OS/2 Professional/OS2PRO194.ISO/os2/info/faq/os2_20/sipples/os2faq.inf

OS/2 Help File | 1993-08-27 | 194.9 KB | 4,739 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. (0.0) Introduction and Credits ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

                      OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
                                 User's Edition
                                  Release 2.1C
                                 August 28, 1993
                         Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples

For changes, suggestions, or additions please mail [e-mail] 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 {{ all three files (OS2FAQ.ICO, 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. (0.1) Release Notes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

{{ Text which has been revised or updated since the last release will appear in
the same color as this paragraph and will be enclosed in double braces. }}

At some point in the future I plan to add Master Help Index entries.

{{ BBS operators and archive maintainers: please retain Versions 2.0L and 1.9G
of this List, the last versions to deal specifically with OS/2 Versions 2.0 and
1.3, respectively. }}

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. (0.2) Recent Developments ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

{{ Need to write an OS/2 device driver?  You can buy the latest IBM Device
Driver Source Kit on CD-ROM for only $59 (or $149 for a year's worth of
updates).  Call 800-633-8266 by September 22 to order.  You may also wish to
attend the free OS/2 Physical Device Driver Workshop, September 20-24 at the
IBM Design Center, Boca Raton, Florida.  Contact Bob Peterson at 407-443-8289
or the Device Driver BBS at 407-982-3217 for details. }}

{{ If you would like to record your own Ultimotion video clips, try IBM
Ultimotion Workshop/2, available in beta form on CD-ROM for $20 by calling
800-3-IBM-OS2.  Workshop/2 supports the Creative Labs Video Blaster, IBM Video
Capture Adapter/A, Jovian Logic SuperVIA, Jovian Logic QuickVIA, and Sigma
Designs WinMovie video capture adapters. }}

{{ IBM is now shipping Pen for OS/2, a powerful pen computing system that
offers pen capabilities, with handwriting recognition, to almost any OS/2, DOS,
or Windows application.  Pen for OS/2 is just $89.  For more information or to
order call 800-3-IBM-OS2.  A developer's toolkit is also available. }}

{{ Galactic Civilization, a new multithreaded, multimedia OS/2 Presentation
Manager game, is now in development (with a beta release planned this
September).  Direct inquiries to Brad Wardell (netmail
[e-mail]). }}

{{ SofNet has introduced OCR, PCL, and multiboard/multichannel options for
FaxWorks for OS/2.  For details call 800-432-9967, 404-984-8088, or FAX
404-984-9956. }}

{{ In the input devices category, Warp Speed announces availability of the OS/2
Fiber Optic Light Pen.  Both ISA and Microchannel versions are available.  Call
800-874-4315 or FAX [phone] for more information.  Also, ProHance
Technologies (415-967-5774 or FAX [phone]) has released customized OS/2
drivers for their advanced mouse and trackball devices. }}

{{ IBM has released TCP/IP Version 2.0 for OS/2.  Several new add-ons are
available to the base kit, including X Windows client support.  See (3.10)
Special Software Offers for more information. }}

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.

{{ OS/2 Monthly Magazine announces the OS/2 Professional Interchange conference
to take place October 17-20, in Palm Desert, California.  Scheduled to appear
are John Soyring, Edwin Black, William Zachmann, John Dvorak, and other OS/2
experts.  For more information or to register call 800-438-6720 or FAX
203-261-3884. }}

{{ The second International Colorado OS/2 Developers Conference will be held
October 31 through November 5 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  For more
information or to register, call 800-648-5717 or 719-576-4600. }}

{{ WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 is now shipping.  This new version of WordPerfect
features extensive integration with the Workplace Shell (including
drag-and-drop printing and file importation), multithreaded background
printing, support for long filenames, and background Workplace Shell
registration of WordPerfect documents stored in older formats.  WordPerfect
users who are already licensed to use WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows or
WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS can upgrade to WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 for just the
cost of diskettes -- contact WordPerfect Corp. for details. }}

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.

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 [phone] or FAX [phone]) or at a discount from such dealers
as The Programmer's Shop.

{{ IBM is now shipping }} 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 more information on these products telephone [phone].  All
three can be purchased together for just $198 (introductory pricing through
September 30). }}

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.  {{ Or you may }} FAX [phone], or phone
800-IBM-3040 (800-561-5293 in Canada).

{{ Watcom has released VX REXX for OS/2 }} at an introductory price of $99.  VX
REXX is another visual builder for OS/2 REXX.  Contact Watcom at 800-265-4555
or FAX [phone] for more information.

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 {{ 800-627-8363 or 301-240-3356. }}

Related information:

(0.3)  Questions in this Release
(3.10) Special Software Offers


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. (0.3) Questions in this Release ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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?

     (1.6)  Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors?

 (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?

     (3.13)  What on-the-fly disk compression software is available?

     (3.14)  Are there any dealers that specialize in OS/2 products?

 (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?

     (4.12)  IBM has so many telephone numbers.  Which one do I use?

 (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?

 (7.0)  Glossary of Terms


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

On May 18, IBM announced OS/2 Version 2.1, {{ which became widely available in
the United States on June 14. }}

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 on vendor bulletin boards.

Note: SoundBlaster clones may not operate properly with the Creative Labs
drivers in MMPM/2.  MediaVision {{ has released }} a simple patch (to enable
their ThunderBoard to work with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster driver), and
that patch should work with other SoundBlaster clones.  {{ See (3.6) Multimedia
for details. }}

IBM {{ has released }} 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 {{ is available from }} OS/2 bulletin
boards, CompuServe, the Internet, and other electronic sources.

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).  {{ Drivers for many
other SuperVGA adapters based on other chipsets, including S3, are available
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 {{ is }} 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, OS/2 2.1 on diskette (Upgrade Edition) costs $119.  On CD-ROM,
the price is $99.  Both prices include shipping.  {{ Rebate instructions are }}
enclosed in the package.  Return {{ your Proof of License card or original
sales receipt from your previous version of OS/2, your completed OS/2 2.1
registration card, and a copy of your OS/2 2.1 sales receipt to:

IBM Fulfillment Headquarters
P.O. Box 525
Dearborn, MI  48121-0525 }}

and you will receive a rebate check for $30.  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
after {{ September 14 }}.

IBM strongly encourages users to purchase OS/2 2.1 from dealers.  Pricing is
substantially lower at software dealers such as Egghead Discount Software.  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 {{ a successful product launch }}.
Shifting demand for OS/2 2.1 to dealers is likely to encourage those same
dealers to carry more OS/2 applications.

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 {{ is now }} 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.

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
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 {{ September }}.

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 {{ (phone [phone]) for 59 }} pounds plus VAT and
shipping.

{{ Compaq, Everex, }} 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 {{ multisession }} 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.

Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2)


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6. (1.0) Fundamentals ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(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?

(1.6)  Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.1. (1.1) What is OS/2? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.2. (1.2) Differences Between Versions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.3. (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ and CD-ROM drivers }}).  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.  {{ Also, the OS/2 CD-ROM
 file system's cache may be adjusted; see the online Command Reference for
 details. }}

 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 DualBoot method {{ (to switch
 between DOS and OS/2 only) }} 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, {{ at the user's
 option.  Also, both DOS and OS/2 applications can be started from the Win-OS/2
 Program Manager. }}

 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.4. (1.4) Availability and Cost of OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.
{{Rebate instructions are }} enclosed in each Upgrade Edition package; users of
any {{ previous }} 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.

In Canada phone [phone] to order.  In the U.K. phone the OS/2 User Group
at 0285-655888 or IBM at {{ 0256-841818 or 0800-919-929. }}.  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, {{ Compaq, Everex, }}
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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.5. (1.5) High Performance File System (HPFS) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 6.6. (1.6) Why Choose OS/2? ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors?

(Information from other sections of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
will be brought here in a future release.)

Related information:


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7. (2.0) Hardware ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(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?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.1. (2.1) Hardware Requirements ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.1?  Do I need a PS/2?

You need any {{ ISA (AT bus), EISA, VESA LocalBus, or Microchannel }} 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.

{{ The following dual monitor configurations are supported: VGA or most
SuperVGA with Monochrome Display Adapter (not Hercules), 8514/A with VGA, XGA
with VGA, and XGA with one or more other XGA.  A secondary monitor is most
often used with code debuggers that explicitly support such configurations.
The Workplace Shell desktop is currently shown only on the primary display
(except for the STB MVP-2 and MVP-4 ISA and Microchannel display adapters which
do support the Workplace Shell desktop spanning multiple monitors; contact STB
at 214-234-8750 or FAX [phone] for more information). }}

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 {{ (and close
cousins) }}:

 o {{ Apple

    - CD 300
    - CD SC }}

 o Hitachi

    - CDR-1650S
    - CDR-1750S
    - CDR-3650
    - CDR-3750

 o IBM

    - all models {{ (except EasyOptions) }}

 o NEC

    - CDR-25
    - CDR-36
    - CDR-37
    - CDR-38
    - {{ CDR-55 }}
    - CDR-72
    - CDR-73
    - CDR-74
    - {{ CDR-80 }}
    - 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) are available from several sources [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
 Sources].  {{ Drivers for Mitsumi CD-ROM drives (and compatibles, e.g. Tandy
 CDR-1000 and DAK) are available from either Systems Integration Technologies
 (BBS 305-979-1976 or netmail [e-mail]) or Totronik
 (49-711-244272, FAX [phone] or netmail [e-mail]).
 Drivers for non-SCSI Hitachi CD-ROM models are available by calling either
 Laser Resources (800-535-2737) or Proline (415-692-5262); ask for CDREXT5D.  A
 Philips CD-ROM driver is available from Aha Computers (49-4531-17070 or FAX
 49-4531-170737). }}  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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.2. (2.2) SuperVGA Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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:

 o ATI 28800
 o Cirrus Logic CL-GD5422 and CL-GD5424
 o Headland Technologies HT209
 o IBM VGA256C
 o Trident Microsystems TVGA8900B and TVGA8900C
 o Tseng Labs ET4000
 o 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 {{ has
 released }} a set of drivers for SuperVGA adapters based on S3 chipsets to
 these public sources.  (However, certain S3-based adapters 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 {{ (such as VMODE) }}.  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).  {{ You may also need to
 invoke the utility in your OS/2 AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that DOS sessions are
 properly configured to your monitor's specifications.  Read the OS/2 manuals
 carefully for details on how to use the DSPINSTL program to install SuperVGA
 drivers and customize refresh rates for your monitor.  [Note that for SuperVGA
 adapters based on the Tseng 4000 chipset ONLY you may use the command
 SVGAMONITOR from any full screen DOS session to customize refresh rates for
 your particular monitor.] }}

 Related information:

  (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
  (5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.3. (2.3) Printer Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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].  {{ Most BubbleJet printers also work quite well with either the
IBM 4072 ExecJet or IBM 4072 InkJet driver.  If your printer model is not
listed when you install OS/2 2.1, consult your Using the Operating System
manual starting on Page 351 for advice.  Or check your printer's manual to see
if the printer emulates one of the models that is listed. }}

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).  {{ Drivers for older IBM printers (including the original IBM
5152 Graphics Printer) are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources. }}

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.4. (2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2?

COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.  On
{{ ISA, EISA, and VESA LocalBus }} 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.

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 {{ (Xenix-compatible multiport adapters) }}.

"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         [phone]
 Stargate          [phone]
 Arnet             [phone]
 Computone         [phone]
 Comtrol           [phone]
 CTC Systems       [phone]
 Equinox           [phone]
 I-Concepts        [phone]
 Specialix         [phone]
 Stallion          [phone]

 Related information:

  (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.5. (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone] or FAX
   203-932-3154; ask for John Jaser).  {{ Or contact Synaptec (61-2-555-9560 or
   FAX [phone]). }}  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.  {{ Data Products and
   Services (phone [phone]) offers OEM versions of the ATI Graphics Ultra
   Plus 2 MB ($209), Graphics Ultra Pro 2 MB ($315), Graphics Ultra Pro EISA 2
   MB ($329), and Graphics Ultra Pro VESA LocalBus 2 MB ($315). }}  The ATI GUP
   includes the more recent (and faster) Mach32 coprocessor, yet it is still
   8514/A hardware compatible.  Computer Discount Warehouse (tel. [phone],
   FAX [phone]) sells the ATI Graphics Vantage (an AT bus, DRAM version of
   the original Graphics Ultra) for only $158.41.

 o Intel OverDrive Processors.  {{ Intel and IBM have teamed up to provide
   inexpensive Intel OverDrive upgrade processors.  Each processor comes with a
   free copy of IBM OS/2 2.1 on your choice of media.  OverDrive processors are
   486DX compatible, clock doubled CPUs designed for systems with OverDrive
   sockets.  Versions are available for 33 MHz ($549), 25 MHz ($399), and 20
   MHz and below ($299) systems.  Call 800-621-3117 by September 14 for more
   information or to order. }}

 o NEC CD-ROM Drives.  {{ ITG Computers (tel. [phone] or FAX [phone])
   is selling NEC CDR-73 ($225), CDR-83 ($205), CDR-74 ($315), and CDR-84
   ($295) SCSI CD-ROM drives.  The CDR-73 (external) and CDR-83 (internal)
   feature an average access time of about 350 ms and a 150K/second data
   transfer rate.  The CDR-74 (external) and CDR-84 (internal) increase the
   data transfer rate to 300K/second and add Kodak Photo CD compatibility.
   Some models are refurbished.  Or you may wish to order the CDR-37 (portable,
   caddyless, 150K/second, 450 ms, Photo CD) for just $139 from JEM (phone
   617-254-5500).  Say "Summer Sizzler" when ordering.  Finally, MPS Multimedia
   (phone [phone], or FAX [phone]) sells the CDR-55
   (300K/second, 340 ms, Photo CD) for $299 (internal) or $379 (external). }}

 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 {{ $79
   from Smart Computer Systems, tel. [phone] or FAX [phone]) }} and
   the Future Domain 1680 (only $129 from Computability, phone [phone] or
   FAX [phone]).  Both are 16-bit AT bus SCSI-2 adapters with on board
   diskette controllers {{ (which can be disabled if necessary) }}, and both
   are supported by drivers that ship with OS/2 2.1.  Neither use DMA [see
   (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM].  {{ Other possibilities include the bus
   mastering, AT bus, Adaptec 1540B ($100 from Discount Electronics Trading
   Int'l, tel. [phone] or FAX [phone]) and the Microchannel Adaptec
   1640 ($139 from Discount Electronics Trading Int'l).  These, too, are
   supported by drivers included with OS/2 2.1 itself.  For EISA and LocalBus
   systems, consider BusLogic SCSI adapters (which come with OS/2 2.1 drivers
   and complete instructions). }}

 o Wangtek Tape Drives.  Super Technologies (phone [phone]) 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 [phone]).  Ask about adapters with parallel ports.

 o Four Port 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Adapter.  The STB 4-COM adapter is
   available for {{ $110 }} 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.  {{ The original SoundBlaster ($50; confirm
   Revision 2.0 or later; speakers $5 extra) and SoundBlaster Pro ($90 with
   free speakers) are available from Stata (tel. [phone] or FAX
   510-656-9891). }}

 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).

 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.

 o Ethernet Adapters.  {{ While supplies last, Accton Technology Corp.
   (800-926-9288, 510-226-9800, or FAX [phone]) is selling their 16-bit
   ISA NE2000 compatible ethernet adapters for only $29 each (plus $5 shipping
   per order).  Limit two per customer; United States and Canadian customers
   only. }}

 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.6. (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ (and applications) }} 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, {{ VESA
LocalBus, }} 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).  {{ The performance trade-off is highly
system dependent, however.  You may find that even DMA adapters such as the
Adaptec 154x series outperform the alternatives in certain cases. }}

Related information:

(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 7.7. (2.7) Device Driver List ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

What device drivers are available that aren't included with OS/2?

{{ Here is a list of device drivers (and their common filenames) available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources:

(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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8. (3.0) Software ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(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?

(3.13)  What on-the-fly disk compression software is available?

(3.14)  Are there any dealers that specialize in OS/2 products?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.1. (3.1) Applications ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ BocaSoft

    - System Sounds
    - WipeOut Screen Saver }}

 o Borland

    - ObjectVision
    - C++

 o Computer Associates

    - {{ C++
    - CommonView
    - Compete!
    - Datacom
    - dBFast
    - Easytrieve Workstation
    - IDMS
    - PAN/LCM
    - QbyX
    - Realia COBOL
    - Realizer
    - RET
    - Simply Accounting
    - SuperProject
    - Telon/PWS
    - Textor
    - Unicenter }}

 o Corel Systems

    - CorelDraw

 o DeScribe

    - Word Publisher

 o {{ Fifth Generation Systems

    - FastBack Plus }}

 o Hilgraeve

    - HyperAccess/PM

 o {{ HockWare

    - VisPro/REXX }}

 o {{ IBM

    - DB2/2
    - C Set ++
    - CICS
    - Communications Manager/2
    - Person to Person/2
    - Personal Application System/2
    - PL/1
    - Programmer's Toolkit
    - Prolog
    - TCP/IP
    - Time and Place/2
    - Ultimedia Builder/2
    - Ultimedia Perfect Image/2
    - Ultimedia Workplace/2
    - (Many others) }}

 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 {{ OneUp

    - WindowWasher }}

 o Proportional Software

    - DCF/2 (disk compression)

 o SofNet

    - FaxWorks

 o {{ Software Corp. of America

    - TalkThru }}

 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 {{ Watcom

    - C++
    - Fortran
    - VX REXX }}

 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 Ada, {{ APL, }}
 Assembler, BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, Forth, Fortran, Icon, LISP, Modula-2, Pascal,
 {{ PL/1, }} Prolog, REXX (included with every copy of OS/2 2.1), Smalltalk,
 and still more, from vendors such as Borland, Clarion, IBM, Microway, Symantec
 (through its Zortech subsidiary), Watcom, 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 ({{ 919-517-0001 }}) 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 [phone].  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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.2. (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [e-mail] or [e-mail]
to learn about ftp mail servers.)  Some are (with Internet node numbers and
subdirectories):


 ftp-os2.cdrom.com              192.153.46.2     /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).  {{ A quarterly subscription is available.  Profit Press (phone
800-843-7990) also offers OS/2 shareware and freeware on CD-ROM. }}  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 [e-mail] or
[e-mail] 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       [e-mail]
 Belgium       [e-mail]
 Colombia      [e-mail]
 France        [e-mail]
 Germany       [e-mail]
 Israel        [e-mail]
 Italy         [e-mail]
 Netherlands   [e-mail]
 Sweden        [e-mail]
 Turkey        [e-mail]
               [e-mail]

 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.3. (3.3) "Must Have" Shareware and Freeware ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 ({{ STARTD22.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 ({{ GTAK212B.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_124.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(189) ({{ CK5A189.ZIP }}): A terminal emulation and modem
   communications program featuring the Kermit file transfer protocol.

 o SIO COM Drivers ({{ SIO102.ZIP }}): Replacement serial port drivers which
   offer enhanced performance.

 o McAfee's Virus Scan ({{ OSCN104.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.
   {{Also try PM Camera for screen capture. }}

 o IBM Configurator and Pricer (ICPAUSA.ZIP): Prices IBM personal computer
   systems and accessories.

 o PS/2 Assistant ({{ PS2AST77.ZIP }}): Provides information on most of the IBM
   personal computer product line, including OS/2.

 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 TinyEd {{ (TINYED.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 HSwitch {{ (HSWTCH02.ZIP): A task list for full screen sessions. }}

 o Mousey {{ (MOUSEY10.ZIP): Shareware utility which allows you to change the
   default mouse pointer to a candy cane, chicken head, or other icon of your
   choosing. }}

 Related information:

  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.4. (3.4) Disk Utilities ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.5. (3.5) Running a BBS Under OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone], BBS 818-706-9805), and Multi-Net (phone [phone], 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.6. (3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.  (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 {{ has been }} released by IBM, 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).

{{ The MMPM/2 driver for the original SoundBlaster supplied with OS/2 2.1
contains a special check which may render it inoperable with SoundBlaster
clones (like the MediaVision Thunderboard).  Advanced users may patch the
driver using the following commands:

CD \MMOS2
COPY SBD2.SYS SBD2.OLD
DEBUG SBD2.SYS
-e 3fd8 00
-w
-q

 }}

MMPM/2 drivers should also be available for Digitan and Omni sound adapters,
directly from their manufacturers.  VideoLogic's (phone [phone]) DVA-4000
supports video capture and video display in OS/2 windows as does New Media
Graphics's (phone [phone]) Super VideoWindows.  Tecmar (phone [phone]
or 216-349-1009, or FAX [phone]) 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 [phone]
ext. 150).

{{ To install a Windows sound driver under Win-OS/2, make sure that the line
drivers=mmsystem.dll appears in the file \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM.INI under the
[boot] section.  In some cases an installation bug prevents this line from
being set up properly. }}

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.7. (3.7) Viruses ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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).  {{ To order AntiVirus/2, call 800-551-3579 (800-465-7999 in
Canada). }}  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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.8. (3.8) Networking Products ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ 508-750-6200 or FAX
508-750-4699 }}), FTP Software (send mail to [e-mail]), {{ Wollongong
(phone [phone] or FAX [phone]), }} 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).  {{ The package to enable NetWare 4.0 Server to run
alongside OS/2 2.1 is available from IBM Direct (800-IBM-2-YOU), Part No.
53G5730.  IBM also }} 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 {{ or later }}) 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 {{ already }} 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 {{ ODI }} "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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.9. (3.9) Extended Services ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.  DB2/2, a full 32-bit relational database, is
available separately as a replacement for ES's Database Manager.
Communications 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).

{{ To install Extended Services 1.0 under OS/2 2.1, you must replace the
ESSTART.CMD file on ES Diskette 1 with the ESSTART.BAK file found in the
\OS2\INSTALL directory  Keep a backup of the old file. }}

Related information:

(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(3.8) Networking Products
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.10. (3.10) Special Software Offers ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 Low Prices on OS/2 2.1.  {{ Katy Computer Systems in St. Louis (phone
   314-230-8200 or netmail [e-mail]) is offering the OS/2 2.1 Upgrade
   Edition on diskette for $82 and on CD-ROM for $68.  Katy will ship anywhere
   in the continental United States for $4 per copy.  Prices are subject to
   change after September 14. }}

 o Special Offers from IBM.  {{ Through September 14, you can order several
   non-IBM OS/2 software packages from the OS/2 Hotline (800-3-IBM-OS2) at
   special, low prices.  Mention Offer R1 when ordering.  SofNet's FaxWorks
   ($79), Arcadia Workplace Companion ($89), TalkThru ($139 text emulator; $239
   graphics emulator), PolyPM/2 ($199 combo package), BlackJack ($19.95), and
   DeScribe Word Publisher ($99) are available. }}

 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 [phone] 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 [phone]) for about $136 U.S.,
   including shipping.  Add GST in Canada.  Below Zero will export outside
   North America.  {{ Also available from IBM Direct (800-IBM-2-YOU) for
   $139. }}

 o IBM PL/1.  Not everyone is a PL/1 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 2.0 for OS/2.  The universal peer-to-peer networking solution,
   {{now updated to take advantage of OS/2 2.x's special features. }}  In the
   United States the base package {{ (IBM Part No. 65G1220) is available for
   $150 from IBM (phone 800-IBM-CALL ext. S83) through December 31.  Discounts
   apply for additional licenses.  The Base Services package includes basic
   server and client software (finger, ftp, talk, telnet, etc.), an NNTP
   newsreader (NR/2), a mailer (LaMail), SLIP support, and much more.  Ask
   about available TCP/IP add-ons if you need them: X Window System Server, X
   Window System Client, NFS, DOS/Windows Access, Programmer's Toolkit, Domain
   Name Server, Extended Networking, NetBIOS, OSF/Motif, Asia/Pacific Kit, and
   MultiMail. }}

 o Lotus Applications.  Lotus 1-2-3 2.0, {{ cc:Mail 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 [phone]).

 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 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 [phone] or FAX [phone]).

 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
   {{ 800-776-8284 or }} 919-834-7005, FAX [phone]).

 o WordPerfect 5.2.  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 {{ 800-321-5906 }} or FAX [phone].

 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 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.11. (3.11) Backup Software ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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               [phone]
                                               BBS [phone]

 EZTape and Backup Exec   Irwin (Conner)       [phone]

 DMS/Intelligent Backup   Sterling             [phone]

 FileSafe                 Mountain             {{ [phone] }}

 Back in a Flash!         CCT Inc.             [phone]

 NovaBack                 NovaStor             [phone]

 OBackup                  ?                    See (3.2) Shareware and
                                               Freeware Sources

 BackMaster               MSR Development      [phone]

 MaynStream               Maynard              [phone]

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.12. (3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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    [phone]

 OS2You               ?                    See (3.2) Shareware and
                                           Freeware Sources

 Citrix               Citrix Systems       [phone]

 PolyMod2             MemSoft              [phone]

 {{ DCAF              IBM                  (800) IBM-CALL }}

PC/DACS (Pyramid, phone [phone]) 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.13. (3.13) Disk Compression Software ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

What on-the-fly disk compression software is available?

{{ Stacker for OS/2 and DOS (Stac Electronics) and DCF/2 (Proportional
Software, phone [phone]) are available for OS/2.

Stacker provides on-the-fly disk compression for FAT drives only.  The product
is compatible with both Stacker for DOS and MS-DOS 6.0's DoubleSpace disk
compression.  Early purchasers of the product should download a patch available
from CompuServe to address problems with the handling of extended attributes.

DCF/2 compresses both FAT and HPFS drives.  The DCF/2 container file can even
be located on other devices besides hard disks.  However, many users have not
been satisfied with the product's performance. }}

Related information:

(0.2) Recent Developments
(4.7) Online Services


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 8.14. (3.14) Dealers Specializing in OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Are there any dealers that specialize in OS/2 products?

{{ The following software dealers are either totally or predominantly geared to
OS/2 customers:

 o Below Zero (800-461-2777, 403-547-0669, or FAX [phone]).  Based in
   Calgary.  Will export to the United States and other countries.

 o The Corner Store.  The world's first OS/2-only store.  Located in
   Litchfield, Connecticut.

 o Indelible Blue (800-776-8284, 919-834-7005 or FAX [phone]).  Offers a
   huge selection of OS/2 software at reasonable prices.  Based in Raleigh,
   North Carolina, and will export.

 o International OS/2 User Group (44-285-641175 or FAX [phone]).
   Primarily for European OS/2 users, but will export elsewhere.  Offers some
   OS/2 titles available no where else.  Located in Gloucestershire, England.
   Discounts available to members. }}

 Related information:

  (3.10) Special Software Offers


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9. (4.0) Installation, Maintenance, and Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(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?

(4.12)  IBM has so many telephone numbers.  Which one do I use?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.1. (4.1) Installation ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone] in the United States) and/or consult
IBM's Tips and Techniques file [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources].

 o {{ Midway through installation of OS/2 2.1 from CD-ROM, do not place a check
   mark in the box next to the CD-ROM Device Support option on the System
   Configuration screen.  Do not attempt to view or change this CD-ROM drive
   selection.

 o When installing OS/2 2.1 from a CD-ROM drive that requires a driver not
   supplied by IBM, copy the OS/2 .ADD driver file to a copy of Diskette 1 and
   add the line:

   BASEDEV=xxxxxxxx.ADD

   to the end of the diskette's CONFIG.SYS file.  After installation, if your
   CD-ROM drive is not functioning correctly, follow these steps (changing "C:"
   if necessary):

     1. Copy the files OS2CDROM.DMD and CDFS.IFS from Diskette 1 to directory
        C:\OS2.

     2. Edit CONFIG.SYS and add the following lines to the end of the file:

                BASEDEV=OS2CDROM.DMD /Q
                BASEDEV=CDFS.IFS /Q

     3. Reboot.

     4. Start Selective Install from the System Setup folder.  Check the CD-ROM
        Device Support checkbox on the System Configuration screen.  Click OK
        to display the list of CD-ROM drives.  Select the appropriate choice
        (usually OTHER) and click OK.

     5. Continue the Selective Install procedure until complete, then
        reboot. }}

 o {{ If you have formatted any of your hard drives with HPFS under OS/2 2.0,
   and you have upgraded to OS/2 2.1, go to an OS/2 command line (window or
   full screen) and type:

   CHKDSK x:

   where x is the drive letter.  Repeat for all HPFS drives on your system.  If
   you see the error SYS0551 you should immediately contact IBM for the
   "OS2DASD Fix" (or download it from (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, {{ DoubleSpace }},
   or similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless access
   to these drives from OS/2 is not needed).  [A {{ DoubleSpace compatible, }}
   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.  {{ Regardless of the
   driver you use, make sure your boot partition is completely inside the first
   1024 cylinders.  Older Adaptec SCSI adapters may require a free BIOS upgrade
   to recognize hard disks larger than 1 GB.  Adaptec can be reached at
   800-442-7274 or 408-945-8600. }}

 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 [phone]) 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
   {{ 919-517-0001 }}).

 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.  {{ Also ask about an OS/2 driver for the QuickPort
   trackball.  Before installing OS/2 on this machine, be sure to set Advanced
   OS Power off and HDD Motor Timeout Always On in the second page of the
   machine's setup screen. }}

 o For the technically advanced user, the following list of TRAP error codes
   may help you in addressing OS/2 problems.  {{ Report any such TRAPs to IBM
   using the (4.10) Problem Report Form. }}

    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
  (4.10) Problem Report Form


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.2. (4.2) Installing from Drive B ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ and download INS21L.ZIP if your diskette labels are
blue or INS21M.ZIP if your diskette labels are salmon }}] 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.3. (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.4. (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (and CHKDSK) ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.  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 {{ twice }} 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.5. (4.5) Technical Support ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.

{{ The latest IBM AIX, RS/6000, and OS/2 related product announcements are now
available via Internet anonymous ftp from ibminet.awdpa.ibm.com (192.35.233.1)
in directory /pub/announcements. }}

A LISTSERVer distributes its own OS/2 conference by mail; send a single line
message with the word HELP to [e-mail] for full
instructions; or send the same message to [e-mail] 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
[e-mail].

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), {{ Smartnet (an
international network of PCBoard BBSes), }} and Prodigy are also excellent
resources.

The IBM PC Co. BBS's ( modem {{ 919-517-0001 }}) 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 [phone]), 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), and two FAX information services
(phone 800-IBM-4FAX and/or 800-IBM-3395).  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 {{ Developer's Connection }} 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; in Canada, phone [phone]; 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 [phone] (FAX [phone]) in North America,
61-2-354-7684 (FAX [phone]) in most of the Far East and Pacific Rim,
81-3-5563-5897 (FAX [phone]) in Japan, 81-2-528-1548 (FAX [phone])
in Korea, or 52-627-1846 (FAX [phone]) 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 and 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 [phone].  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.  {{ If you
 need to send electronic mail to any IBM employee who is reachable via the
 Internet, but you do not know that employee's address, try sending a message
 to [e-mail] with a Subject line that reads whois Smith, John
 (replacing Smith, John with the last name and first name of the person you are
 trying to reach).  Leave the body of the message empty. }}

 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.6. (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone] 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 {{ 919-517-0001 }}), 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.7. (4.7) Online Services ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ a free
introductory CompuServe membership by calling 800-524-3388 and asking for
Representative 239. }}

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.8. (4.8) User Groups ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone])

          Atlanta OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Robert Cannon (phone [phone])

          {{ Spanish OS/2 User Group (Barcelona)
          Contact: Miguel Cruz (phone [phone]) }}

          Baton Rouge OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: David Arbour (phone [phone])

          {{ Charlotte (North Carolina) OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone [phone]) }}

          North Suburban Chicago OS/2 User's Group
          Contact: James Schmidt (phone [phone])

          Greater Chicago OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Lisa Der Mateosian (phone [phone])

          West Suburban Chicago OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Dwight Cannon (phone [phone] ext. 2170)

          {{ Old (Colorado Springs) Colorado Inf. Svcs. OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Robert Woeger (phone [phone]) }}

          Mid Missouri (Columbia) OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Woody Sturges (BBS 314-446-0016)

          {{ Copenhagen OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Erik Maaloe (phone [phone], FAX [phone]) }}

          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 [phone])

          Fort Wayne OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Stephen Gutknecht (phone [phone])

          Indianapolis OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Jay Schultz (phone [phone])

          Las Vegas OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Karu Karunaratne (phone [phone], BBS 702-433-5535)

          Long Island OS/2 User's Group
          Contact: Jeffrey Altman (phone {{ 516-466-5495 }})

          Los Angeles OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Paul Duncanson (phone [phone])

          Minnesota OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Marcus Krumpholz (phone [phone], BBS 612-379-8272)

          Montreal OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Gilbert Daigle (phone [phone])

          New England OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Dave Pinard (phone [phone])

          Phoenix PC User Group and OS/2 SIG
          Contact: 602-222-8511

          Triangle (Raleigh, North Carolina) OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone [phone])

          Sacramento OS/2 Users Group
          Contact: Charlie Kotan (phone [phone])

          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 [phone])

          Singapore (NUS) OS/2 User Group
          Contact: N. Sriram (Internet: [e-mail])

          Tampa Bay OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Paul Wylie (phone [phone])

          International OS/2 User Group (based in the U.K.)
          Contact: Mike Gove (phone [phone] or FAX [phone])

          Wellington (New Zealand) OS/2 Users' Group
          Contact: Andrew McMillian (phone [phone] days, 233-9123 evenings)

          Westchester (New York) OS/2 User Group
          Contact: Patrick Pearce (phone [phone])

 [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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.9. (4.9) Books and Magazines ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [phone]), OS/2 Monthly (mail [e-mail]
or phone [phone]), Inside OS/2 (phone [phone]), OS/2 Professional
(phone [phone]), and the OS/2 Newsletter (phone [phone]).

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, {{ ISBN 0-07-881871-0. }}

 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, {{ ISBN 0-672-30317-5. }}

 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 [phone]IBM.)  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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.10. (4.10) Problem Report Form ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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.

  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)

  (To send from the Internet use address [e-mail]
  or [e-mail], as appropriate.)

 Related information:

  (4.5) Technical Support
  (4.7) Online Services


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.11. (4.11) OS/2 BBSes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

What OS/2 BBSes can I dial?

The following BBSes hold large OS/2 libraries:


 Fernwood                 [phone]

 {{ The Bin BBS           [phone] }}

 OS/2 Source BBS          [phone]

 Denver OS/2 BBS          [phone]

 Inside Technologies BBS  [phone]

 OS/2 Woodmeister         [phone]

 {{ Pyramid/2             [phone] }}

 Gateway/2                [phone]

 Bay Area OS/2            [phone]

 OS/2 San Diego           [phone]

 OS/2 Las Vegas           [phone]

 OS/2 Shareware           [phone]

 Greater Chicago Online   [phone]

 OS/2 Exchange BBS        [phone]

 Abaforum (Barcelona)     34-3-589.38.88

 IBM UK                   44-256-336655

 OS/2 UK                  44-454-633197

 IBM Denmark              45-42-88-72-22

 {{ Copenhagen UG BBS     45-48-24-45-80 }}

 OS/2 Norway              47-22-38-09-49

 IBM Norway               47-66-99-94-50

 IBM Germany              049-711-785-7777

 OS/2 Australia           61-2-241-2466

 Soft/2 Shareware         61-8-370-7339
 (Adelaide)

(The monthly Worldwide OS/2 BBS Listing, available from these BBSes, lists
others.)  The IBM PC Company BBS (modem {{ 919-517-0001 }}) 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:

     [phone]
     [phone]
     [phone]
     [phone]

 Related information:

  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
  (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 9.12. (4.12) IBM Telephone Directory ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

IBM has so many telephone numbers.  Which do I use?

{{ Here are some of the telephone numbers at IBM that are of particular
importance to OS/2 users.  The list is by no means complete, and future
releases of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List will add more.

 o IBM Help Center (800-756-4IBM).  The "800 number for all 800 numbers" in the
   United States.  If you're not sure which number to call, start here.  The
   operator will stay on the line until you're satisfied you've reached the
   right party.

 o IBM Information Center (800-IBM-3333).  IBM's United States "switchboard" --
   can be used to reach any IBM employee.

 o IBM OS/2 Hotline (800-3-IBM-OS2).  Accepts orders for OS/2, certain OS/2
   software titles, OS/2 video cassettes, t-shirts, mouse pads, computer
   furniture, and other OS/2-related items.  For United States residents.

 o IBM OS/2 Technical Support (800-992-4777).  The product support line for
   OS/2 in the United States.  Look in the inside front cover of your OS/2
   Using the Operating System manual for support information.

 o IBM PC Technical Books (800-765-4IBM).  Accepts orders for most IBM
   publications from anyone in the United States.

 o IBM Personal Systems Software Canada (800-465-1234).  For general inquiries
   and orders from Canadian residents for any OS/2-related product.

 o IBM Publications Canada (416-474-7000).  Accepts orders for any IBM
   publication, including the OS/2 Online Book Collection, shipped to any
   Canadian address.

 o IBM Publications U.S. (800-879-2755 opt. 1).  Accepts orders for any IBM
   publication shipped to any address in the United States. }}

 Related information:

  (4.5) Technical Support


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10. (5.0) Using OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(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?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.1. (5.1) Making OS/2 Resemble Unix ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ ftp.clarkson.edu, }}
directory /pub/uupc; mail [e-mail] with questions.

In addition, the Hamilton C Shell is available from Hamilton Labs (phone
508-358-5715 or mail [e-mail]).  The Thompson Toolkit, a Bourne-like
shell, and awk are published by Thompson Automation (phone [phone]).  MKS
(phone [phone] or mail [e-mail]) publishes a number of standard Unix
utilities for OS/2.  Hippix (Hippo Software, {{ phone [phone] }}) provides
a set of low cost Unix-like command utilities (such as grep, awk, sh, and vi)
along with a POSIX programming library.  {{ An OS/2 version of lint is
available from Gimpel Software (phone [phone]). }}  For OS/2-specific X
Windows server support, IBM provides an optional package available with its
TCP/IP {{ 2.0 }} for OS/2.  The TCP/IP {{ 2.0 }} base package includes a
{{multithreaded news reader as well. }}

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.2. (5.2) Making OS/2 Resemble Windows ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.3. (5.3) Recovering from Crashed Sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.4. (5.4) Starting Background Processes ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.5. (5.5) Adobe Type Manager ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces?

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 you install under OS/2 and/or Win-OS/2 should come with at
least two separate files with PFB and AFM 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 AFM file if a PFM file is not
already included. }}  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; {{ the PFB
files are available for purchase from Adobe. }}  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
{{ (as does the popular Fontographer utility). }}

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 {{ same }} 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.6. (5.6) Performance Tuning ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.7. (5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ System Performance Monitor/2 (IBM Program No. 5871-3415), }}
BenchTech (Synetik, phone [phone]), {{ OR/SysMon (International OS/2 User
Group, phone [phone] or FAX [phone]), CPU Monitor (Bon Ami), }} and
Performance {{ 2.1 }} (Clear & Simple, phone [phone]).

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.8. (5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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, {{ system }} palette-matched bitmap file.
For example, {{ JoeView }} [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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.9. (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.10. (5.10) Clever Tricks ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 {{ like LapLink, }} 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.
   {{ [A character mode alternative to the Workplace Shell, MenuMaster, is now
   available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.] }}

 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 {{ after the parameters you wish passed. }}

 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 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.
   {{ [Moreover, the MODE command can be used to determine whether your system
   has a buffered UART (National Semiconductor 16550A or equivalent), nearly
   essential for high speed communications.  Use the command:

   MODE COMx

   (where x is the communications port number) from an OS/2 command line.  If
   you see anything but "BUFFER = N/A" then you have a buffered UART for that
   port.] }}

   You can use either {{ CDDBOC or SHIFTRUN instead of CALL }}; 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 {{ or Sun workstation }} 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

 o {{ If you are using a 1024x768 display driver (such as 8514/A), but you do
   not want the icons scaled up in size from 32x32 to 40x40, patch the display
   driver file (e.g. \OS2\DLL\8514_32.DLL) using DEBUG or a similar utility.
   Search for the hexadecimal byte sequence 28 00 28 00 20 00 20 00 and replace
   the two 28 values with 20.  Reboot for the change to take effect, and be
   sure to keep a backup copy of the original file. }}

 o {{ To hide your entire desktop, single click on any icon on the desktop,
   press CTRL-ESC, then press CTRL-SHIFT-ESC.  To return the desktop to normal,
   press CTRL-ESC then double click on Desktop. }}

 o {{ If you would like to have a Presentation Manager application start up
   minimized, first set up a program object for it by dragging a Program
   template from the Templates folder.  Then, on the first page of the
   notebook, enter the full path and filename of the PM program, but
   deliberately misspell it.  Click on the arrow in the lower right to turn the
   page, then check the Start minimized checkbox.  Click on the left arrow to
   turn the page back, then correct the misspelling.  Fill in any other
   information, as desired, then close up the notebook.  The program object is
   now ready to start your PM application minimized. }}

 o {{ To get approximately 730K free in your DOS sessions, change
   VIDEO_MODE_RESTRICTION in the session's settings to CGA (unless your
   application requires more than CGA graphics capabilities).  Note that you
   may have to place the line:

   DOS_RMSIZE=639

   in your CONFIG.SYS file to get this much free memory. }}

 Related information:

  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
  (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
  (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.11. (5.11) REXX ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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].

{{ Here are some REXX hints and tips: }}

 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 {{ To execute REXX commands interactively from the command line, use the
   REXXTRY command.  For example:

      REXXTRY DO X=1 TO 10;SAY X;END
       }}

 Related information:

  (0.2) Recent Developments
  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
  (3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2)


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 10.12. (5.12) ANSI Escape Sequences ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11. (6.0) Miscellaneous ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(6.1)  What can I do to promote OS/2?

(6.2)  How can I create INF files?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.1. (6.1) Promoting OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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 [e-mail] 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.  {{ Compaq, Everex, }} 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 the
   {{ Lees/Keystone OS/2 Merchandise Center (phone [phone] or FAX
   914-273-9187) }} or the IBM OS/2 Hotline (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2) to order such
   items.

 o Join Team OS/2, {{ an international organization of volunteers who are OS/2
   enthusiasts and are actively sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with
   others.  These activities include supporting OS/2 user groups, running OS/2
   BBSes and online conferences, demonstrating OS/2 at retail stores and other
   public places, encouraging and helping others to install OS/2, answering
   OS/2 questions, and much more.  Membership is not limited to IBM
   employees. }}  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(es), and telephone number to Vicci
   Conway (netmail [e-mail] or {{ FAX [phone] }}).
   {{Include information on your activities to date and a one line description
   of yourself for the public Team OS/2 list. }}

 Related information:

  (3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources
  (4.5)  Technical Support
  (4.11) OS/2 BBSes


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 11.2. (6.2) How to Create INF Files ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

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
{{ Developer's Connection }} 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


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 12. (7.0) Glossary of Terms ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

{{ The following terms are often used in conjunction with OS/2:

(This section will be completed in a future release of the OS/2 Frequently
Asked Questions List.) }}

Related information: