert between TrueType and Adobe Type 1 formats. Typeface files may be shared by OS/2 ATM and Win-OS/2 ATM. To do so, install the typefaces using both the Font Palette and Win-OS/2 ATM Control Panel, specifying the target path each time (most conveniently \PSFONTS). Note that IOPL=YES should appear in CONFIG.SYS; the modules WPPWNDRV, BVHSVGA, and PMATM are marked as requiring I/O privilege. Related information (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (5.6) Performance Tuning How do I tweak OS/2 2.1 for maximum performance? For OS/2 overall, the CONFIG.SYS parameters MAXWAIT, TIMESLICE, PRIORITY, PRIORITY_DISK_IO, PROTECTONLY, and cache settings (in the DISKCACHE line, for FAT; or IFS line, for HPFS) can be tweaked. The swap file should be placed on the most used partition on the least used hard disk, and its location is controlled by the SWAPPATH line. See the online Command Reference for details. FAT partitions should be periodically defragmented. A shareware defragmenter for DOS called DOG (Disk OrGanizer) works well, as do many others. (You can boot DOS from a floppy disk to run such a utility.) For the Workplace Shell, drag shadows of most often used items to the desktop or to folders closer to the "surface" -- opening folders takes time. Drag shadows of program objects you use often (e.g. the Win-OS/2 full screen Program Manager) to the Startup folder. Disable animation (go to OS/2 System -> System Setup -> System -> Window). Use the faster Details View when opening drive and folder objects; to set Details View as the default, open the settings notebook for the object, select the Menu tab, click on ~Open, then the Settings button, then select the Default Action. Try reducing the number of on screen colors or dropping down in screen resolution to enhance speed. Close (not just minimize; check the Window List) unnecessary objects and applications. Use the Monochrome scheme from the Scheme Palette -- it provides marginally faster screen updates. Consider adding more RAM. For DOS programs, run full screen instead of windowed if speed is important. In DOS Settings for each application: reduce conventional, XMS, DPMI, and EMS memory allocations to the bare minimums required for maximum performance; turn off VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION unless necessary; adjust IDLE_SENSITIVITY; turn off DOS_BACKGROUND_EXECUTION if not needed; change the HW_TIMER setting (particularly for games); enable VIDEO_FASTPASTE if possible; turn on HW_ROM_TO_RAM. Communications programs should use hardware handshaking where possible (use OS/2's MODE COMx command if necessary), and a buffered UART can prove helpful. (DOS programs running under OS/2 will not be aware of a buffered 16550AF UART. OS/2 virtualizes the serial port and manages the buffer itself.) For faster printing set the DOS program's output port to LPTx.OS2 (where x is the printer port number) -- use a "print to file" option if necessary. Disable any DOS print spoolers; rely on OS/2's spooler instead. Increase CONFIG.SYS's PRINTMONBUFSIZE values. Other, standard steps to enhance DOS performance (e.g. increasing BUFFERS in CONFIG.SYS) of course apply. For Windows programs, run using a full screen desktop if speed is vital. The Win-OS/2 Full Screen icon set up by the installation program has poor Settings. For better performance perform some of the same steps outlined in the preceding paragraph, including VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION off. The same printer output advice also applies. Consider disabling the Public setting in the Clipboard. If available, set VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP to off. If mouse control is lost when switching to/from the Win-OS/2 session, try setting VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION off. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage (5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage? OS/2 does not treat system resources like DOS. Memory is treated as a virtual resource, used intelligently. For example, OS/2 will retain unused, "dormant" code in memory if that memory is not otherwise required, on the assumption that that code may be used again. Also, all but a small portion of OS/2 (and most applications, no matter how many are running) may be paged to disk should a large amount of physical memory be required. Utilities which display "free" memory, then, are only useful for rough, relative measurements. (Such utilities also often fail for another reason: many only report the largest contiguous block of free physical RAM. And a few will never report more than 16 MB of RAM because they were designed for OS/2 1.x.) Similarly, utilities which purport to measure system load (e.g. Pulse) should not be relied upon for definitive performance measurement. Subjective assessments are often much more reliable. Pulse (and similar utilities) rely on a measurement of processor time allocated to a thread running at OS/2's lowest priority. This method is sometimes subject to erroneous results. That said, more rigorous system performance optimization and monitoring tools include SPM/2 (IBM), BenchTech (Synetik, phone 303-241-1718), and Performance 2.0 (Clear & Simple, phone 203-658-1204). Note that OS/2's swap file is designed to behave with hysteresis. It will not shrink in size as easily as it grows, under the assumption that swap space needed once may be needed again. It should shrink given enough time and continued, less intense system loads. Related information: (5.6) Performance Tuning (5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps My background bitmap does not display correctly. What's wrong? Color bitmap images used for the Workplace Shell screen or folder backgrounds may not display correctly (may have distorted or missing colors) due to incorrect matching with OS/2's default palette. Unlike Windows, OS/2 does not adjust the palette to accommodate background bitmaps (to keep the rest of the desktop from experiencing color distortions). (Palette control is now available to applications running under the 32-bit graphics engine with an appropriate display driver, however.) To remedy the problem you may use the numerous background images which have been specifically prepared for the Workplace Shell [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] or you may use an image editing/conversion utility which can create a proper, palette-matched bitmap file. For example, FracInt 17.2 [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] may be used to import noninterlaced GIF, Windows BMP, and PCX files and save them as palette matched OS/2 BMP files. Note that background bitmap images impose some additional overhead, taking up RAM and disk resources. You should probably use them sparingly. Also, if you have set a Win-OS/2 background bitmap you may experience desktop color distortions when running Windows programs "seamlessly." Disable the Win-OS/2 background bitmap to remedy the problem. Related information: (2.2) SuperVGA Support (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.1? Booting a real version of DOS under OS/2 provides certain features that the OS/2 emulated DOS sessions cannot. For example, a specific DOS session can provide access to devices (like CD-ROM drives) and networks for which there are only DOS device drivers. A specific DOS session can also help get DOS applications which generate spurious "divide by zero" errors running again. You will be able to run one such session per hardware device. So, for example, if you have your DOS networking software loaded in one specific DOS session, you may not start another, similar session. Specific DOS sessions are discussed in the online Command Reference (under VMDISK), the Master Help Index, and the printed Installation Guide (Appendix E). You should consult those resources first. However, if you are still unsure how to configure your system to run specific DOS sessions, follow these steps: 1. Create a bootable DOS diskette. Insert your DOS system diskette into Drive A and reboot. When you arrive at the "A>" prompt, type FORMAT A: /S and press ENTER. (Note that you may wish to format the diskette for the smallest capacity possible, to save hard disk space later on. For example, a 5.25 inch double density -- not high density -- diskette may be formatted to just 160K by adding the /1 /N:8 parameters to the FORMAT command.) When prompted, insert a blank diskette into Drive A and press ENTER. When the FORMAT operation is complete, remove the diskette and restart OS/2. 2. Copy FSFILTER.SYS to the diskette. Double click on OS/2 System -> Command Prompts -> OS/2 Window. Insert the diskette you just formatted into Drive A. Copy the following file to your startable diskette: \OS2\MDOS\FSFILTER.SYS. 3. Set up CONFIG.SYS. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor) create the file A:\CONFIG.SYS with the following lines at the top: DEVICE=A:\FSFILTER.SYS DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\HIMEM.SYS DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\EMM386.SYS DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS Change the "C:" drive letter if OS/2 is installed on another drive. Add any other lines as required for your application (like CD-ROM or networking), but do not include any XMS, EMS, mouse, or memory management device drivers. Make sure that everything is referenced with a drive letter and path, as above. 4. Set up AUTOEXEC.BAT. Likewise, create a file named A:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and make sure that the first line reads: C:\OS2\MDOS\MOUSE changing "C:" if necessary. Add any additional lines (like PATH, SET PROMPT, and so on) as required by your application. 5. Test your DOS diskette. Once you have configured the CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files as you wish, double click on OS/2 System -> Command Prompts -> DOS from Drive A:. A DOS session should start. Test for the functionality you need (like access to your CD-ROM reader or network). If the session is not working properly, press CTRL-ESC and shut down the session, edit CONFIG.SYS and/or AUTOEXEC.BAT as required, and repeat the test. 6. Create the diskette image. When you are satisfied that your specific DOS session diskette functions properly, go back to the OS/2 Window and type VMDISK A: C:\DOS.IMG to create a diskette image file. (If you want the file to be located on another drive or in another directory, change "C:\" accordingly.) 7. Create a program object for your specific DOS session. Drag a program object from your Templates folder to any target folder. When the notebook opens, enter a single asterisk (*) in the Program Name field, then click on the right arrow in the lower right. Select either DOS Window or DOS Full Screen for the session type, as desired. Click on the DOS Settings button, and scroll down until you find the DOS_STARTUP_DRIVE property. Enter C:\DOS.IMG in the field at the upper right. (If your image file is not located on Drive C in the root directory, make the necessary changes.) Change any other DOS Settings if necessary. Click on the Save button, then click on the General tab. Give your program object a name. Then close up the notebook. You should now be able to double click on your new program object to start your specific DOS session. If you require access to your diskette drive (Drive A), use the FSACCESS command. See the online Command Reference for details. When formatting your bootable DOS diskette, you may wish to use additional command line parameters to create a diskette with a reduced capacity. The "smaller" the diskette, the less room the diskette image file created by VMDISK will take on your hard disk. See your DOS manual for details, or use the example given above. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (5.10) Clever Tricks Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.1? o To force DIR to display your directories in alphabetical order, with the subdirectories listed first, add the line SET DIRCMD=/O:GN to CONFIG.SYS; and, if you wish the same for your DOS command line sessions, add the same line to AUTOEXEC.BAT. You may also wish to run DOSKEY to enable the command history feature. (Shutdown and reboot for changes to CONFIG.SYS to take effect.) o Hold down SHIFT while resizing text windows to make size changes permanent. o If you want to configure your printer port(s) for shared access (so that DOS programs, for example, can use them directly), go to your printer object, click on it with mouse button two, select Open -> Settings, select the Output tab, then double click on the port you wish to share. Check the appropriate box. o While running a DOS graphics program in a window, use the graphics cut and paste feature to clip a picture and paste it into the Icon Editor. You can then quickly and easily create custom icons for your applications. o To disable the automatic application restart feature, create a STARTUP.CMD file in the root directory of your OS/2 boot drive with the following REXX script: /* */ call RxFuncadd 'SysLoadFuncs', 'RexxUtil', 'SysLoadFuncs' call SysLoadFuncs call SysIni 'USER', 'PM_WorkPlace:Restart', 'DELETE:' 'exit' or add the line SET RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY to your CONFIG.SYS. To manually disable automatic application restart when booting OS/2, hold down the left CTRL, left SHIFT, and F1 keys simultaneously from the time the mouse pointer appears until icons are displayed on the desktop. o Use the Alarms applet to automatically start programs at specified times. To start the Alarms applet minimized, put /I in the Optional Parameters section of its program object settings. o If you wish to dispense with the Workplace Shell (and its overhead), particularly on low memory systems, change the line SET RUNWORKPLACE... in CONFIG.SYS to read SET RUNWORKPLACE=C:\OS2\CMD.EXE (replacing C, if necessary, with a different drive letter). In fact any program with job control (e.g. Enhanced Editor, HyperAccess/5) can be used as the shell. o To implement a small scroll back buffer for your OS/2 command line windows, use the command MODE CO80,102. This procedure may be automated by adding /K MODE CO80,102 in the Optional Parameters section of the OS/2 Window program object settings. o If you do not want any command line parameters passed to a program object that you start (for example, if you customize the desktop menu so that it has an additional option which starts a command line prompt) place a lone % in the Optional Parameters section of the program object settings. If you do wish to pass parameters, but you want the extraneous information that the Workplace Shell passes to the object to be ignored, try putting && REM % in the Optional Parameters section. o If you want to move an icon a small distance, "grab" it from the edge nearest the direction you want to move the icon. o If you wish to place program output in the REXX queue (for processing by a REXX program), try DIR *.TXT | RXQUEUE as an example. (In other words, pipe the program output to RXQUEUE.) To use this program output in your REXX program, try /* Sample */ WHILE QUEUED() > 0 PARSE PULL X SAY X END o A clever way to manipulate files that are locked when the Workplace Shell is running (e.g. display drivers) is to add the line CALL=CMD.EXE at the end of CONFIG.SYS. Then Shutdown and reboot. The system will restart with an OS/2 command line prompt. Type EXIT to proceed into the Workplace Shell. Using CALL is also a convenient way to configure OS/2's serial ports using the MODE command. For example: CALL=C:\OS2\MODE.COM COM2:38400,N,8,1,OCTS=OFF,RTS=ON,BUFFER=ON configures COM2 for high speed RTS handshaking and buffered I/O. You can also use either CDD2 or SHIFTRUN; both utilities are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Another way, which works well with display drivers, is to copy the new DLL(s) to its(their) own directory (say, C:\NEW), then place that directory name first in LIBPATH in CONFIG.SYS. Shutdown and reboot. OS/2 will use that(those) DLL(s) before it attempts to use the one(s) located in \OS2\DLL. [This method is required when using a 16-bit OS/2 2.0 display driver with OS/2 2.0 CSD Level 06055 or later. See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes.] To switch back to the old driver, edit CONFIG.SYS and remove C:\NEW from LIBPATH, then Shutdown and reboot. o To shutdown without a mouse, press CTRL-ESC, select the Desktop, then press the spacebar (to deselect any icons, if necessary), SHIFT-F10, and select Shutdown. o If your video driver does not support "seamless" Windows, try running the Win-OS/2 Program Manager in a DOS window. o Selective Install should be used with caution when changing mouse or display drivers. Verify that proper changes have been made to CONFIG.SYS. o If your settings notebooks (or PM Sticky Pads) do not display but are listed in the Window List, click on the name of the settings notebook in the Window List (brought up with CTRL-ESC) with mouse button two and select Cascade. o If your \OS2\*.INI files have grown large, use the CopyINI or WPSBackup utilities to shrink them. Both are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. o To restart the Workplace Shell (without saving desktop settings, perhaps after an accidental Arrange), use a utility such as psPM [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] to terminate PMSHELL. o To get rid of a WPS object that cannot be deleted, try one of the following: - Insert a blank diskette in Drive A, click on the stubborn object with mouse button two, select Move, select the Path page, enter A:\, press ENTER, then format the diskette; - Use the WPSTools or Black Hole, available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. (The WPSTools can also recreate desktop objects that have been lost.) o To load a device driver into high memory in a particular DOS session change the DOS_DEVICE setting for the session and add SIZE=0 before the path and filename for the device driver. For example, the following DOS_DEVICE entry: SIZE=0 C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS loads the ANSI.SYS device driver into high memory in that particular session. o If you wish to create diskettes from MAKEDSKF (.DSK) image files, such as those contained on the CD-ROM version of OS/2, and you do not wish to use the DOS and OS/2 utility LOADDSKF, you may use a workstation. For example, on an IBM RS/6000 you may use the command: dd if=(input filename) of=/dev/rfd0 ibs=1b obs=60b conv=sync o To reboot the machine from the command line, use: SETBOOT /IBD:C Change the last letter (C) if you want to boot from another drive. o The settings notebooks now support drag and drop operations for assigning icons and for changing menus. To change the icon for an object, first open the settings notebook (click on the object with the secondary mouse button, then select Open -> Settings). Click on the General tab. Then drag any other object to the icon located on the General page of the settings notebook. The object's icon will change to match. If you want to restore it to its former state, click on the Undo button. To assign actions to menus, open the settings notebook, then click on the Menu tab. Click on any of the items in the Available menus section (or Create another). To add an Action, drag the desired program object to the Actions on menu section. o To quickly maximize a window, double click on its title bar. To restore the window to its former size, double click on the title bar again. o Select the Flowed setting (on the View page of the settings notebook) for fastest display when opening folders. o If you have UNDELETE enabled, but you want to delete an occasional file without the overhead incurred by having UNDELETE capability, use the /F parameter with the DEL command. Using this parameter (in either a DOS or OS/2 Window) will bypass the routine which moves the file(s) to the directory specified by the DELDIR environment variable. The file(s) is(are) deleted faster, but you will not be able to undelete it(them). The /N parameter will prevent prompting ("Are you sure?"). o OS/2 2.1 now includes the ability to set a power on password. However, if you have forgotten your password, and you cannot unlock your desktop when you turn your machine on, try the following. Start OS/2 from a diskette boot [see (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette] to get a command line prompt. At the prompt, enter the following commands: C: (assuming OS/2 is installed on Drive C; change if necessary) MAKEINI OS2.INI LOCK.RC Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (5.11) REXX How do I use REXX? What does it do? REXX is built into every copy of OS/2 (where it is also known as Procedures Language/2). It is a general purpose, interpreted programming language which was first released on IBM mainframes over a decade ago. REXX is extremely easy to learn and use. It is particularly strong at string manipulation, and it has features which are difficult to implement in compiled languages (like the ability to read its own source code or execute a string as a command). OS/2 applications can use REXX as a common scripting language, which means that users need not learn separate macro or script languages for each application. For example, the OS/2 versions of Lotus 1-2-3 and Borland ObjectVision will interface with REXX. OS/2's multimedia extensions (MMPM/2) contain a REXX interface, so REXX programs can play, record, and manipulate sound and video files. And REXX can be used to create complex batch files (with interactive prompting), since it is integrated so tightly into OS/2's command processor. A pair of REXX visual builders (programming tools which help create even complex REXX applications quickly and easily using simple, drag and drop manipulation of on screen objects), HockWare's VisPro/REXX and Watcom's VX REXX, are now available. [See (0.2) Recent Developments for more information on these two programming tools.] For more information on OS/2's REXX interpreter, see the REXX Information online documentation located in the Information folder. For more information on REXX generally, consult the REXX Frequently Asked Questions List [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Related information: (0.2) Recent Developments (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2) (5.12) ANSI Escape Sequences What ANSI escape sequences can be used? ANSI escape sequences provide cursor and screen control in OS/2 character mode sessions. By default ANSI support is turned ON (although it may be turned off with the command ANSI OFF). ANSI support is also available in DOS sessions if the device driver ANSI.SYS is loaded. See the online Command Reference for details. The following ANSI escape sequences are available: Key ESC Refers to ASCII code 27 (i.e. the Escape key) # Replace with the appropriate number .... Replace with additional attributes, if desired Escape Code Sequence Function Cursor Controls ESC[#;#H or ESC[#;#f Moves cursor to line #, column # ESC[#A Moves cursor up # lines ESC[#B Moves cursor down # lines ESC[#C Moves cursor forward # spaces ESC[#D Moves cursor back # spaces ESC[#;#R Reports current cursor line and column ESC[s Saves cursor position for recall later ESC[u Return to saved cursor position Erase Functions ESC[2J Clear screen and home cursor ESC[K Clear to end of line Set Graphics Rendition ESC[#;#;....;#m Set display attributes where # is 0 for normal display 1 bold on 4 underline (mono only) 5 blink on 7 reverse video on 8 nondisplayed (invisible) 30 black foreground 31 red foreground 32 green foreground 33 yellow foreground 34 blue foreground 35 magenta foreground 36 cyan foreground 37 white foreground 40 black background 41 red background 42 green background 43 yellow background 44 blue background 45 magenta background 46 cyan background 47 white background ESC[=#;7h Put screen in indicated mode where # is 0 for 40x25 black and white 1 40x25 color 2 80x25 black and white 3 80x25 color 4 320x200 color graphics 5 320x200 black and white graphics 6 640x200 black and white graphics 7 to wrap at end of line ESC[=#;7l Resets mode # set with above command Keyboard Reassignments ESC[#;#;....#p The first ASCII code defines what is to be changed; the remaining codes define what it is to be changed to; strings are permitted. Examples: ESC[65;81p - A becomes Q ESC[81;65p - Q becomes A ESC[0;68;"dir";13p - Assign the F10 key to a DIR command. The 0;68 portion is the extended ASCII code for the F10 key and 13 is the ASCII code for a carriage return. Other function key codes: F1=59, F2=60, F3=61, ... F10=68. You can use ANSI escape sequences in the PROMPT environment variable to create complex command line prompts. See the online Command Reference (under PROMPT) for details. For example, if you have a color monitor, try editing your CONFIG.SYS file so that SET PROMPT=$e[32;40m$e[1m[$P]$e[0m to obtain a more colorful OS/2 command line prompt. (Case is significant in the example given.) You can do the same for your DOS sessions if you edit PROMPT in AUTOEXEC.BAT, assuming you have ANSI.SYS loaded. Note that the $i portion of your PROMPT will enable the help line at the top of the window or screen. It is not included in the example above. To change the background color of your OS/2 command line sessions, modify your CONFIG.SYS file so that this line is changed as shown: SET OS2_SHELL=C:\OS2\CMD.EXE /K BLUESCR.CMD changing the drive letter, if necessary. Then create a file named BLUESCR.CMD which contains the following lines: @ECHO OFF PROMPT=$e[32;44;1m PROMPT $p$g CLS Save the file to a directory that is named in the SET PATH line of your CONFIG.SYS file. Reboot. Then, when you start an OS/2 command line, the background color will be different. You can change the numbers in the first PROMPT line to obtain different colors. If you are using JP Software's 32-bit 4OS2, and you would like the name of the current working directory to appear in the title bar, try using the following command: PROMPT `%@exec[window"%_cwd"]$h[$p]` Related information: (5.10) Clever Tricks (6.1) Promoting OS/2 What can I do to promote OS/2? OS/2 is selling well, but there are steps you can take to assure that hardware devices and software will be available for OS/2 in the future. Customer requests do matter. o Politely, firmly, and repeatedly request driver support from printer, video adapter, and other hardware manufacturers. o When you receive a mailing for DOS/Windows software with a postpaid envelope, return the order form marked "Please send information on your OS/2 version." o Start a user group at your location. Contact Gene Barlow (phone 214-402-6456) at IBM or mail ibmpcug@vnet.ibm.com for assistance. Think about how you can publicize your user group. For instance, most local newspapers and television stations will print/broadcast meeting announcements for free. Your local cable television company will be happy to broadcast a videotape of your meeting on the public access channel. o Correspond with members of the computer trade press. Ask for reviews of OS/2 software, hardware compatibility testing with OS/2, OS/2 benchmarking, etc. Respond politely but forcefully to press you think unfair; praise good reporting. o When you purchase a new system, ask the vendor to install OS/2 2.1, and to offer credit for dropping DOS and Windows. If the vendor refuses, you may wish to take your business elsewhere. AST, Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Tangent, IBM, and Ariel Design all offer systems with OS/2 2.1 preloaded. o Make sure your company (or yourself) specifies OS/2 compatibility when purchasing new products. o Demonstrate OS/2 to friends, relatives, and associates. o Ask your computer store to stock OS/2 software titles, have OS/2 demonstration machines, etc. o Pass along useful OS/2 shareware and freeware to your local BBS. Be sure to register OS/2 shareware. o Write an outstanding piece of shareware or freeware [See (4.5) Technical Support for details on joining DAP]. IBM has been known to recognize such work with rewards. Also, ask authors of DOS/Windows shareware and freeware if they would port to OS/2, or volunteer. o Recommend products that work well under OS/2; dissuade people from purchasing products that do not. o Wear OS/2 pins, shirts, buttons, and other souvenirs. Contact Sue at Lees/Keystone (phone 914-273-6755) or the IBM OS/2 Hotline (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2) to order such items. o Join Team OS/2, the international organization for OS/2 enthusiasts. For information on Team OS/2 events you should monitor the TEAMOS2 echomail conference on your local FidoNet BBS. If your local BBS does not carry TEAMOS2, ask your system operator to get it. See (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for the names and numbers of several BBSes which carry TEAMOS2. To join Team OS/2, send your name, address, and telephone number to Vicci Conway (76711.1123@compuserve.com). Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support (4.11) OS/2 BBSes (6.2) Creating INF Files How can I create INF files? Creating INF files (like the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List) is remarkably straightforward. All you need is the Information Presentation Facility Compiler (IPFC), part of the IBM Developer's Toolkit for OS/2 2.1 (available separately as IBM part no. 61G1416 or as part of many development environments such as Borland C++ for OS/2), and a text editor (like the Enhanced Editor included with OS/2). Online IPFC documentation is included with the Toolkit, but you may also wish to order the printed Information Presentation Facility Guide and Reference, IBM Publication No. S10G-6262. See (4.9) Books and Magazines for ordering instructions. Note that the Toolkit is part of the low cost OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-ROM. See (4.5) Technical Support for details. If you wish to include illustrations in your INF file you can use any graphics software which can generate OS/2 bitmaps and/or metafiles. (For example, you may create your illustration in PM Chart, paste the illustration into Picture Viewer, then save the illustration as a metafile. Both PM Chart and Picture Viewer are included with OS/2 2.1.) A screen capture utility [like PM Camera or Galleria, available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] can also prove useful. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support (4.9) Books and Magazines [End of OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List.]