Team OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List - version 2.10 (11th Dec 1994) ======================================================================== Abstract -------- This document contains a list of questions and answers about that wholly remarkable organisation, Team OS/2. It is very loosely based on a similar document that I wrote for the TEAMOS2 echo in Fidonet; version 2 is a complete rewrite for the purpose of more general distribution, including, but not limited to, Usenet and the Internet, and contains much new and expanded information that I hope will be useful to both Teamers and non-Teamers alike. Information specific to the Fidonet Team OS/2 echo has been moved to an appendix. This document is maintained by Christian Scarborough. Corrections, as well as constructive criticism, suggestions for improvement and additions, and large sums of money are all welcome, and can be submitted to the following addresses: Internet: C.J.Scarborough@durham.ac.uk (preferred) cjs@donor2.demon.co.uk elmyra@acme.demon.co.uk Fidonet: Christian Scarborough@2:440/4.7 Revision History ---------------- Version 2.10 updates some information that has become out of date since version 2.01. The section on sources of information has been greatly expanded (thanks to Byron Huang for this info), and a new section on the history and versions of OS/2 has been added. Question 1(a).5, dealing with Teamers and Windows, is also new. OS/2 Internet mailing list details are now included, in section 2(a).2. This document is intended to be a universal source of Team OS/2 related information, but does contain a few gaping holes, notably relating to electronic networks that I do not participate in. In particular, I must apologise for the US/anglocentric focus of this document, as these are the areas for which such information is readily available to me. It is my hope that individuals with knowledge in areas that I lack would send it to me for inclusion in the next release. Thank you. Disclaimer and Copyright Notice ------------------------------- This document is based entirely on my personal opinions about Team OS/2, and any inaccuracies are therefore my fault. In no way does this document constitute the official opinion of the University of Durham (who probably don't even know what OS/2 is), or IBM itself. |The document is provided AS IS, without warranty of any kind. The author |is not liable for any loss or damage resulting from use of information |contained herein, correct or otherwise. |All trademarks are copyright of their respective owners. The copyright owner of this document (except where explicitly stated to the contrary) is Christian Scarborough. License is hereby granted to freely distribute this document in any form, provided no fee (other than a reasonable distribution charge, where applicable) is charged, and that this copyright notice remains intact. This document may not be reproduced in any way, either in full or in part, as part of a commercial venture (including but not limited to CD-ROM distribution and magazine articles) without my express written permission. An explicit exception to the above license is hereby granted to the producers of the Walnut Creek OS/2 Shareware CD ROM, who may include this document on their distribution. Contents -------- 1) General Questions (a) What is Team OS/2 about? (b) IBM and Team OS/2 (c) How do I join? 2) Where to contact Team OS/2 members (a) Electronic conferences (b) Face to face 3) Team OS/2 sources of information (a) Where are the principle sources of Team info? (b) What general documents are available? (c) What newsletters are available? (d) Where can OS/2 promotional items / software be obtained? 4) A brief history of OS/2 (a) History (b) Versions 5) Team OS/2 related jargon Appendix A - The Fidonet Team OS/2 echo 1) General OS/2 questions ------------------------- 1(a) What is Team OS/2 about? Question 1(a).1 - What exactly is Team OS/2? Team OS/2 is a highly informal organisation dedicated to telling the world about the advantages of Operating System/2 (OS/2), an advanced operating system for computer systems based around the Intel 386, 486, Pentium, and compatible microprocessors. Faced with a large amount of ignorance and misinformation about OS/2, Teamers respond by demonstrating it to others, and educating them about its strengths and weaknesses. Teamers are all volunteers with a genuine enthusiasm for OS/2 that translates itself into a wish to spread that enthusiasm to others. Question 1(a).2 - How did Team OS/2 originate? Shortly before the release of version 2 of OS/2, an IBM employee called Dave Whittle had an idea. He, like many others at that time, could see that OS/2 was an excellent program, but like many others, he was frustrated by the lack of attention that it was receiving in the computer press and elsewhere. As a result, he decided to form a group of OS/2 enthusiasts who would help each other to promote OS/2 at the grass roots level. This organisation grew beyond his wildest dreams to encompass Teamers both inside and outside of IBM. Currently, Team OS/2 has more than two thousand members worldwide. Question 1(a).3 - What does Team OS/2 do? Anything that promotes OS/2 to other people. Examples include, but are not limited to: o Showing OS/2 to friends and workmates. o Demonstrating OS/2 to local stores, sometimes "adopting" a store. o Participating in electronic conferences discussing OS/2. o Helping exhibitors at computer shows to set up OS/2 demonstrations, and answering OS/2 questions. o Promoting OS/2 at user groups, possibly starting Special Interest Groups dealing with OS/2, or starting OS/2 user groups. o Running OS/2 BBS systems, carrying OS/2 files. Not to mention anything else that springs to mind, often on the spur of the moment. Above all, Teamers do what they do because it is FUN. Question 1(a).4 - I'd like to do one of the things mentioned above, but I'm a bit nervous about going it alone. Is there anyone I can ask for help? Yes. Many Teamers are willing to offer advice through electronic conferences, and you may be able to find Teamers local to you this way. For demos, you might like to get in touch with IBM's Team OS/2 support group (see Section 1(b) below), or your local IBM office, if you have one. If you are setting up an OS/2 User Group, then IBM can also offer some help; contact ibmpcug@vnet.ibm.com via the Internet. In particular, the Fidonet Team OS/2 echo has many contributors that also run user groups. Question 1(a).5 - What is Team OS/2's position on Windows, Windows 95, NT, and other competing software? Well, Team OS/2 is an informal organisiation, and as such has no views on anything. In my experience, and yours may differ, the majority of Teamers feel that OS/2 is good enough that we can promote it on it's own merits, rather than resort to rubbishing competing products, which can often give a bad impression, alienating people who might otherwise enjoy using OS/2. 1(b) IBM and Team OS/2 Question 1(b).1 - What is IBM's relationship with Team OS/2? IBM has no control or authority over the activities of Team OS/2. It does provide formal support for Team OS/2 activities, such as the loan of computers for demonstrations, OS/2 store packs, etc, in a similar way to the support it offers to OS/2 user groups. IBM also maintains a register of Team OS/2 members (see Section 1(c) below.), and produces a Team OS/2 newsletter, both distributed electronically. IBM's support for Team OS/2 is strongest within the USA, but they are starting to provide support in other countries as well. Watch this space. Question 1(b).2 - Do I have to work for IBM to be a Team OS/2 member? The answer to this question is a categorical NO. Although Team OS/2 contains many IBMers who are active participants, the vast majority are users, programmers, students, and other enthusiasts from outside of IBM. Question 1(b).3 - How do I contact IBM's Team OS/2 support? Any of the following may be used, but electronic mail is preferred CompuServe: Vicci Conway at 76711,1123 Fidonet: Janet Gobeille at 1:382/902 IBMMAIL: Janet at USIB45RN at IBMMAIL Internet: Team OS/2 Support at teamos2@vnet.ibm.com OS/2 BBS: Vicci Conway at USIB55J9 at IBMMAIL Fax: Team OS/2 Support, at (512) 823-3252 (USA) Mail: Janet Gobeille IBM PSP - Bldg 808 Internal Zip 2996 11400 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78758 USA 1(c) How do I join? Question 1(c).1 - How do I join Team OS/2? Joining Team OS/2 is very simple. There is no formal membership application process. All that is necessary is to do something that promotes OS/2 to others, no matter how large or small, and you are entitled to call yourself a Team OS/2 member. Once you have done this, you may wish to place the text "Team OS/2" in any electronic messages you send, and you may wish to have your name placed on the register of Teamers kept by IBM, but neither of these steps are essential to becoming a Team OS/2 member, just a willingness to promote OS/2 to others. Question 1(c).2 - How do I get my name placed on the register of Teamers? [The following is quoted from a document by Janet Gobeille] The Team OS/2 Support group keeps a database of members that we then sort and upload to the electronic networks so that you can find each other. For this database, please send the following information to one of the addresses in section 1.ii above: 1. Your Name 2. Mailing address (only the city, state, and country will be published) 3. May we release your address to vendors who wish to do mailings to Team OS/2 members? (Yes or no) 4. userids and networks 5. Optional: you can include a short (1-2 line) description to be included with your name. Sometimes software developers like to mention which products they've written or BBS operators include how to reach their BBS. 6. For our private records (these will NOT be published), please also include your phone number (home/work), fax, etc. Also please let us know what you've been doing so that you feel you qualify for Team OS/2. 2) How to contact Team OS/2 members ----------------------------------- 2(a) Electronic conferences Teamers frequent many electronic conferences, some of which are listed below. If there is a conference that you know of that is not listed below, please let me know. 2(a).1 - Fidonet The Fidonet echo TEAMOS2 is on the echo backbone in Zones 1 and 2, and is also taken by sites in zones 3 and 6. It serves as a meeting place for Teamers worldwide to discuss issues relating to Team activities, as well as serving as a point of contact for many OS/2 user groups. There are also several national fidonet echoes in existence, for example Germany and France both have national language Team OS/2 echoes. 2(a).2 - Internet / Usenet There is no usenet newsgroup dedicated specifically to Team OS/2, although many Teamers follow the newsgroups in the comp.os.os2 hierarchy . Of particular interest to Teamers is the comp.os.os2.advocacy newsgroup, also frequented by several staunch NT supporters. There are also a couple of OS/2 related mailing lists. To subscribe to one of these lists, send mail to the address specified with a blank subject line and the text sub in the message text, filling in your details as appropriate. Do not include an explanation or signature, as the request will be processed automatically. List name: os2users Location: McGill University in Canada Topic: general OS/2 discussion Address: listserv@vm1.mcgill.ca List name: os2-l Location: the Netherlands Topic: general OS/2 discussion Address: listserv@hearn.nic.surfnet.nl List name: teamos2-L Location: the Netherlands Topic: Grass roots promotion of OS/2 Addresses: teamos2-L@hearn.bitnet teamos2-L@nic.surfnet.nl 2(a).3 - Prodigy Seek out the OS/2 club, which has both files for downloading and message areas. IBM's Team liaison on Prodigy is Gene Gough (DWJG89A). 2(a).4 - CompuServe / CIX 'Go OS2USER'. Section 9 is dedicated to Team OS/2. Vicci Conway (76711,1123) is the IBM liaison here. 2(a).5 - GEnie The OS/2 roundtable (page 1400) is the place to look here. Look out for the announcements of upcoming Realtime Conferences (RTCs) in the Upcoming Bulletin Board conferences section. 2(a).6 - Delphi The Teamers here are to be found hanging out on Custom Forum 41. Of particular note is that Delphi offers a chance to meet the irrepressible Steve Gallagher. 2(a).7 - America Online Head for the Computing icon, OS/2 topic. AOL has regularly-scheduled OS/2 chats on Tuesdays at 11:30 p.m., Thursdays at 9 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. EST (Grenwich Mean Time minus 5 hours.) 2(b) Face to face Often it's nice to meet fellow Teamers in the flesh too. There are two main places where there is a good chance of meeting Teamers face to face. 2(b).1 - User groups OS/2 user groups usually have a large contingent of Teamer members, and there may be one near you. These are mostly found within the USA, although the International OS/2 User Group is based in Cirencester, UK. A list of OS/2 User Groups is beyond the scope of this document. An up to date list of such groups worldwide may be found within the latest issue of the San Diego OS/2 User Group newsletter (see Section 3, below). 2(b).2 - Computer shows / store demos If you are planning to attend a computer show, it is possible that you will find a group of Teamers helping out there. If you would like to help out with Team activities at the show, then contact IBM's Team OS/2 support, who will probably be able to put you in touch with those organising Team OS/2's presence. Also, Teamers will often help out at store demos of OS/2. 3) Team OS/2 sources of information ----------------------------------- This section is concerned mainly with the electronic distribution of Team OS/2 and general OS/2 related information, although the final sub-section covers OS/2 promotional items and software by mail order. 3(a) Where are the principle sources of OS/2 information / software? This section is classified by electronic network. 3(a).1 - Fidonet An extensive selection of OS/2 related material is distributed on file echos called the "Fernwood Collection" and is maintained on the Bear Garden BBS in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. FWOS2INFO is the place to look for Team OS/2 info, much of which can also be FReqed (see glossary) from Janet Gobeille's BBS (1:382/902). Also worth a mention is the OS/2 shareware BBS (sysop Pete Norloff, node 1:109/347), located in Fairfax, VA, phone number 703-385-4325, carrying one of the widest selections of OS/2 related files and echos in the the world. In England, Monusci, the BBS of the International OS/2 User Group is a good source of OS/2 information and files, and access is not restricted to User Group members. The Sysop is Mike Gove, node number 2:255/100, phone number (0454) 633197. 3(a).2 - Internet Several OS/2 related anonymous ftp sites are available on the Internet. The two main sites are ftp-os2.nmsu.edu Directory: /os2 ftp.cdrom.com Directory: /pub/os2 IBM's own official OS/2 FTP site is located at software.watson.ibm.com Directory: /pub/os2 These sites are mirrored in several places around the world, including src.doc.ic.ac.uk (England) Directory: /computing/systems/os2 ftp.funet.fi (Finland) Directory: /pub/os2 ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de Directory: /pub/comp/os/os2 (Germany) A more comprehensive list of FTP sites can be found in the OS/2 FAQ. For information about ftp, consult the glossary in Section 4 In addition, IBM operate an experimental gopher server at index.almaden.ibm.com containing many OS/2 related files. They are also on the world wide web at www.ibm.com. 3(a).3 - Others Any details of OS/2 sources on other networks would be greatly appreciated. 3(b) What general documents are available? 3(b).1 - The Team OS/2 FAQ Well, you are reading it at the moment. Anything I could say about it seems slightly superfluous in the light of that fact. 3(b).2 - The OS/2 FAQ This is a list of questions and answers related to OS/2 generally, maintained by Timothy Sipples. It is posted at regular intervals in the comp.os.os2.advocacy newsgroup, and can be found on many ftp sites, as well as some BBSes. There are a small number of FAQs concerned with more specific aspects of OS/2, such as programming. For a list of these, please consult the OS/2 FAQ. The latest version is v2.1e 3(b).3 - The Team OS/2 membership list This document, widely distributed on BBSes, is a list of all the Team OS/2 members worldwide who have submitted their names to IBM, along with their location (city and country), and any electronic addresses, enabling Teamers local to each other to get in touch. The filename is TEAMxx.ZIP (xx being a version number). 3(b).4 - OS/2 installation help file. A list of problems and fixes for use when installing OS/2 2.1, in INF format. Filename is probably INSIN2.ZIP. 3(b).5 - Trap error guide v1.01 INF file containing a brief description of OS/2 Trap messages and what they really mean. File name: TRAP.ZIP (?) 3(b).6 - OS/2 2.1 performance improvements An INF file describing Workplace Shell performance improvements in OS/2 2.1. Filename: WP21PERF.ZIP 3(b).7 - OS/2 performance tuning. INF file containing tips to allow you to fine tune your system settings for better OS/2 performance. Filename: OS2PERF.ZIP 3(b).8 - Stupid OS/2 Tricks A list of useful (and not so useful) things you can do to your OS/2 system in INF format. Filename: TRICKS4.ZIP 3(b).9 - APAR lists APARs are known problems with OS/2 that IBM is in the process of fixing. The following lists contain details of the bugs that IBM know about. 21APRx.ZIP, where x is between 1 and 4, deals with OS/2 2.1, and MMAPR1.ZIP is for bugs in Multimedia Presentation Manager (MMPM/2). 3(b).10 - CONFIG.SYS documents There are currently two ASCII documents explaining what the sometimes rather cryptic statements in the OS/2 CONFIG.SYS file mean. These are CFGS_11.ZIP and OS2CFG8.ZIP. The latter can also be used in conjunction with a program called CFGINFO that makes CONFIG.SYS editing easier. 3(b).11 - OS/2 shipping applications Just that. A list of currently shipping applications for OS/2, called OS2APP.ZIP. Often useful when countering rumours that there are no OS/2 applications available. 3(b).12 - OS/2 BBS list OS2WORLD.ZIP contains a list of BBSes that carry OS/2 files and echos throughout the world. 3(b).13 - Hardware compatibility table PCMTAB.ZIP contains a list of hardware that has been tested by IBM and found to be compatible with OS/2. This can be very useful when buying new hardware, or for finding out if OS/2 will run on a friend's machine. 3(b).14 - The Good, Bad and Ugly hardware list GBU105.ZIP is similar to the hardware table above, but is compiled from feedback from users who tried to get their hardware running under OS/2. It is in INF format, and is organised by peripheral type (eg 'soundcards'). 3(b).15 - Workplace Shell keys reference WPSKEYS.ZIP is a concise reference containing keyboard shortcuts for various operations. 3(c) What newsletters are available 3(c).1 - Team OS/2 newsletter Edited by IBM PSP's Vicci Conway, and released monthly, this electronic newsletter in INF format aims to keep Teamers worldwide informed and up to date on Team activities worldwide. This should be widely available. |Available from many BBSes as TNEWxx.ZIP (xx is the version number - 08 is the latest). 3(c).2 - San Diego OS/2 User Group newsletter An extremely well presented and professional INF format newsletter produced for the San Diego OS/2 User Group, but distributed worldwide via Fidonet and the Internet. Edited by Dave Sichak, each edition contains OS/2 related articles and reviews, as well as a worldwide list of OS/2 User groups. This |is worth checking out. The newsletter has now gone print only, but |electronic back issues are still available. |3(c).3 - IBM Developer Support News An INF format magazine produced by IBM and aimed at programmers working with OS/2. This magazine tends to contain articles of a more technical nature. The latest filename can be calculated according to the following archaic formula, reproduced from the newsletter itself: Issue Date Zipped ASCII .INF .PS Pages 10 15 Aug dsn4ja.zip = dsn4j.asc 106 dsn4ji.zip = dsn4j.inf dsn4jp.zip = dsn4j.ps 11 14 Sep dsn4ka.zip = dsn4k.asc 54 Explanation of names of zipped files for 1993 Issue 7 and later: DSNymA = Developer Support News 199y issue m ASCII (plain-text) DSNymI = Developer Support News 199y issue m .INF (use OS/2 VIEW) DSNymP = Developer Support News 199y issue m .PS (PostScript) where y = last digit of year (3, 4, ...) m = issue represented as alpha (1=A, ..., 7=G, 8=H, ...) For example, DSN3GI is 1993 issue 7 (=G), the 15 October issue, in .INF format (after being unzipped). 3(d) Where can OS/2 promotional items / software be found? 3(d).1 - Indelible Blue Inc. (USA) Indelible Blue are an OS/2 only mail order vendor with a large stock of applications. They also have franchises worldwide. Any details on these would be much appreciated. Address: Indelible Blue, Inc., 3209 Gresham Lake Road, Suite 135, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27615 USA Phone: 919-878-9700 Fax: 919-878-7479 Office Hours: 8:30am - 7:00 pm EST Monday-Friday. CompuServe: 70670,2352 3(d).2 - Lees-Keystone (USA) Lees-Keystone stock a wide range of OS/2 trinkets and promotional items such as mouse mats, car stickers etc. They also stock Team OS/2 specific items such as T-shirts. Phone: (800) 717-7666 (USA only) (914) 273-6755 Fax: (914) 273-9187 3(d).3 - The OS/2 Solution Centre (UK) An offshoot of the International OS/2 User group, based at the same address, this mail order vendor stocks a large range of OS/2 products and services, aimed primarily at business customers. Address: The OS/2 Solution Centre, Barton House, Barton Lane, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 2EE ENGLAND Phone: +44 (0)1285 641175 Fax: +44 (0)1285 640181 4) A brief history of OS/2 -------------------------- This section is intended to give an introduction to the history of OS/2, as well as a brief explanation of the rather confusing splintering of OS/2 versions that has occurred recently. 4(a) - History of OS/2 In 1987, IBM and Microsoft released OS/2 version 1.0 as the successor to MS DOS, the PC operating system shipped with the original IBM PC. OS/2 ran on a 286 or better processor, and required a minimum of 2MB of RAM. OS/2 version 1 was enhanced and improved jointly by IBM and MS, and for version 1.1 a GUI (see Glossary below) was added. Version 1.2 introduced the High Performance File System (HPFS), and also a plethora of bugs. At about this time, MS and IBM started to disagree over the future of OS/2, and Microsoft pulled out of the project, leaving IBM to develop a more stable OS/2 1.3 on it's own. OS/2 1.x never sold in great volume, and enjoyed only a moderate success in the corporate market for a variety of reasons. It did not run on most non-IBM manufactured hardware, was not really backwardly compatible (having very limited DOS program support), and suffered from a lack of applications. In 1991, IBM released OS/2 version 2.0, a new version of OS/2 for 386 and higher processors requiring a minimum of 4MB (6MB for practical purposes) or RAM, and featuring a redesigned object orientated GUI called the Workplace Shell. It all introduced multiple DOS sessions that would run the majority of old DOS applications, as well as built in support for Windows programs through a licensed version of the Windows 3.0 code. Version 2.1 added improvements in performance and useability, as well as Windows 3.1 support and built in multimedia. IBM then followed this up with OS/2 for Windows, which would take users existing copy of Windows, and modify that to allow it to run under OS/2. The next release of OS/2, called OS/2 Warp version 3 builds on this with substantial performance and useability improvements, an improved install process, and support for many more hardware devices. 4(b) - The OS/2 family There are a number of versions of OS/2 about. Hopefully this will explain the differences. Where products have not yet been released, details are obviously sketchy and subject to change. o OS/2 1.x - The original release of OS/2 o OS/2 2.0 - The first release of OS/2 specifically for 386 or better computers. o OS/2 2.1 - An enhanced version of 2.0 with multimedia and Windows 3.1 support. o OS/2 for Windows - A version of OS/2 that is functionally the same as OS/2 2.1, but comes without any Windows code, using genuine Windows 3.1 that the user has already purchased from Microsoft instead of making her pay for a new Windows license. Surprisingly enough, OS/2 for Windows does not require Windows to run. Windows is only need to run Windows programs under OS/2. Users of OS/2 2.x cannot upgrade to OS/2 for Windows. o OS/2 SMP - SMP here stands for symmetric multiprocessing. This is a version of OS/2 that is capable of using the greater power of PCs that have a number of processors in them. As a rule, such PCs are normally used as file servers on large networks, so this product is aimed at the corporate market. o OS/2 2.99, Warp, Performance OS/2 - These names were all used to refer to the beta test version of OS/2 Warp version 3 (see below.) o OS/2 Warp version 3 - The latest addition to the OS/2 family. It is reported to be faster and more responsive than earlier versions of OS/2, with smaller memory requirements. It also includes a number of useability enhancements, such as a LaunchPad for quickly launching applications. It is based on the OS/2 for Windows code, and so will not ship with Windows code included. Users of OS/2 2.x are NOT able to upgrade to OS/2 Warp v3, although users of OS/2 2.1 for Windows can. Warp is comes in four flavours: OS/2 V3, OS/2 V3 WW, OS/2 V3 LAN Client and OS/2 V3 LAN Client WW. WW here stands for 'with Windows' and includes Windows code from IBM (as well as the cost of a Windows licence, naturally). o OS/2 for PowerPC - A version of OS/2 for the PowerPC platform, expected sometime in 1995. o Workplace OS - The eventual successor to OS/2, this will run on a variety of hardware platforms, including PC, PowerPC, RS/6000, and AS/400, giving a common user interface over all of IBM's small and mid range hardware systems. 5) Team OS/2 related jargon --------------------------- This section is intended to explain some of the terms used by Teamers and in this document. The world of computing in general seems to be rife with jargon, and this can be confusing for the newcomer. Hopefully, things will be a little clearer after having read this section. CPU - Central processing unit. The part of the computer that does the work. OS/2 runs on computers containing Intel (qv) 80386, 80486, and Pentium CPUs. CSD - Corrective Service Diskettes. The same thing as 'Service Pack' (qv). DOS - The Disk Operating System. This was the operating system (qv) shipped with the original IBM PC in 1981. It has since gone through six major releases. Beta - A pre-release version of a program. OS/2 was subject to one of the widest beta tests ever, with many copies being shipped to customers. Beta products are often unstable and usually contain many bugs, but allow the user to test out the product ahead of it's release. FReq - Fidonet term. File Request. A netmail (qv) message sent directly to a BBS system requesting files from them. FTP - file transfer protocol. A method of transferring files from a remote machine to your machine over the internet. For details of how to use it, type 'man ftp' or 'help ftp' on your local system. FUD - Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt. Term used to describe certain unscrupulous marketing techniques whereby large amounts of incorrect information are disseminated to the public in order to aversely effect sales of a product. GA - General Availability. The GA release of a product is the first 'for sale' release. GUI - A Graphical User interface. This is a method of interaction with the computer (usually using a mouse - an electronic device used to move a cursor around the screen) that is theoretically more intuitive than the command line interface used in DOS, because it uses graphics to represent various tasks to the user. Sometimes described as a WIMP (Windows, Icons, Menus and Pointers) system. Windows (qv), and OS/2's Workplace Shell are both graphical user interfaces. IBM - The International Business Machines corporation, manufacturers of OS/2. INF - A file extension used to denote IPF files readable by the VIEW program supplied with OS/2. INF files have the form .INF. The VIEW program presents these files in a user friendly and intuitive manner, allowing the user to manipulate the information contained easily. Intel - A manufacturer of CPU (qv) chips. Netmail - Fidonet term. Private mail transferred between Fidonet systems. Operating System - The software that allows a computer to run other programs. OS/2 - IBM's (qv) Operating System/2 (or OS/2 for short) is an advanced 32 bit Operating System (qv) for IBM PCs and compatibles with an 80386, 80486, Pentium, or other compatible processor. Amongst the advantages of OS/2 2.1 (the current version) are pre-emptive multitasking, DOS and Windows compatibility, an advanced object orientated GUI (qv), multimedia support and much more. PowerPC - A new kind of PC based on a CPU (qv) developed jointly by IBM (qv), Apple and Motorola. PSP - Personal Software Products, the division of IBM responsible for marketing OS/2. Service Pack - A collection of OS/2 bug fixes that are distributed together to allow users to get rid of several fixed problems. SP - see Service Pack. Teamer - Member of Team OS/2 (qv). Team OS/2 - Informal organisation dedicated to promoting OS/2 at a grass roots level. Windows - A GUI (qv) for DOS (qv). OS/2 was originally designed as the successor to Windows by IBM and Microsoft, but Microsoft have since decided to follow a different path with their Windows NT (qv) product. Windows NT - Microsoft's alternative GUI operating system intended originally as a competitor to OS/2, but more recently marketed as a high end server platform. Workplace OS - A portable version of OS/2 that will run on several different types of computer, currently being designed by IBM. Appendix A ---------- The Fidonet Team OS/2 echo This section contains information specific to the Fidonet Team OS/2 echo. Some readers may wish to skip it. Question A.1 - What is Fidonet? Fidonet is a worldwide network of electronic Bulletin Board Systems (BBSes), connected via async modems for the purpose of the transfer of electronic mail including echo mail. Question A.2 - What is the Fidonet Team OS/2 echo? The echo is an electronic conference that serves as a meeting place for Team OS/2 members worldwide. Broadly interpreted, its purpose is to discuss the spreading of OS/2 related information, and to act as a forum between OS/2 User Groups across the world. Press clippings, success stories, product announcements, user group info, and questions are all welcome in the echo (but not adverts for profit making organisations.) Question A.3 - How do I carry the echo on my bulletin board? The TEAMOS2 echo is available from the Zone 1 backbone, and plans to backbone it in Zone 2 are underway. It is currently taken by many sites in Fidonet zones 1,2,3 and 6, who may be able to supply you with a feed. Question A.4 - Who moderates the Team OS/2 echo? The echo is co-moderated by Christian Scarborough (2:440/4.7) and Dave Sichak (1:202/354). --- End of document ---