Monster Media 1993 #1/MONSTER.ISO/os2/os2faq.txt

Text File | 1993-04-02 | 124.9 KB | 3,203 lines

OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
User's Edition
Release 2.0K
March 22, 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, part numbers, or upgrade policies contained in this List.
Electronic mail addresses are in Internet form; use addressing
appropriate to your mail system.

This List is freely distributable.  If you redistribute the List, please
include all the original files.  If you publish the List, in full or in
part, please forward a copy of the finished publication to Timothy F.
Sipples at the above address.

This List is updated monthly and is distributed through various computer
networks and online services, including the Internet, CompuServe, GEnie,
and many BBSes.

Both ASCII text and OS/2 Information Presentation Facility (INF)
versions of the List are provided.  To view the INF version of the List,
go to any OS/2 command line prompt (e.g. double click on "OS/2 Window")
and type:

VIEW OS2FAQ.INF

The ASCII text version may be viewed using any text editor, word
processor, or file listing utility.  The text version is intended to
answer any questions you may have before actually obtaining and using
OS/2.  You will find that the INF version provides a much more
attractive List, with hypertext links, fast indexing, and, increasingly,
illustrations.

If you have not received both files (OS2FAQ.INF and OS2FAQ.TXT), please
ask your system operator to make sure he/she is receiving the correct
and complete package every month.


Related information:

(0.1) Release Notes

----------

(0.1) Release Notes

Due to the substantial changes in this release, revision markings are
not included.  Revision markings will be added when the List stabilizes
a bit.

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

Please contact the author ╒See (0.0) Introduction and Credits■ if you
would like to volunteer to redistribute the List to BIX or America
Online.

I hope to add two new questions to the FAQ List in the near future.  One
will deal with dual monitor configurations, and the other will deal with
SCSI adapter and CD-ROM installation.  Also, (2.2) SuperVGA Support and
(5.6) Performance Tuning could both stand substantial revision.  Any
contributions are most welcome.

The following sections are new in this release:

(0.2)  Recent Developments
(3.10) Special Software Offers
(4.7)  Online Services
(4.8)  User Groups
(4.9)  Books and Magazines
(4.10) Problem Report Form
(5.9)  Specific DOS Sessions
(6.2)  How to Create INF Files


Related information:

(0.0) Introduction and Credits
(0.2) Recent Developments
(0.3) Questions in this Release

----------

(0.2) Recent Developments

Two new IBM OS/2 products have been released: Time and Place/2 (a
network-aware calendar and scheduling application for workgroups) and
Person to Person/2 (a computer/video conferencing system).

Borland C++ for OS/2 has been released.  See (3.10) Special Software
Offers.

The March OS/2 2.1 Beta and March OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-
ROMs are now available for ordering.  See (4.5) Technical Support for
ordering instructions.  The new March beta includes still more device
drivers, reduced disk space requirements, drag and drop icon assignment,
enhanced MMPM/2 (including tie-ins to system events), a new INI file
format for speedier and more convenient operation, and much more.

Lotus has released 1-2-3 2.0 and Freelance Graphics 2.0 for OS/2.
Pricing is the same as for DOS and Windows versions, with educational,
technology guarantee, and competitive upgrade discounts.  AmiPro and
cc:Mail are expected to follow shortly.

DigiVox Corp. announces Sound Impression for OS/2, a desktop recording
studio with 16-track wave recorder/mixer, MIDI player, and CD player.
Phone DigiVox at 415-494-6200 for details.

The next OS/2 conference is to be held in Toronto on or about June 21.
For more information phone Skills Dynamics at 800-661-2131.


Related information:

(0.3)  Questions in this Release
(3.10) Special Software Offers
(4.5)  Technical Support

----------

(0.3) Questions in this Release

The following questions are addressed in this release:

(1.0)  Fundamentals

      (1.1)  What is OS/2?

      (1.2)  What are the differences between versions?

      (1.3)  How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?

      (1.4)  Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?

      (1.5)  Why should I use HPFS?  What does it offer me?  Does it
             work with DOS?

(2.0)  Hardware

      (2.1)  What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0?  Do I need a
             PS/2?

      (2.2)  Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?

      (2.3)  Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?

      (2.4)  Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.0?

      (2.5)  Are there any specific hardware recommendations?

(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 2.0?

      (3.8)  What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?

      (3.9)  What is Extended Services?

      (3.10)  Are there any special software offers I should know about?

(4.0)  Installation, Maintenance, and Support

      (4.1)  I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0.  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?

(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 2.0 resemble Windows
             (or OS/2 1.3)?

      (5.3)  Sometimes OS/2 2.0 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 2.0 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 2.0?

      (5.10)  Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?

(6.0)  Miscellaneous

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

      (6.2)  How can I create INF files?

----------

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 2.0'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?

----------

(1.1) 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.

As shipped, it 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]

PC/DACS (Pyramid, phone [phone]) offers security (for multiple
users, one at a time, in a lab setting for example).


Related information:

(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.9) Extended Services

----------

(1.2) What are the differences between versions?

o IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is currently in beta testing and is widely
available ╒See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources and (4.5) Technical
Support■.  This new version will support Windows 3.1 applications,
Windows enhanced mode, more third party adapters and peripherals, and
OS/2 multimedia applications ╒See (3.6) Multimedia■.

o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 ╒latest CSD Level is 06055; See (4.6) Corrective
Service Diskettes■ will run only on machines with an 80386SX processor
or better.  IBM is developing OS/2 (and its Intel and non-Intel-based
successors) independently but is involving third party PC manufacturers
in its testing.  Improvements include 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 (on
all systems with appropriate BIOS support; memory above 16 MB on those
systems which must rely on 24-bit DMA for disk access, e.g. AT bus
systems with Adaptec 154x SCSI adapters, is used as swap space); 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.  (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
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.9) Extended Services
(4.5) Technical Support
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager

----------

(1.3) How good is OS/2 2.0'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 has changed dramatically with OS/2 2.0.  Version 2.0
preemptively multitasks DOS and Windows (real and standard mode)
applications in separate, protected sessions, without purchasing either
environment.

OS/2 2.0 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 0.9 (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 2.0
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; batch
commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using
separate, application-specific batch 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 2.0.

In addition, OS/2 2.0 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in
separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult
applications (e.g. DOS networks, MSCDEX).  So, for example, it is
possible to multitask DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and
Desqview running atop DOS, all in separate sessions, either windowed or
full screen, all with the same and/or separate device drivers, TSRs,
environment variables, etc.  DOS boot images may be stored on a hard
disk.  These procedures are described in the online Command Reference
(under VMDISK), Master Help Index, and in the Installation Guide
(Appendix E).  ╒See also (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions.■

Standard graphics modes ╒generally up to the resolution of the desktop;
See (2.2) SuperVGA Support■ are supported in DOS windows, as are
selectable text mode fonts.  Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications
is supported (to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications),
including graphics cut/paste.  Theoretically, OS/2 2.0 will run up to
240 simultaneous DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on
system resources.

OS/2 2.0 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 2.0 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 2.0's DOS Settings.

4. Certain DOS programming debuggers.  DOS applications running under
OS/2 2.0 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.

Generally DOS backup programs will work under OS/2 2.0, 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]

   EZTape                   Irwin                [phone]

   DMS/Intelligent Backup   Sterling             [phone]

   FileSafe                 Mountain             [phone]

   KeepTrack Plus           Finot                [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■.  DOS-based disk caching software is
not required since OS/2 includes a built-in, highly configurable,
efficient disk cache.

DOS programs running under OS/2 2.0 are extremely fast.  A single DOS
application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2
2.0 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 2.0 includes a utility called
the Boot Manager.  The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the
operating systems available on the system and will allow selection of
any one at startup, with a default after timeout.  The OS/2 1.x DualBoot
method is still available as well.  Consult the Installation Guide for
instructions on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot.  Note that OS/2 2.0
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 2.x and 3.0 real mode and standard mode applications under OS/2
2.0, 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, Tseng 4000 SuperVGA, and XGA resolutions with OS/2
2.0 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 2.0.)

OS/2 2.0 directly provides Windows enhanced mode features save one:
services included in WINMEM32.DLL.  Windows applications which utilize
this DLL (e.g. Mathematica 2.0, Omnipage Professional 1.0) will not run
under OS/2 2.0.  Fortunately the number of WINMEM32 applications is few,
and apparently the vendors of such applications will be shipping OS/2
2.0 compatible updates.  The forthcoming OS/2 2.1 will support Windows
enhanced mode and emulate WINMEM32.

Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 Workplace
Shell environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE (Object Linking
and Embedding) 1.0 is supported among Windows applications.  Adobe Type
Manager ╒See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager■ for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2 2.0.
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 the
Windows Multimedia Extensions (and programs which utilize them) operate
under Win-OS/2.  ╒See (3.6) Multimedia for information on the OS/2
multimedia extensions, MMPM/2.■

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.
Also, while many Windows 3.1 enhancements are functionally incorporated
into Win-OS/2, Win-OS/2 is not technically Windows 3.1 compatible.
Fortunately there are few Windows 3.1-specific applications.  Win-OS/2
will run the Windows 3.0 applets, but it does not include them.
Instead, true OS/2 2.0 spreadsheet, database, communications, time
planning/scheduling, and other applets are provided.  OS/2 2.1, due in
the first half of 1993, will incorporate Windows 3.1 support (including
enhanced mode, WINMEM32 emulation, and the Windows applets).

Some Windows applications require OLE DLLs or 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.


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
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.6) Performance Tuning
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions

----------

(1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?

In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is available from most
software dealers (including Corporate Software, phone [phone]) and
directly from IBM (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2, or 800-222-7257 for educational
inquiries).  The cost is just $99.  Discounts are available for multiple
licenses and educational purchases.  (Phone for details on upgrades from
OS/2 1.x.  In Canada phone [phone] to order.  In the U.K. phone the
OS/2 User Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0800-181182.  In other
countries, contact any IBM dealer or office.)

OS/2 2.0 on 3.5 inch diskettes is part no. 84F7586.  For 5.25 inch
diskettes, 10G2991.  Media are high density.  For compact disc, 10G2992.
IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is still available and may be ordered through many
IBM dealers.

IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.0 available everywhere DOS is purchased.
If your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.0, take your business elsewhere
(and explain why).  IBM bundles OS/2 2.0 with some PS/1, most
ValuePoint, and all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems.  Several other
vendors, including Dell, will preload OS/2 2.0 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■.

Microsoft versions of OS/2 1.x are available only through OEMs (e.g.
Compaq and Dell) or by purchasing Microsoft's LAN Manager or SQL Server
products.  Microsoft has all but ceased OS/2 development, working
instead on Windows NT.


Related information:

(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(3.8) Networking Products

----------

(1.5) 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

----------

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(2.1)  What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0?  Do I need a PS/2?

(2.2)  Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?

(2.3)  Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?

(2.4)  Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.0?

(2.5)  Are there any specific hardware recommendations?

----------

(2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0?  Do I need a PS/2?

You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or
more strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 20-
35 MB free), a supported video adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, Tseng 4000
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 2.0 and may be deleted, e.g. DOS, a 386
memory manager, Windows, 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.
Certain dual monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for
advice.

On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly
all MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, and
IBM SCSI adapters.  (True OS/2 2.0 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g.
Trantor, DPT, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Mylex, CE
Infosys, Ciprico, and others are available directly from the adapter
manufacturers.  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 2.0 driver).

OS/2 driver support is available for the following CD-ROM drives:

o IBM

     - all models

o Hitachi

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

o NEC

     - CDR-25
     - CDR-36
     - CDR-37
     - CDR-72
     - CDR-73
     - CDR-74
     - CDR-82
     - CDR-83
     - CDR-84

o Panasonic

     - CR-501
     - LK-MC501S

o Texel

     - DM-3021
     - DM-3024
     - DM-5021
     - DM-5024

o Toshiba

     - 3301T
     - TXM3301
     - 3301B
     - XM-3201
     - 3401

o Pioneer

     - DRM-604X

o Sony

     - CDU-541
     - CDU-561
     - CDU-6111
     - CDU-6211
     - CDU-7211

when attached to IBM, Future Domain, Adaptec, or other SCSI adapters
with native OS/2 2.0 support.  A driver for non-SCSI Sony CD-ROM drives
(e.g. the CDU-535) is also available, and others (e.g. Mitsumi) should
follow soon.  The OS/2 support includes audio, ISO 9660/High Sierra, CD-
ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD compatibility for those drives which support
these standards.  Drivers are available from several sources ╒See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources■.  Storage Devices offers OS/2 drivers
for its parallel port attached peripherals, including its CD-ROM drive.
Corel Systems offers a set of drivers for many more CD-ROM drives and
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 2.0 is explicitly supported on PC compatibles.  IBM is offering
a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S.  Should OS/2 2.0 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 400 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.8) Networking Products
(3.9) Extended Services
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions

----------

(2.2) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?

If you have a SuperVGA adapter, OS/2 2.0 should initially be installed
using the standard VGA driver.  Then consult the README file OS/2 copies
to your root directory for more information on SuperVGA support.

OS/2 2.0 comes with basic mode switching capabilities to handle
applications which utilize SuperVGA modes.  If OS/2 2.0 detects a
SuperVGA adapter it will list two SuperVGA support files, VSVGA.SYS and
BVHSVGA.DLL, in your CONFIG.SYS file.  ╒A replacement VSVGA.SYS file,
dated April 20, 1992, or later, fixes Tseng 4000 and TRAP 000E problems.
A replacement BVHSVGA.DLL file, dated April 21, 1992, or later, fixes
C0000005 errors involving Western Digital/Paradise chipset adapters.
See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.■

To enable this mode switching support, available for most SuperVGA
adapters, you must start a DOS full screen session, issue the command
SVGA ON, EXIT, Shutdown, and reboot.  (In the same DOS full screen
session and prior to SVGA ON you may run utilities which customize
refresh rates.  The new refresh rates will take effect after you reboot.
You may also wish to run such a utility from AUTOEXEC.BAT.) SVGA ON
creates a text file called \OS2\SVGADATA.PMI which describes your
SuperVGA adapter to the system.  Then you may install high resolution
drivers.

Aside from DOS applications (which may require their own drivers), OS/2
2.0 requires up to three high resolution support files:

  \OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL                  Workplace Shell display driver

  \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV       Win-OS/2 full screen driver

  \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\SWINVGA.DRV   Win-OS/2 "seamless" driver

You may replace any one of these individually for high resolution
operation in each given mode, but be sure to keep a backup copy of the
original file(s).  The "seamless" Win-OS/2 and WPS desktop driver files
must match (in terms of resolution and number of colors) if you wish to
run Windows programs "seamlessly."  Any suitable Windows SuperVGA driver
will work as a Win-OS/2 full screen driver, but be sure to use the
EXPAND utility (as described in README) when installing.

OS/2 1.3 SuperVGA drivers often serve, with some limitations, as
Workplace Shell desktop drivers.  Use the command DDINSTAL to replace
DISPLAY.DLL.  Setting IOPL=YES in CONFIG.SYS may be required with a
SuperVGA adapter.

CAUTION:
For OS/2 2.0 CSD level 06055 ╒See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes■,
\OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL should not be replaced, using DDINSTAL or
otherwise.  Instead, create a separate directory (e.g. \DISPLAY) and
copy the vendor supplied 16-bit driver DLL file to \DISPLAY\DISPLAY.DLL.
In CONFIG.SYS, place the \DISPLAY pathname, including drive letter,
before \OS2\DLL in the LIBPATH line.  The exception to this procedure is
Tseng 4000 SuperVGA.  To install any of the available 256 color Tseng
4000 SuperVGA drivers, use OS/2 System -> System Setup -> Selective
Install.  Check the Primary Display box, reselect SuperVGA, then
proceed.

Drivers for the following SuperVGA adapters (or adapters based on these
chipsets) are available.  In most cases the drivers are available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.

  Key
  A   All modes supported.
  B   Most or some modes supported.
  C   One mode supported.
  S   Supports "seamless" Win-OS/2 in at least one mode.
  X   Experimental or beta.

   Trident Series                           B S

   Tseng Labs ET4000                        B S

   Compaq QVision                           B

   Genoa 7000                               B

   ATI VGA Wonder Series                    B S X

   ATI Ultra and Vantage Series             B

   Lava Computer (phone [phone])       B S

   Orchid Farenheit (S3-based)              B

   Paradise/Western Digital                 B S X

   Video7/Headland VRAM II                  B S X

   Cirrus Logic                             B

   Actix Systems (phone [phone])       ?

   Number Nine (phone [phone])         ?

   Portacom (phone [phone])            ?

   "Generic" 800x600 16 color (VGA800-B)    C


In addition, several vendors, notably Ahead (phone [phone]) and
Radius (phone [phone]), are readying XGA-2 compatible display
adapters for market.  Number Nine TIGA adapter support is available from
Janus Systems (phone [phone]).

Consult adapter vendors for up-to-date information on driver
availability.

Some SuperVGA adapters cause problems with DOS/Win-OS/2 sessions.  Try
turning VIDEO_ROM_EMULATION off, HW_ROM_TO_RAM on, and/or DOS_RMSIZE to
624 in DOS Settings.

If you have an ATI Ultra, Vantage, or other 8514/A hardware compatible
adapter, install OS/2 using the 8514/A driver.  With the Ultra Plus and
Ultra Pro adapters, make sure you set the monitor type to VGA using the
supplied ATI setup diskette before you install OS/2.  You may still use
customized refresh rates for high resolution modes, but the adapter must
report the monitor type as VGA (or 8514/A) to OS/2.

IBM was unable to test all SuperVGA adapters, so if you are experiencing
problems report them through IBM's toll free support (phone [phone]
in the United States) and to the adapter manufacturer.

If SuperVGA continues to cause problems the stock VGA driver may be used
(preventing DOS/Windows applications from using SuperVGA modes,
however).  In CONFIG.SYS change DEVICE=...VSVGA.SYS to ...VVGA.SYS and
SET VIO_VGA...(BVHVGA,BVHSVGA) to ...(BVHVGA).  This procedure may be
required for first generation SuperVGA adapters based on Trident 8800
and Tseng 3000 chipsets, for example.

OS/2 2.0's installation program ╒CSD level 02000 only; See (4.6)
Corrective Service Diskettes■ has difficulty with certain Oak video
adapters.  Temporarily replace the video adapter to install OS/2, or
contact IBM for a patch.


Related information:

(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps

----------

(2.3) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?

OS/2 2.0 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets, DeskJets ╒See
(4.1) Installation■, and PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets,
Proprinters, Quickwriters, Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and
Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix and laser printers; Postscript devices;
and other printers (e.g. Panasonic) compatible with these families.  A
variety of IBM and HP plotters is also supported.  Drivers for NEC dot
matrix printers are now available ╒See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources■.

DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows
applications.  OS/2 2.0 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 2.0 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).  The Lexmark/IBM 4070 InkJet
driver, for example, will also work with Canon BubbleJet printers.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.1) Installation

----------

(2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2?

COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.
On (E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS.  Using a
text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)"
parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames.  One example:

 DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
 DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)

Parameters for COM1 and COM2 need not be included (unless they are
somehow nonstandard).  OS/2 must end up with sequentially numbered
logical COM ports, if possible.  For example, if (physical) port two is
not installed but port three or port four is installed, start numbering
using (2,...) in the DEVICE lines.  If these efforts fail, try IBM's
patched COM drivers or the SIO drivers ╒available from (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources■.

Note that AT bus COM ports cannot be used at the same time if they share
interrupts because of bus design limitations (cf. "Under the Hood: How
Interrupts Work," Byte, February, 1992).  An adapter which provides more
flexibility in interrupt selection (e.g. the 16-bit model from Boca
Research) may prove helpful.  Also, PolyCom, a replacement driver
available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, supports up to
eight ports with the right hardware.

"Smart" (coprocessor controlled) multiport communication adapters should
be used when installing more than four ports.  Such an adapter will work
with OS/2 if the manufacturer has written an appropriate driver.
Examples include:

  Company          Telephone Number

  IBM (ARTIC)      (800) PS2-2227
  Digiboard        [phone]
  Stargate         [phone]
  Arnet            [phone]
  Computone        [phone]
  Comtrol          [phone]
  CTC Systems      [phone]
  Equinox          [phone]
  I-Concepts       [phone]
  Specialix        [phone]
  Stallion         [phone]


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(2.5) 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 Radius XGA-2 Adapter.  An AT bus display adapter providing superior
performance and driver support under OS/2.  Price: $419 from Connecting
Point Computers (phone [phone]).  A Microchannel version is
available from IBM for an even lower price.

o ATI VGAWonder Turbo.  This new, low cost ($249 list price) AT bus
display adapter uses the 8514/A hardware compatible ATI Mach 32
coprocessor.  With 8514/A hardware compatibility you can utilize OS/2's
built-in 1024x768 256 color 8514/A driver (or any drivers which ATI may
release in the future).  Dealers should be able to offer discounts off
the list price.

o Thomas Conrad Token Ring Adapter.  Until April 30, 1993, Thomas Conrad
is offering its 16/4 Mbps Token Ring adapter for just $99.  Limit one
per customer site.  Phone [phone] or 512-836-1935 for details.  No
other purchases are necessary.  Money back guarantee.

o Western Digital EtherCard Plus.  An 8-bit ethernet adapter (meaning
you'll need a free, lower interrupt).  IBM LAN software (like TCP/IP)
includes an EtherCard Plus driver -- no need to go searching.  Price:
$49 from Hi-Tech (phone [phone]).

o Future Domain 1660ER SCSI Adapter.  AT bus, 16-bit SCSI adapter for
CD-ROM drives, hard drives, and other SCSI peripherals.  Price: $58 from
ICP Corp. (phone [phone]).  May require $25 ROM upgrade from Future
Domain for DOS compatibility.

   Set jumpers JP1 as follows: 1-Closed, 2-Closed, 3-Open (IRQ 11
   enabled), 4-Open, 5-Open (I/O address to 0140-014F), 6-Closed, and
   7-Open (BIOS address to CA000-C8FFF).

o NEC CDR-25 CD-ROM Drive with SCSI Interface.  An external, portable
CD-ROM drive (with optional battery back available).  Compatible with
ISO 9660/High Sierra, audio, CD-ROM/XA, and single session Kodak Photo
CD.  Speed: 650 ms average access time, 150K/second sustained data
transfer rate.  Does not use CD-ROM caddies.  Price: $219 from ICP Corp.
(phone [phone]).  An 8-bit Trantor SCSI adapter and cable is $39
extra.  A slightly faster (450 ms) drive, the NEC CDR-36, is available
with cable and Trantor SCSI adapter for $288 from ERM Liquidators (phone
800-776-5865).  This model does not support Kodak Photo CD, however.

o Toshiba CD-ROM Drive.  The latest, super fast Toshiba CD-ROM drive,
Model 3401, is available from CD-ROM Direct (phone [phone]) for
$399.

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 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]).

o Creative Labs SoundBlaster.  Original (2.0) and Pro models are
available from many suppliers and provide audio output for OS/2
multimedia applications.  Prices range from about $90 to $170.

o IBM M-Audio Adapter.  Available in either AT bus or Microchannel
models for the same price.  Provides compact disc quality audio
reproduction and recording capabilities under OS/2.  Price: $235 from
IBM Direct (phone 800-IBM-2YOU) or $222 from IBM Educational Sales
(phone [phone]).

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 at about $190.  An appropriate driver
will ship with OS/2 2.1.

o IBM Quietwriter Printers.  Micro Recyling (phone [phone]) is
selling used IBM Quietwriter II printers for $95 and Quietwriter III
printers for $130.  These printers carry a 30-day warranty.  A QW II
sheetfeeder is $20, and a QW III dual bin sheetfeeder is $25 (both "as-
is").  Both offer laser quality printing.  Note that, while the print
quality is superb, the cost of consumables is quite high, particularly
for the Quietwriter II.


Related information:

(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

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 2.0?

(3.8)  What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?

(3.9)  What is Extended Services?

(3.10)  Are there any special software offers I should know about?

----------

(3.1) 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 Lotus Development

     - 1-2-3
     - Freelance Graphics
     - Notes
     - cc:Mail

o Microsoft

     - Word
     - Excel
     - Multiplan
     - Mail

o Aldus

     - Pagemaker

o Ventura

     - Publisher

o Corel Systems

     - CorelDraw

o WordPerfect Corp.

     - WordPerfect

o IBM

     - DisplayWrite
     - DisplayWrite Composer

o DeScribe

     - Word Publisher

o Micrographx

     - Designer

o AutoDesk

     - AutoCAD

o Oracle

     - Database

o Microrim

     - R:Base

o SAS Institute

     - SAS

o SPSS Inc.

     - SPSS

o Hilgraeve

     - HyperAccess/5

o FutureSoft

     - DynaComm

o Omen

     - Pro-YAM

o Borland

     - Sidekick
     - Paradox
     - Brief

o Informix

     - Wingz

o SemWare

     - QEdit

o JP Software

     - 4OS2 (4DOS for OS/2)

o New England Software

     - Graph-in-the-Box

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 2.0 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 Lotus Development

     - 1-2-3
     - Freelance Graphics
     - Notes
     - cc:Mail
     - Ami Pro

o Borland

     - ObjectVision
     - C++

o WordPerfect Corp.

     - WordPerfect
     - Office
     - Presentations

o Vienna Software Publishing

     - N/Joy: The World of Objects

o DeScribe

     - Word Publisher

o ZSoft (WordStar)

     - Publisher's Paintbrush

o Spinnaker

     - PFS:Works

o Corel Systems

     - CorelDraw

o Hilgraeve

     - HyperAccess/PM

o SofNet

     - Faxworks

o Microformatic

     - Fax/PM

o Micrographx

     - Draw
     - Designer
     - Charisma
     - (All Others)

o Microrim

     - R:Base

o Symantec

     - Norton Commander
     - Zortech C++

o Computer Associates

     - ACCPAC Simply Accounting
     - Compete!
     - Consensus
     - dBFast
     - Realizer
     - SuperProject
     - Telon/PWS
     - Textor
     - Unicenter

and many more.  Over 1200 new 32-bit OS/2 2.0 applications have been
released to date.

OS/2-specific versions of popular utilities include ZIP/UNZIP, ARC, LHA,
Zoo 2.1, many GNU tools, tens of different file finders, desktop clocks,
calculators, and many more.  Programming languages include Assembler,
C++, COBOL, Pascal, C, Fortran, BASIC, REXX (included with every copy of
OS/2 2.0), Icon, Smalltalk, Modula-2, LISP, Ada, Prolog, Forth, and
still more, from vendors such as Borland, Clarion, Watcom, Symantec
(through its Zortech subsidiary), IBM, Microway, and many more.  Two
free ports of the 32-bit GNU C/C++ compiler, GCC/2 and EMX/GCC, are
available ╒See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources■.  Fortran to C
(f2c) and Pascal to C (p2c) translators are also available.  (See the
Programmer's Edition of this List for more information.)

The IBM PC Company BBS (404-835-6600) provides an online product
database of OS/2-specific software.  A directory of OS/2 applications,
IBM document number G362-0029, is published by Graphics Plus (phone 800-
READ-OS2).  TINF ╒See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources■ is an
applications directory (for use with the OS/2 VIEW facility).


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(3.2) Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware?

The following BBSes hold large OS/2 libraries:

  Fernwood                 [phone]

  OS/2 Shareware           [phone]

  Bay Area OS/2            [phone]

  Gateway/2                [phone]

  Greater Chicago Online   [phone]

  OS/2 San Diego           [phone]

  OS/2 Las Vegas           [phone]

  IBM Germany              049-711-785-7777

  IBM Denmark              45-42-88-72-22

  OS/2 UK                  0454-633197

  IBM UK                   0256-336655

  IBM Norway               47-22-99450

  OS/2 Australia           61-2-241-2466

(The monthly Worldwide OS/2 BBS Listing, available from these BBSes,
lists others.)  The IBM PC Company BBS (modem 404-835-6600) has some
shareware/freeware as well, along with CSDs ╒See (4.6) Corrective
Service Diskettes■ and the PS/2 Assistant (an invaluable resource for
locating almost any sort of information on OS/2).  For information on
IBM's new OS/2 BBS phone [phone].  IBM Canada maintains several
support BBSes:

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


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.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     ?

The ftp-os2.nmsu.edu library is available on CD-ROM from Walnut Creek
(phone [phone]).  EMS (phone [phone]) 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).

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

----------

(3.3) What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles?

Here are some of the shareware and freeware selections that have proven
popular among OS/2 users.  Where available, an approximate filename is
provided.  However, since version numbers are changing frequently,
please bear in mind that some of this information may be dated.  Also,
please register any shareware you use -- your support will ensure a
continuing supply of capable OS/2 shareware.

o OS2Exec (OS2EXEC.ZIP): Start any OS/2 program from any OS/2 DOS
session.

o Worldwide OS/2 BBS List (OS2WORLD.ZIP): List of BBSes around the world
where OS/2 is the predominant area of discussion and where large OS/2
software archives are held.

o 4OS2 Version 1.1 (4OS232.ZIP): A replacement command interpreter from
JP Software.  A must for command line users.

o StartD (STARTD.ZIP): Provides the capability to start DOS sessions
with specific, custom DOS Settings from the OS/2 command line.

o Icon Extractor (ICON_160.ZIP): Converts Windows icons to OS/2 format.
Icons can be extracted from Windows executables.  Assigns icons via drag
and drop.  Deletes undeleteable objects.

o Mr. File/PM (MRFILEPM.ZIP): File manager and program launcher.

o Workplace Shell Backup (WPSBKP.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 AddIcon Version 1.1 (ADDICO11.ZIP): Add icons to arbitrary files from
the command line.

o Visual REXX (VREXX2.ZIP): Provides the ability to write REXX programs
which use Presentation Manager windows, scroll bars, menus, and other
features.

o Icon Programming Language (ICON88.ZIP): A simple yet powerful
programming language for many platforms, including OS/2.  Supports
graphical applications.

o EMX/GCC (various): Powerful C/C++ compiler with programming aids and
enhanced libraries.

o Enhanced Editor Toolkit and Accessories (various): Add-ons to the
Enhanced Editor (EPM) which provide editor macro capabilities,
documentation, and various accessories.

o INI Maintenance (INIMNT1E.ZIP): Edit and maintain your vital OS/2 INI
files.

o Info-Zip's UnZip 5.0 (UNZ50X32.EXE): Extract files from ZIP archives.
PKZip 2.x compatible.  Supports extended attributes.  Companion utility,
Zip 1.9, also available.

o GTAK GNU tar (GTAK212.ZIP): Tape archive (backup and restore) utility.
Supports SCSI tape drives.

o MR/2 (MR2_139.ZIP): Reader for BBS QWK mail packets.

o TE/2 (TE2_120.ZIP): A full featured terminal emulation and modem
communications program.

o PMComm (PMCOM110.ZIP): As full featured as TE/2, but with a
Presentation Manager interface.

o C-Kermit 5A(188) (CK5A188.ZIP): A terminal emulation and modem
communications program featuring the Kermit file transfer protocol.

o SIO COM Drivers (SIO045.ZIP): Replacement serial port drivers which
offer enhanced performance.

o McAfee's Virus Scan (OSCN102.ZIP): Detects viruses.  Companion Virus
Clean and Net Scan utilities also available.

o Minesweeper (DMINE102.ZIP): A game which requires you to avoid the
mines in a minefield.  Several other versions are available.

o Nikon II (NIKON214.ZIP): Screen capture utility.

o FracInt 17.2 (PMFRA2.ZIP): Render fractal images.  Also converts among
several image formats.

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

o PS/2 Assistant (PS2AST67.ZIP): Provides information on most of the IBM
personal computer product line, including OS/2.

o Install B (INSTB.ZIP): Allows installation of OS/2 from 3.5 inch media
when Drive A is a 5.25 inch high density floppy drive and Drive B is a
3.5 inch high density floppy drive.

o emTeX (various): Provides professional typesetting and document
composition.

o BlackHole (BLAKHOL3.ZIP): A Workplace Shell object that destroys
anything dragged to it.

oCONFIG.SYS Editor (CFGED1B.ZIP): A Presentation Manager utility which
eases CONFIG.SYS editing.

o SE20Boot (SE20BOOT.ZIP): Creates an OS/2 bootable diskette.

o psPM (PSPM2.ZIP): Displays a graphical representation of the processes
running on an OS/2 system and allows termination of any or all.

o Workplace Shell Tools (WPTOOL02.ZIP): Creates or deletes standard
Workplace Shell objects.

o GhostScript PM (GS252PM.ZIP): Postscript interpreter and viewer.

o OS2You (OS2YOU27.ZIP): OS/2 remote control over a modem or LAN
connection.  Companion program PM2You, for control of graphical
applications, including DOS and Windows, is also available.

o UUPC/Extended (various): Provides uucp connection for mail, news, and
other services.

o TedP (TEDP090.ZIP): Text editor, under 10K in size -- perfect for an
emergency boot diskette.

o BookShelf (BOOKSHLF.ZIP): Utility which presents a coherent menu of
all available INF files on your system.

o VSwitch (VSWITCH.ZIP): A task list for full screen sessions.

o Windows 3.1 Under OS/2 (OS2WIN31.ZIP): Allows Microsoft Windows 3.1 to
operate under OS/2 2.0 in either standard or enhanced mode.  Win-OS/2 is
not required.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(3.4) Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2?

Not yet, although Norton Desktop, Norton Utilities, and Norton Commander
all work under OS/2 2.0's DOS/Windows sessions ╒with limitations; See
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility■.  Also, Norton Commander is now
available for OS/2 2.0.

However, the GammaTech Utilities should fill the role.  Contact their
publisher at 405-359-1219.  Note that OS/2 2.0 has a built-in UnDelete
utility (see the README file or online Command Reference), and HPFS is
resistant to fragmentation ╒See (1.5) High Performance File System■.


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(1.5) High Performance File System

----------

(3.5) 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 503-
883-8099, BBS 503-883-8197).

For more information on operating a BBS under OS/2 (with conferences
devoted to the subject) log on to one of the OS/2 BBSes listed in (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources.


Related information:

(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(3.6) What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications?

Information on IBM's OS/2 multimedia extensions (MMPM/2) and tools,
Ultimotion (software video capture and playback for OS/2), multimedia
hardware, and IBM multimedia titles (e.g. Illuminated Manuscript) is
available through IBM's Multimedia Office (phone [phone]
ext. 150).  Drivers for the Creative Labs SoundBlaster audio adapters
are available through (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources; beta drivers
are available for MediaVision's ProAudio Spectrum adapters.  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]) offers various OS/2 multimedia products.

MMPM/2 will become a part of the base OS/2 package when OS/2 2.1 is
released.  OS/2 2.1 will also include the Windows Multimedia Extensions.


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(4.5) Technical Support

----------

(3.7) Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.0?

At present there are no OS/2-specific viruses.  However, DOS/Windows
viruses can conceivably infect an OS/2 2.0 system.  DOS/Windows
antivirus tools are just as useful in preventing such infection.  Also,
IBM has an antivirus package (AntiVirus/2) which runs under OS/2
directly (without DOS/Windows emulation), McAfee's OS/2 SCAN and CLEAN
have been released, and others (Dr. Solomon and Dr. Cohen) are in
development.

But OS/2 2.0 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 2.0, 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 2.0 is by no means virus proof -- no system is.  But it should
prove more resistant to virus infection.


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility

----------

(3.8) What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?

In addition to DOS/Windows products, OS/2-specific TCP/IP support is
available from IBM (phone 800-IBM-CALL), Essex Systems (phone 508-532-
5511), FTP Software (send mail to [e-mail]), and others.  (A
freeware SLIP implementation, KA9Q, is available via anonymous ftp from
ucsd.edu in directory /pub/hamradio/packet/tcpip/os2 or
/pub/hamradio/packet/tcpip/incoming.  The Presenation Manager version,
pmNOS, is also available there.)  NetWare Requester for OS/2 is
available from Novell (phone [phone]) and IBM; NetWare 4.0 Server
(atop OS/2 2.0) should be available in May, 1993.  IBM offers both
NetWare and LAN Server 3.0 (Basic and Advanced) with LAN requesters.
Microsoft sells LAN Manager (which comes bundled with OS/2 1.3).  An
OS/2 2.0 LAN Manager Requester, part no. 96F8359, is available from IBM;
Microsoft offers a similar requester with LAN Manager 2.1a (or later).
DEC sells Pathworks (Version 2.0b) for OS/2.  A Banyan Vines OS/2 2.0
requester is due shortly, and the current DOS requester works in a
specific DOS session ╒See (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions■.

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 2.0 is best accomplished (at the
moment) with a TCP/IP product, like IBM's.  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.  IBM may have its
own offering in the near future (a repackaging of the peer-to-peer
support now provided in LAN Server 3.0).


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.9) Extended Services
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions

----------

(3.9) 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 2.0, 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 2.0.  Also, ES 1.0,
like OS/2 2.0 itself, is designed to operate on both IBM and non-IBM
systems ╒See (2.1) Hardware Requirements■.

While Extended Services will remain available, IBM has decided to
further separate the ES components.  DB/2, a full 32-bit relational
database, is available separately as a replacement for ES's Database
Manager.  Communication Manager/2 is now also available by itself.  With
each component available "a la carte," you can configure your OS/2
system to your exact specifications (almost always at a lower cost), and
you are free to substitute similar products from other vendors (so you
aren't locked into IBM's offerings).


Related information:

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

----------

(3.10) 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 Borland C++ for OS/2.  Available from Below Zero in Calgary (phone
800-461-2777, 403-547-0669, or FAX [phone]) for $127 Canadian
(about $100 U.S.), including shipping.  Add GST in Canada.  Below Zero
will export outside North America.

o IBM PL/I Package/2.  Not everyone is a PL/I programmer, but IBM is
offering free evaluation copies and free product videos.  Phone 800-426-
3346 ext. STL10 for more information.

o IBM TCP/IP for OS/2.  The universal peer-to-peer networking solution.
In the United States the base package is available for $131 from IBM
Direct (phone 800-IBM-2-YOU); NFS (for disk sharing) and X Windows add-
ons are $95 each.

o New Lotus Applications.  Lotus 1-2-3 2.0 and Freelance Graphics 2.0
for OS/2 are now available.  These 32-bit, Workplace Shell and HPFS
aware applications are available at the same prices as the DOS and
Windows counterparts.  For educational discounts in the United States
contact Douglas Stewart Co. (phone [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 [phone]) for more information or to
order.

o DeScribe.  DeScribe 4.0, the first 32-bit Workplace Shell and HPFS
aware word processor for OS/2, is available for $275 from the IBM OS/2
Hotline (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2).  To qualify for this price you must have
purchased something else (anything else, e.g. the $15 March OS/2 2.1
Beta CD-ROM) through the Hotline.  The price includes any minor
maintenance and the next full release of DeScribe.


Related information:

(3.1) Applications

----------

The following questions are addressed in this section:

(4.1)  I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0.  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?

----------

(4.1) I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0.  What should I do?

First consult the Installation Guide and other materials accompanying
OS/2 2.0.  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 Certain PC compatibles have difficulty accepting OS/2 2.0 ╒CSD Level
02000 only; See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes■, particularly AT bus
systems with RLL, MFM, or ESDI adapters.  The problem usually appears in
the form of FDISK errors, extremely slow copying to the hard disk, or a
whining/grating noise emanating from the hard disk.  A replacement
IBM1S506.ADD file alleviates the problem ╒See (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources■.

o When installing, the Logitech Mouse selection should be chosen only if
you have a Mouse Systems PC Mouse (or compatible, e.g. certain Genius
models) or a Logitech C7 or C9 serial mouse.  (If you have another
Logitech pointing device, it is likely Microsoft compatible when powered
up, so select the appropriate Microsoft driver, e.g. "Serial Pointing
Device.")  If you are using a Logitech C7 or C9 serial mouse and have
been using native DOS, be sure to issue the command MOUSE PC (or MOUSE 2
PC if your mouse is attached to COM2) before booting into or installing
OS/2.  Alternatively, turn off the system (to reset the mouse) before
booting or installing OS/2.

o Some PCs have trouble printing under OS/2 2.0.  This problem can often
be traced to an interrupt conflict, a substandard cable, an interfering
software security "dongle," or a faulty printer adapter.  LPT1 uses IRQ
7, and LPT2, if installed, uses IRQ 5.  Interrupts should not be shared
on AT bus machines.  The SoundBlaster, for example, comes set to IRQ 7.
Reset it to an unused interrupt.

o Make sure adapters with onboard ROMs are not conflicting with other
adapters.  For example, many SuperVGA adapters use large segments of
upper memory, and many hard disk adapters have onboard ROMs which can be
mapped into the same areas.  Adapters must not share address space or
interrupts.  Check your product manuals for more help.

o Be sure adequate free disk space is available before installing,
including space for a swap file.  Drives compressed using Stacker or
similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless
access to these drives from OS/2 is not needed).  An OS/2 2.0 version
of Stacker is forthcoming, and Proportional Software's (phone 303-484-
2665) DCF/2, a Stacker-like utility, is also due to ship soon.

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 Automatic migration of your DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files is
not recommended.  If you have Windows 3.1 installed on your system do
not migrate your Windows desktop.

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.

o If you are using the IBMINT13.I13 driver to access an MFM, RLL, or
ESDI hard drive, and the hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders, be
certain your hard disk adapter's sector translation mode is enabled.

o Some Quantum LPS105AT IDE hard disks require a free ROM update (to
Version 2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2.

o If your AMI keyboard BIOS is below Revision F you may need an update.
Contact Washburn & Assoc. (phone [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.

o A driver for HP DeskJet printers, including color models, is available
for download.  See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.

o Allow several minutes for OS/2 2.0 to build your desktop (and display
icons) at the end of installation -- take the Tutorial offered to you in
the meantime.  Select Shutdown and reboot once after installation
completes to ensure that DOS/Windows applications will operate properly.
Avail yourself of the "Start Here" icon, the Welcome folder (if
applicable), 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 (except OS/2 2.0 level
6.177H, the Limited Availability release) be sure to reformat.

o To install the Upgrade Version of OS/2 2.0, DOS or OS/2 must already
reside on the hard disk.  If Diskette 1 is not write protected then the
installation program will record a file indicating that upgrade terms
have been satisfied and, in the future, will not require DOS or OS/2 on
the hard disk to install.

o OS/2 uses the same diskette format as DOS, so use DISKCOPY to backup
the installation diskettes and verify that none have been corrupted.

o Owners of IBM PS/2s should make sure that any applicable ECAs
(engineering changes) have been performed and that the most recent
Reference Diskette is in use.  Reference Diskettes are available from
the IBM PC Co. BBS (modem 404-835-6600).

o Try disconnecting any tape backup device if "Cannot find COUNTRY.SYS"
messages are encountered when booting OS/2.

o Contact IBM for a fix to install OS/2 2.0 ╒CSD Level 02000 only; See
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes■ on certain Zeos notebooks.

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 2.0;
phone [phone] for help.


Related information:

(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes

----------

(4.2) I can't install OS/2 2.0 from Drive B.  What's wrong?

IBM OS/2 2.0 can only be installed from Drive A, like DOS (unless your
BIOS supports booting from Drive B), or across a network (see Remote
Installation and Maintenance, IBM Publication No. GG24-3780).  If you
have the wrong disk size go back to your dealer and obtain the correct
media.  Otherwise you could open your machine and swap floppy drive
cable connectors, use your system's setup utility to set the new CMOS
parameters, and then install OS/2 from the "new" Drive A.  Sometimes the
floppy drive cable connectors will not be the same.  If so you can
obtain an adapter plug.

You may also use IBM's twin "bootstrap" diskette images ╒See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources■ to boot from a 5.25 inch Drive A and
install using 3.5 inch OS/2 diskettes inserted into Drive B.  This
procedure should only be used if absolutely necessary.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.1) Installation

----------

(4.3) What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2?

There is no single best way to partition your hard disk for OS/2.  For
some advice on the subject you should consult the IBM OS/2 Installation
and Planning Guide, available for download from (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources, and the OS/2 Installation Guide in the OS/2 package.

It can be useful to place OS/2 by itself in a separate partition of
about 40 or 50 MB.  If you then elect to experiment with beta releases
of OS/2, you can reformat that particular partition quite easily to
erase all old code.  The swap file can be placed on another partition;
its location is determined by the SWAPPATH line in CONFIG.SYS.

Partitioning should be performed by booting the OS/2 Installation Disk.
Executing FDISK from the command line will not allow certain functions
to be performed.


Related information:

(1.5) High Performance File System
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(4.4) 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 2.0, insert the Installation Diskette, Shutdown (if
necessary), and reboot.  When prompted insert Diskette 1 and press
ENTER.  When prompted, press ESC.  You will be given an OS/2 command
line prompt.  From there you can make necessary changes to your hard
disk -- an OS/2 character mode text editor on diskette is handy for such
changes.  (Make sure you backup CONFIG.SYS before making any changes so
that you can easily revert to the old version should things go wrong.)

You may use this diskette boot method to run CHKDSK on your FAT or HPFS
volumes.  After you reach the command line, insert Diskette 2.  Do not
log to another drive.  Type CHKDSK X: /F to repair most kinds of damage
to your hard disk, replacing X with the appropriate drive letter.  (If
you are checking a HPFS disk, use /F:3 if you have the time.)  OS/2
CHKDSK will also mark your hard disk as accessible, if possible, should
OS/2 "lock it out" for some reason.  It will also allow Workplace Shell
drive objects to open properly if they are not functioning correctly.

"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 SE20BOOT; 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.)

IBM has released a patch (UHPFS) which remedies "CPS: Extent" errors on
HPFS volumes.  This patch is available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources.


Related information:

(1.5) High Performance File System
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(4.5) 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 addresses
anything related to OS/2 programming, 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.
Additional OS/2 newsgroups are in the process of being created.

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 to mail-
[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)
and Prodigy are also excellent resources.

The IBM PC Co. BBS's (modem 404-835-6600) message areas, product
database, and PS/2 Assistant file(s) are invaluable resources.
Information on the new OS/2 BBS is included in the OS/2 2.0 package.  In
the United States IBM has toll free technical support (phone 800-237-
5511), an OS/2 Hotline (general information, orders, upgrades, phone
800-3-IBM-OS2; ask about OS/2 videotapes, T-shirts, and other
accessories), the HelpWare Center (phone 800-PS2-2227), a software order
line (phone 800-IBM-CALL), two FAX information services (phone 800-IBM-
4FAX and/or 800-IBM-3395), and an educational inquiries line (phone 800-
222-7257).  In Canada phone IBM Personal Systems Software at 800-465-
1234.

OS/2 2.0 developers should contact the IBM Developer Assistance Program
(phone [phone]); membership is free.  (You may also join on
CompuServe with GO OS2DAP.)  The OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-
ROM, containing a wide selection of development tools and code, and the
OS/2 2.1 Beta CD-ROM are both available from IBM (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2 to
order in the United States for between $15 and $20 each, shipping
included; 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 285-640181 in the U.K.)  The
OS/2 Device Driver Development Kit CD-ROM is also now available from
IBM.  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
82-2-528-1414) in Korea, or 011-52-627-1846 (FAX [phone]) in
Latin America.

IBM offers classes worldwide to help in using and programming OS/2 2.0;
phone your local IBM branch office (or the OS/2 Hotline) for more
information.

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 2.0.


Related information:

(1.3)  DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.6)  Multimedia
(4.8)  User Groups
(4.9)  Books and Magazines
(4.10) Problem Report Form

----------

(4.6) 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 404-835-6600), CompuServe (FIND OS/2), or from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  And CSDs may be ordered through
IBM's new OS/2 BBS.

The latest, current OS/2 2.0 CSD level will be listed in this List and
in the PS/2 Assistant files.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(4.7) Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join?

IBM's official non-IBM online service for OS/2 user and developer
support is CompuServe (FIND OS/2).  In the United States you can obtain
CompuServe membership information by phoning 800-848-8199.

IBM maintains an unofficial presence on many other networks.  For
information on the Internet consult one of the many books describing the
network.  One example: The Whole Internet by Ed Krol, O'Reilly &
Associates (phone [phone]), 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.

See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources and (4.5) Technical Support for
information on other online services with high OS/2 content.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.5) Technical Support

---------

(4.8) Are there any OS/2 user groups?

The following OS/2 user groups meet regularly:

      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])

      Denver OS/2 User's Group
      Contact: Ronald Van Iwaarden (BBS 303-744-0373)

      Long Island OS/2 User's Group
      Contact: Jeffrey Altman (phone [phone])

      Bay Area (San Francisco) OS/2 User Group
      Contact: Sanford Rockowitz (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

----------

(4.9) What OS/2 books and magazines are available?

OS/2 has its own magazines: OS/2 Developer Magazine (phone 800-WANT-
OS2), OS/2 Monthly (mail [e-mail] or phone 800-365-
2642), Inside OS/2 (phone [phone]), OS/2 Professional (phone 301-
770-7302), and the OS/2 Newsletter (phone [phone]).

OS/2 2.0 books include The Design of OS/2 (Addison-Wesley, phone 617-
944-3700), 10-Minute Guide to OS/2 (Alpha, phone [phone]), OS/2:
User's Guide and Tutorial (Computer Information Assoc., phone 708-766-
4677), Inside OS/2 (New Riders, phone [phone]), OS/2 Inside and Out
and OS/2 2.0 Programming (Osborne/McGraw-Hill, phone [phone]), OS/2
Application and Development Tools (Premier, phone [phone]), Using
OS/2 2.0 (Que, phone [phone]), OS/2 2.0 Complete (Abacus, phone
616-698-0330), OS/2 2.1 Unleashed (?), and various titles from Van
Nostrand Reinhold (phone [phone]) and QED (phone [phone]).

IBM's OS/2 "redbooks" (power user guides) are IBM Publication No. GBOF-
2254.  (To order IBM publications phone your local IBM office and ask
for the Librarian or phone [phone]IBM.)  The redbooks are also
available in electronic form ╒See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources■.


Related information:

(4.5) Technical Support

----------

(4.10) 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 800-237-5511 (in North America) 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.

  ------  Submit an OS/2 Problem Report  ------

  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  << THIS SUPPORT IS ELIGIBLE FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS ONLY >>
  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

  Customers should use this form to report a suspected OS/2 DEFECT to
  IBM support.

  IBM employees should refer to the OS2DFECT FORUM in IBMPC for
instructions on
  how to report an OS/2 defect.

  If you have How-to or other questions about OS/2, please refer to these
  sources:

  - The OS/2 on-line help and README.
  - If you have a CompuServe ID, you may submit an item to the
    appropriate section within the forums under IBMOS2 (GO IBMOS2).
  - Many bulletin board systems contain user forums where OS/2 users
    share information and ideas on OS/2.

  If you have Beta problems or suggestions, please refer to the bottom of
this
  form for the proper reporting procedure.  While we appreciate your input,
we do
  not accept Beta problems through the Base defect or ES/LS support ID's.
  Customers with CompuServe ID's may report problems on CIS in IBM's
OS2SUPPORT
  forum, Section 16, BETA PROGRAM '92.  If you do NOT have a CIS ID, please
send
  the feedback via Internet to the CIS address: [e-mail].

  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 2.0 .........:  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 Version 2.0 GRE......:  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition :  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition :  _   CSD Level: _______

  NOTE - CSD = Corrective Service Diskette.
         Use the SYSLEVEL command to determine, if unknown.

  HARDWARE CONFIGURATION (provide as much as possible):
  Brand and model of PC: ____________________________________
  Microprocessor:   Intel _  Other (specify) _______________
  Type:     286 _  386SX _  386 _  486SX _   486 _ Speed: __ MHz
  Total RAM ....:   __ MB
  Disk drive ...: ____ MB
  File System:   FAT _     HPFS _
  Manufacturer: ___________________ Model # _______
  Type: IDE _  SCSI _  MFM _  RLL _  Unknown _
  Manufacturer and model # of disk controller: ______________________
  Manufacturer, revision #, and date of System BIOS: __________________
  Manufacturer and model # of video adapter: __________________________
  Manufacturer and model # of display: ________________________________
  Memory installed on video adapter: _____  EGA _  VGA _  SVGA _  XGA _
  Diskette Drive A:  3 1/2" _  5 1/4" _
  Diskette Drive B:  3 1/2" _  5 1/4" _
  List other adapters installed:   _____________________
                                   _____________________
                                   _____________________

  TRAP INFORMATION - If a TRAP occurs and results in the 16 bit trap
display
  similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you
recorded:

  SESSION TITLE: __________________________________________________
  TRAP____
  AX=____   BX=____   CX=____   DX=____    BP= ____   SI=____   DI=____
  DS=____   ES=____   FLG=____  CS=____   IP=____   SS=____   SP=____
  MSW=____ CSLIM=____   SSLIM=___   DSLIM=___    ESLIM=____   CSACC=__
  SSACC=__ DSACC=__     ESACC=__   ERRCD=____   ERLIM=____  ERACC=__
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________

  If a TRAP occurs and results in the 32 bit trap display similar to the
  following, enter any of the register values that you recorded:

  TRAP ____
  ERRCD=____     ERACC=____    ERLIM=________   EAC=________  EBX=________
  ECX=________  EDX=________   ESI=________  EDI=________   EBP=________
  FLG=________   CS:EIP=____:________  CSACC=____   CSLIM=________
  SS:ESP=____:________  SSACC=____   SSLIM=________   DS=____  DSACC=____
  DSLIM=________  CR0=________   ES=____  ESACC=____  ESLIM=________
  CR2=________ FS=____  FSACC=____  FSLIM=________   GS=____  GSACC=____
  GSLIM=________

  THE SYSTEM DETECTED AN INTERNAL PROCESSING
  ERROR AT LOCATION ##____:________ - ____:____.   _____, ____   ________
  INTERNAL REVISION _.___,  __/__/__

  PRINTER - If this is a printer problem, please provide the following:
  Printer Vendor: __________________   Model ....: ________________
  Driver Name ..: __________________   Port Used : ________________
  Printer is attached to: Local _    LAN Server _    Host _

  COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - If this is a problem with Communications
Manager,
  please provide answers in this section:

  OS/2 Extended Services ............: _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 EE Communications Manager 1.3 : _   CSD Level: _______
  Describe your Communications Manager configuration (DFT, T-R, etc):
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________

  LOCAL AREA NETWORK - If this is a local area network problem, please
enter
  information about the LAN involved:

  LAN SERVER:     OS/2 LAN Server Version 1.3 : _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Entry ..: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Advanced: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Entry ..: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Advanced: _   CSD Level: ________

  LAN REQUESTER:
                  LAN Server 3.0 Requester....: _   CSD Level: ________
                  LAN Server 2.0 Requester....: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 1.3 Requester..........: _   CSD Level: ________

  DOS LAN REQUESTER:
                  LS 3.0 Requester ...........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  LS 2.0 Requester ...........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 1.3 Requester .........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  DOS Version: ____  DOS Vendor: _________________

  Is the failing system a Domain Controller?  Y _    N _
  Is the failing system an additional server? Y _    N _

  DATABASE MANAGER - If this is an OS/2 DATABASE MANAGER problem, please
enter
  information about the DataBase Manager problem below.

  SQL Error Code ....: ________
  Secondary Return Code: ________
  Error occurs when database is being accessed as:
  Stand Alone ......: Y _  N _
  Requester (Client): Y _  N _
  Database Server ..: Y _  N _
  Using RDS ........: Y _  N _
  Using LAN ........: Y _  N _
  If the error is occurring at a requester, can the problem be recreated
  at the server? .....: Y _  N _
  Error occurs in which application?
  Query Manager.....: _
  LI ..............: _  (Command Line Interface)
  User Application..: _
  If a trap has occurred, provide the SQLABEND results:
  _________________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________

  PLEASE REVIEW ALL OF THIS PROBLEM REPORT BEFORE SENDING.  When you are
  ready to send this OS/2 Problem Report, send the form via CISMAIL
  to ---

  Base problems   -   Base Support,     76711,610
  ES/LS problems  -   ES/LS Support,    76711,611
  (ES = IBM Extended Services, LS = IBM LAN Server)

  Beta problems  -   2.1 Beta,     76711,175
  (FEEDBACK purposes only...you will not be contacted).

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


Related information:

(4.5) Technical Support
(4.7) Online Services

----------

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 2.0 resemble Windows (or
        OS/2 1.3)?

(5.3)  Sometimes OS/2 2.0 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 2.0 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 2.0?

(5.10)  Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?

----------

(5.1) I'm a Unix wizard.  How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix?

A great number of GNU and Unix utilities have been ported to OS/2 native
mode and are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  A
uucp package, UUPC/Extended, is available via anonymous ftp from
sun.soe.clarkson.edu, directory pub/uupc; mail [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
206-224-1639).  MKS (phone [phone] or mail [e-mail]) publishes a
number of standard Unix utilities for OS/2.  For OS/2-specific X-Windows
server support, IBM provides an optional package available with
its TCP/IP 1.2.1 for OS/2.  The TCP/IP 1.2.1 base package includes a
news reader as a sample application.

DOS and Windows based utilities and aids still work fine under OS/2 2.0.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.8) Networking Products

----------

(5.2) I prefer Windows.  How do I make OS/2 2.0 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 29 in the Migrating to the OS/2 Workplace Shell
booklet.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(5.3) Sometimes OS/2 2.0 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.)
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 2.0 starts.  See the README file in your OS/2 root directory for
details.


Related information:

(5.10) Clever Tricks

----------

(5.4) How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command line?

Look up the START and DETACH commands in the online Command Reference.

If you wish to start a DOS session with nondefault settings, use a
utility such as STARTD.  If you wish to start an OS/2 session from a DOS
session, try OS2EXEC.  Both (and several others) are available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(5.5) How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces?

OS/2 2.0 comes with built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) for OS/2 and Win-
OS/2.  A basic set of typefaces comes with OS/2 2.0 and is installed (if
selected) for use under OS/2's ATM.  To install these same typefaces for
use under Win-OS/2's ATM, go to the Win-OS/2 ATM Control Panel and
install the typefaces from the last Printer Diskette.  (Note that
certain foreign language characters, German particularly, do not display
correctly when using these typefaces.  To remedy this problem edit each
of the INF files on this diskette so that the line Pi true reads Pi
false and then proceed with installation under Win-OS/2.)

Each typeface should come with three separate files with PFB, AFM, and
PFM extensions.  To install a typeface for use under Win-OS/2, use the
ATM Control Panel.  To install a typeface for use with OS/2-specific
applications, select OS/2 System -> System Setup -> Font Palette -> Edit
Font -> Add.

PFM files may converted to AFM files using the PFM2AFM utility,
available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  (However, these
converted AFM files sometimes produce unusual results.)  AFM files for
Adobe commercial typefaces are available via Internet anonymous ftp from
ftp.mv.us.adobe.com.  Many public domain typefaces for OS/2's ATM are
available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  Atech Software's
(phone 800-786-FONT) AllType and Ares Software's (phone [phone])
FontMonger convert between TrueType and Adobe Type 1 formats.

With the exception of the basic set of typefaces that comes with OS/2
2.0, typeface files may be shared by OS/2 ATM and Win-OS/2 ATM.  To do
so, install the typefaces using both the Font Palette and Win-OS/2 ATM
Control Panel, specifying the target path each time (most conveniently
\PSFONTS).

Note that IOPL=YES should appear in CONFIG.SYS; the modules WPPWNDRV,
BVHSVGA, and PMATM are marked as requiring I/O privilege.


Related information

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(5.6) How do I tweak OS/2 2.0 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.  In addition, the
Print Manager should be disabled (OS/2 provides a systemwide spooler).
From the Win-OS/2 desktop close the Print Manager, uncheck the "Use
Print Manager" box from the Win-OS/2 Control Panel -> Printers section,
then, using a text editor, edit the \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM.INI file,
removing the ,!printman entry from the MAVDMApps line.  (This last step
will keep a warning dialog box from appearing each time you start the
Win-OS/2 desktop.)  Consider disabling the Public setting in the
Clipboard.  If available, set VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP to off.  If mouse
control is lost when switching to/from the Win-OS/2 session, try setting
VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION off.


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage

----------

(5.7) 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.)

Similarly, utilities which purport to measure system load (e.g. Pulse)
should not be relied upon for definitive performance measurement.
Subjective assessments are often much more reliable.  Pulse (and similar
utilities) rely on a measurement of processor time allocated to a
thread running at OS/2's lowest priority.  This method is sometimes
subject to erroneous results.

That said, more rigorous system performance optimization and monitoring
tools include SPM/2 (IBM), BenchTech (Synetik, phone [phone]), and
Performance 2.0 (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

----------

(5.8) 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 ╒so-called "BGA
images," available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources■ or you may
use an image editing/conversion utility which can create a proper,
palette-matched bitmap file.  For example, FracInt 17.2 ╒available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources■ may be used to import
noninterlaced GIF, Windows BMP, and PCX files and save them as palette
matched OS/2 BMP files.

Note that background bitmap images impose some additional overhead,
taking up RAM and disk resources.  You should probably use them
sparingly.  Also, if you have set a Win-OS/2 background bitmap you may
experience desktop color distortions when running Windows programs
"seamlessly."  Disable the Win-OS/2 background bitmap to remedy the
problem.


Related information:

(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources

----------

(5.9) How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.0?

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.

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.  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.


Related information:

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility

----------

(5.10) Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?

o If you have installed the optional bitmaps, try clicking on the WPS
desktop background once with mouse button one and pressing CTRL-ALT-
SHIFT-O.

o 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.

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, use DOSKEY (see the online Command Reference) in AUTOEXEC.BAT.
DOSKEY also enables command history.  (Shutdown and reboot for changes
to CONFIG.SYS to take effect.)

o Hold down SHIFT while resizing text windows to make size changes
permanent.

o If you want to configure your printer port(s) for shared access (so
that DOS programs, for example, can use them directly), go to your
printer object, click on it with mouse button two, select Open ->
Settings, select the Output tab, then double click on the port you
wish to share.  Check the appropriate box.

o While running a DOS graphics program in a window, use the graphics cut
and paste feature to clip a picture and paste it into the Icon Editor.
You can then quickly and easily create custom icons for your
applications.

o To disable the automatic application restart feature, create a
STARTUP.CMD file in the root directory of your OS/2 boot drive with the
following REXX script:

    /*  */
    call RxFuncadd 'SysLoadFuncs', 'RexxUtil', 'SysLoadFuncs'
    call SysLoadFuncs
    call SysIni 'USER', 'PM_WorkPlace:Restart', 'DELETE:'
    'exit'

or add the line

    SET RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY

to your CONFIG.SYS.  To manually disable automatic application restart
when booting OS/2, hold down the left CTRL, left SHIFT, and F1 keys
simultaneously from the time the mouse pointer appears until icons are
displayed on the desktop.

o Use the Alarms applet to automatically start programs at specified
times.

o If you wish to dispense with the Workplace Shell (and its overhead),
particularly on low memory systems, change the line SET RUNWORKPLACE...
in CONFIG.SYS to read SET RUNWORKPLACE=C:\OS2\CMD.EXE (replacing C, if
necessary, with a different drive letter).  In fact any program with job
control (e.g. Enhanced Editor, HyperAccess/5) can be used as the shell.

o To implement a small scroll back buffer for your OS/2 command line
windows, use the command MODE CO80,102.  This procedure may be automated
by adding /K MODE CO80,102 in the Optional Parameters section of the
OS/2 Window program object settings.

o If you do not want any command line parameters passed to a program
object that you start (for example, if you customize the desktop menu so
that it has an additional option which starts a command line prompt)
place a lone % in the Optional Parameters section of the program object
settings.

o If you want to move an icon a small distance, "grab" it from the edge
nearest the direction you want to move the icon.

o If you wish to place program output in the REXX queue (for processing
by a REXX program), try

    DIR *.TXT | RXQUEUE

as an example.  (In other words, pipe the program output to RXQUEUE.)
To use this program output in your REXX program, try

    /* Sample */
    WHILE QUEUED() > 0
    PARSE PULL X
    SAY X
    END

o A clever way to manipulate files that are locked when the Workplace
Shell is running (e.g. display drivers) is to add the line CALL=CMD.EXE
at the end of CONFIG.SYS.  Then Shutdown and reboot.  The system will
restart with an OS/2 command line prompt.  Type EXIT to proceed into the
Workplace Shell.  Using CALL is also a convenient way to configure
OS/2's serial ports using the MODE command.  For example:

    CALL=C:\OS2\MODE.COM COM2:38400,N,8,1,OCTS=OFF,RTS=ON,BUFFER=ON

configures COM2 for high speed RTS handshaking and buffered I/O.  You
can also use either CDD2 or SHIFTRUN; both utilities are available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.

Another way, which works well with display drivers, is to copy the new
DLL(s) to its(their) own directory (say, C:\NEW), then place that
directory name first in LIBPATH in CONFIG.SYS.  Shutdown and reboot.
OS/2 will use that(those) DLL(s) before it attempts to use the one(s)
located in \OS2\DLL.  ╒This method is required when using a 16-bit OS/2
2.0 display driver with OS/2 2.0 CSD Level 06055 or later.  See (4.6)
Corrective Service Diskettes.■  To switch back to the old driver, edit
CONFIG.SYS and remove C:\NEW from LIBPATH, then Shutdown and reboot.

o To shutdown without a mouse, press CTRL-ESC, select the Desktop, then
press the spacebar (to deselect any icons, if necessary), SHIFT-F10, and
select Shutdown.

o If your video driver does not support "seamless" Windows, try running
the Win-OS/2 Program Manager in a DOS window.

o Selective Install should be used with caution when changing mouse or
display drivers.  Verify that proper changes have been made to
CONFIG.SYS.

o If your settings notebooks (or PM Sticky Pads) do not display but are
listed in the Window List, click on the name of the settings notebook in
the Window List (brought up with CTRL-ESC) with mouse button two and
select Cascade.

o If you wish to force a program object to start an OS/2 application
minimized, temporarily change the program name to introduce an error
(e.g. LOTUS.EXE to LOTUS.EX), turn to the second page of the notebook,
check Start Minimized, then turn back to the first page and correct the
program name.

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 run Framemaker for Windows under Win-OS/2 3.0, patch the file
MAKER.EXE (using PATCH or DEBUG).  Around offset $1DDD1C in the file you
should see a series of hexadecimal bytes as follows: 9A FF FF 00 00 A8
20 75 17. Change the second to last byte from $75 to $EB.

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:

    (a)  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;

    (b)  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.


Related information:

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

----------

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?

----------

(6.1) 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 for assistance.

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 2.0,
and to offer credit for dropping DOS and Windows.  If the vendor
refuses, you may wish to take your business elsewhere.

o Make sure your company (or yourself) specifies OS/2 compatibility when
purchasing new products.

o Demonstrate OS/2 to friends, relatives, and associates.

o Ask your computer store to stock OS/2 software titles, have OS/2
demonstration machines, etc.

o Pass along useful OS/2 shareware and freeware to your local BBS.  Be
sure to register OS/2 shareware.

o Write an outstanding piece of shareware or freeware ╒See (4.5)
Technical Support for details on joining DAP■.  IBM has been known to
recognize such work with rewards.  Also, ask authors of DOS/Windows
shareware and freeware if they would port to OS/2, or volunteer.

o Recommend products that work well under OS/2; dissuade people from
purchasing products that do not.

o Wear OS/2 pins, shirts, buttons, and other souvenirs.  Contact Sue at
Lees/Keystone (phone [phone]) to order such items.


Related information:

(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.5) Technical Support

----------

(6.2) 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 OS/2 Toolkit
available from IBM (or as part of many development environments such
as Borland C++ for OS/2), and a text editor (like the Enhanced Editor
included with OS/2).

Online IPFC documentation is included with the Toolkit, but you may also
wish to order the printed Information Presentation Facility Guide and
Reference, IBM Publication No.  S10G-6262.  See (4.9) Books and
Magazines for ordering instructions.  Note that the Toolkit is part of
the low cost OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-ROM.  See (4.5)
Technical Support for details.

If you wish to include illustrations in your INF file you can use any
graphics software which can generate OS/2 bitmaps and/or metafiles.
(For example, you may create your illustration in PM Chart, paste the
illustration into Picture Viewer, then save the illustration as a
metafile.  Both PM Chart and Picture Viewer are included with OS/2 2.0.)
A screen capture utility ╒like PM Camera or Nikon II, 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