OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. 2.1A (1 of 4)
Timothy F. Sipples
Version: 2.1A
[Part 1 of 4]
OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
User's Edition
Release 2.1A
June 14, 1993
Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples
For changes, suggestions, or additions please mail
si...@kimbark.uchicago.edu or write:
Timothy F. Sipples
Center for Population Economics
University of Chicago
1101 East 58th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
U.S.A.
I cannot acknowledge your contribution(s), but they are greatly
appreciated.
Mention of a product does not constitute an endorsement. Customers outside
the United States should not necessarily rely on 800 telephone numbers,
page numbers, part numbers, or upgrade policies contained in this List.
Electronic mail addresses are in Internet form; use addressing appropriate
to your mail system.
This List is freely distributable. If you redistribute the List, please
include all the original files. If you publish the List, in full or in
part, please forward a copy of the finished publication to Timothy F.
Sipples at the above address.
This List is updated monthly and is distributed through various computer
networks and online services, including the Internet, CompuServe, GEnie,
and many BBSes.
Both ASCII text and OS/2 Information Presentation Facility (INF) versions
of the List are provided. To view the INF version of the List, go to any
OS/2 command line prompt (e.g. double click on "OS/2 Window") and type:
VIEW OS2FAQ.INF
The ASCII text version may be viewed using any text editor, word processor,
or file listing utility. The text version is intended to answer any
questions you may have before actually obtaining and using OS/2. You will
find that the INF version provides a much more attractive List, with
hypertext links, fast indexing, and, increasingly, illustrations.
If you have not received both files (OS2FAQ.INF and OS2FAQ.TXT), please ask
your system operator to make sure he/she is receiving the correct and
complete package every month.
Related information:
(0.1) Release Notes
(0.1) Release Notes
Text which has been revised or updated since the last release will appear
in the same color as this paragraph. Unfortunately, this form of marking
will not be evident in the plain text or hardcopy versions of the List. If
anyone has any strong objections to this form of revision marking, please
let me know. (I have several ideas on how to improve this method, but I
would appreciate your feedback.)
At some point in the future I plan to add Master Help Index entries. I
also hope to add a glossary of terms.
Substantial changes have been made to this List to reflect new information
on IBM OS/2 Version 2.1. Hence, the version number of the List has changed
(to match OS/2's version number). Revision marking is omitted in this
release since so much has changed since the last release. BBS operators
and archive maintainers: please retain Version 2.0L of this List, the last
version to deal specifically with OS/2 Version 2.0.
Please contact the author [See (0.0) Introduction and Credits] if you would
like to volunteer to redistribute the List to BIX.
Related information:
(0.0) Introduction and Credits
(0.2) Recent Developments
(0.3) Questions in this Release
(0.2) Recent Developments
See (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 for complete information on IBM's new
version of OS/2.
IBM will be holding the next Personal Software Products (PSP) Technical
Interchange conference (formerly the OS/2 Technical Interchange) in
Orlando, Florida, from August 29 through September 2. Call 800-872-7109 or
508-443-4990 for more information.
See (3.10) Special Software Offers for additional software specials and for
more information on some of the following:
o WordPerfect is now accepting orders for WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 for
delivery in the next few weeks. WordPerfect for OS/2 features integration
with the Workplace Shell, multithreaded background printing, and background
conversion of documents stored in older formats.
o Two new on-the-fly disk compression packages are now available.
Proportional Software's DCF/2 Version 1.1 is both HPFS and FAT compatible
and is certified for both OS/2 2.0 and 2.1. Stacker for OS/2 and DOS (from
Stac Electronics, list price $199) provides compression on FAT drives only,
but backward compatibility with the DOS version is assured.
o VisPro/REXX, the visual application builder for OS/2, is now shipping.
VisPro/REXX, produced by HockWare (formerly UCANDU Software), offers an
environment which is tightly integrated with the Workplace Shell.
Applications are built by dragging GUI elements (such as sliders,
containers, and buttons) to a form. A series of simple menus help to
establish relationships between these GUI elements. VisPro/REXX
automatically generates the REXX code necessary to write the application.
A VisPro/REXX application can be saved to a simple .EXE file (which has
only about 90K of overhead) and distributed royalty-free. VisPro/REXX is
available for $299 direct from HockWare (telephone 919-387-7391 or FAX
919-380-0757) or at a discount from such dealers as The Programmer's Shop.
o IBM is close to finishing a trio of new, powerful multimedia development
tools. Ultimedia Builder/2 features a graphical filmstrip interface with
authoring and playback buttons to help users build applications that
feature audio, video, still images, and view interaction. It offers a
powerful multimedia scripting language, and a state-of-the-art multimedia
tutorial and online help are available. Ultimedia Workplace/2 allows you
to manage multimedia objects simply and visually by providing browsable
icons for each object. It provides natural extensions to the Workplace
Shell and allows you to define and enter descriptive fields for multimedia
objects. UW/2 will integrate with several relational databases. Ultimedia
Perfect Image/2 offers easy capture and enhancement of images for use in
multimedia presentations. It lets users enhance, retouch, or rearrange
images in popular true color file formats. To obtain a CD-ROM containing
the final beta versions of these tools, or to inquire about the retail
products, telephone 415-694-3049.
o Corel Systems has reduced the price of Corel Draw 2.5 for OS/2 to $199
(list).
o IBM is now shipping beta Remote LAN Access code. A pair of new
applications provides dial-in capability to OS/2 LANs. For more
information on this beta program, ask your IBM representative to submit on
online request on IBM's VM Network to BETASRUS at AUSVM1, FAX 512-838-4002,
or phone 800-IBM-3040 (800-561-5293 in Canada).
o Through September 1, Sytron is offering its Sytos Rebound add-on to Sytos
Plus for just $79. Rebound provides users of Sytos Plus with a character
mode restore program. Now it is not necessary to reinstall OS/2 to perform
a system restoration from backup. Sytron can be reached at 800-877-0016 or
508-898-0100.
o Watcom will release VX REXX for OS/2 this month at an introductory price
of $99. VX REXX is another visual builder for OS/2 REXX. Contact Watcom
at 800-265-4555 or FAX 519-747-4971 for more information.
o IBM is now offering developers access to their new Continuous Speech
Series for OS/2. Beta level software and an array of support services and
discounts are available for developers who wish to produce applications
based on IBM's new OS/2- and AIX-based continuous speech recognition
software, the most advanced technology of its kind. For more information
on IBM Continuous Speech Series, contact the Developer's Program at (404)
283-2200.
Related information:
(0.3) Questions in this Release
(0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1
(3.10) Special Software Offers
(0.3) Questions in this Release
The following questions are addressed in this release:
(1.0) Fundamentals
(1.1) What is OS/2?
(1.2) What are the differences between versions?
(1.3) How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility?
(1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?
(1.5) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work
with DOS?
(2.0) Hardware
(2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.1? Do I need a
PS/2?
(2.2) Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
(2.3) Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer?
(2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.1?
(2.5) Are there any specific hardware recommendations?
(2.6) Can I use more than 16 MB of RAM?
(2.7) What device drivers are available that aren't included with
OS/2?
(3.0) Software
(3.1) What applications are available for OS/2?
(3.2) Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware?
(3.3) What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles?
(3.4) Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2?
(3.5) I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS. What is available?
(3.6) What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications?
(3.7) Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.1?
(3.8) What networking products are available for OS/2 2.1?
(3.9) What is Extended Services?
(3.10) Are there any special software offers I should know about?
(3.11) What backup software is available?
(3.12) What multiuser extensions and security options are available?
(4.0) Installation, Maintenance, and Support
(4.1) I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do?
(4.2) I can't install OS/2 from Drive B. What's wrong?
(4.3) What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2?
(4.4) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without
booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages now --
how do I "repair" my hard disk?
(4.5) How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions?
(4.6) What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get
them?
(4.7) Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join?
(4.8) Are there any OS/2 user groups?
(4.9) What OS/2 books and magazines are available?
(4.10) How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM?
(4.11) What OS/2 BBSes can I dial?
(5.0) Using OS/2
(5.1) I'm a Unix wizard. How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix?
(5.2) I prefer Windows. How do I make OS/2 2.1 resemble Windows (or
OS/2 1.3)?
(5.3) Sometimes OS/2 2.1 will freeze when I run an application. What
do I do?
(5.4) How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command line?
(5.5) How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces?
(5.6) How do I tweak OS/2 2.1 for maximum performance?
(5.7) How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage?
(5.8) My background bitmap does not display correctly. What's wrong?
(5.9) How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.1?
(5.10) Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.1?
(5.11) How do I use REXX? What does it do?
(5.12) What ANSI escape sequences can be used?
(6.0) Miscellaneous
(6.1) What can I do to promote OS/2?
(6.2) How can I create INF files?
(0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1
On May 18, IBM announced OS/2 Version 2.1, slated for delivery in the
United States on June 14 to all users.
Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 (MMPM/2), the OS/2 multimedia extensions,
are now a part of the base operating system (included at no extra charge).
MMPM/2 includes support for sound output (including WAV and MIDI format
files), software motion video (Ultimotion and Intel Indeo formats), and
other advanced multimedia features.
Ultimotion software motion video is the most advanced on the market for
PCs, providing on most hardware, without any assist, up to 320x240 pixel
video images displayed at up to 30 frames per second in 256 colors with an
8- or 16-bit soundtrack. These video images are properly synchronized with
the sound output thanks to OS/2's preemptive multitasking and
multithreading architecture. Background tasks continue to operate without
loss of foreground responsiveness to most multimedia operations.
OS/2 2.1 includes drivers for the MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum series of
adapters, Creative Labs SoundBlaster series, and IBM M-Audio. Other
drivers are expected to be released in parallel with OS/2 2.1 on vendor
bulletin boards.
Note: SoundBlaster clones may not operate properly with the Creative Labs
drivers in MMPM/2. MediaVision is working on a simple patch (to enable
their ThunderBoard to work with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster driver), and
that patch should work with other SoundBlaster clones.
IBM will also be releasing a driver which provides limited fidelity sound
output on the standard PC speaker. This driver does require a substantial
amount of processor attention, so background tasks may experience decreased
responsiveness. This speaker driver will be released to OS/2 bulletin
boards, CompuServe, the Internet, and other electronic sources, and it
should be available on or about June 14. It will provide MMPM/2 sound
output for those customers who do not have dedicated sound hardware.
The shrinkwrap OS/2 2.1 package now includes over 600 pages of hardcopy
documentation, with extensive information on installation and use of the
operating system. Moreover, the online documentation (particularly the
online Command Reference) has been enhanced.
Beta testers of OS/2 2.1 will recall that FAX/PM (an applet which could
send one page faxes using Class 2 faxmodems) was part of the product. This
applet has been pulled from the final release of OS/2 2.1 because it was
found to be far too limiting. Instead, a new multimedia game, Mahjongg,
has been provided. Follow the instructions in the OS/2 2.1 README file to
install Mahjongg.
OS/2 2.1 adds several new SuperVGA drivers, all with so-called "seamless"
Windows support (meaning that Windows applications can run alongside OS/2
and DOS applications on the OS/2 Workplace Shell desktop). The built-in
SuperVGA support extends to display adapters based on most Tseng 4000,
Cirrus Logic, Trident 8900, ATI, Paradise/Western Digital, IBM, and
Headland/Video7 chipsets. Both the 8514/A and XGA drivers also support
"seamless" Windows. Text window scrolling speed for SuperVGA adapters has
been improved. OS/2 2.1 has also routinized the procedure for using video
mode setting utilities (to set customized refresh rates or reset registers
properly).
Many drivers for other SuperVGA adapters based on other chipsets are
expected to be released on or shortly after the June 14th delivery date,
through vendor bulletin boards and other electronic sources.
OS/2 2.1 adds support for Windows 3.1 applications, including enhanced mode
applications. The OS/2 exclusive features (such as the ability to start
multiple Win-OS/2 desktops) are preserved. Also, DOS and OS/2 applications
can be started from the Win-OS/2 Program Manager and from other Windows
applications. Windows 3.1 features, such as OLE and the Windows Multimedia
Extensions, are built into OS/2 2.1, as are most of the Windows 3.1
applets. VxD (virtual Windows drivers) are not supported under OS/2 2.1
(affecting only a couple applications, notably MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft
Visual C++).
Support for PCMCIA adapters, Advanced Power Management (for portable and
notebook computers), additional printers (including the DeskJet series and
HP LaserJet 4), most CD-ROM drives, and more SCSI adapters have been added.
Refinements have been made to the Workplace Shell, including drag and drop
icon assignment. Several new background bitmap images are provided for
tiled backgrounds (like "bricks," "columns," and so forth).
OS/2 2.1 will be available in three media types: 3.5 inch diskettes, 5.25
inch diskettes, and CD-ROM. The CD-ROM version includes two 3.5 inch and
two 5.25 inch "bootstrap" diskettes. These diskettes allow installation of
OS/2 2.1 from the CD-ROM when a native OS/2 driver is in use. If an OS/2
driver is not available for a particular CD-ROM drive and adapter
combination, a full set of installation diskettes can be built under DOS
from the CD-ROM. This capability will be familiar to beta testers of OS/2
Version 2.1. Extensive documentation has been included in the regular
manual to enable the beginner to successfully install OS/2 from this new
media type. (The CD-ROM and diskette versions of OS/2 2.1 contain the same
documentation, save for an extra one page insert in the CD-ROM package.)
The CD-ROM version is the preferred version of OS/2, since it enables
quicker installation and since it includes extra features not found on the
diskette versions (namely more sample software motion video clips and extra
sound files). The CD-ROM version is also less expensive to manufacture,
and IBM passes on the savings. It is also less susceptible to damage by
stray magnetic fields, for example.
OS/2 2.1, like OS/2 2.0, is available in an upgrade version for DOS and
OS/2 users. This upgrade version includes a "sniffer" utility. In order
to install the upgrade edition, you must have any version of DOS (PC-DOS,
DR-DOS, or MS-DOS) or OS/2 (IBM OS/2, Microsoft OS/2, or any other version)
installed on your hard disk. The first time you install the OS/2 2.1
Upgrade Edition the "sniffer" will examine your hard disk to see if you
have one of these operating systems. If you do, a file will be written to
Diskette 1 of the installation set (or the second bootstrap diskette if
installing from CD-ROM) which will make the Upgrade Edition identical to
the non-upgrade package. In other words, once the "sniffer" has verified
that a previous operating system is present, it will not attempt to
interfere with any subsequent installation. This procedure prevents mishap
in the event that the contents of the hard disk are lost due to some
catastrophic failure -- OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition can be reinstalled without
any previous operating system on the hard disk.
OS/2 beta testers may install the Upgrade Edition over their existing beta
system, but IBM recommends that they reformat the hard drive early in the
installation, when prompted. (The "sniffer" will disable itself after
seeing the OS/2 2.1 beta code.)
Unofficially, you may install OS/2 2.1 without reformatting. This
procedure should only be undertaken by someone who is very familiar with
OS/2. Start by booting the OS/2 2.1 Installation Diskette, then insert
Diskette 1 when prompted. At the next prompt, press ESC. You should then
be left at the command line. Leave Diskette 1 in Drive A.
Execute the following commands:
C:
[You should log to the drive where OS/2 is installed. This example assumes
Drive C.]
ATTRIB -r -h -s \* /s
DEL \OS2*
DEL \README
DELTREE \OS2
DELTREE \Desktop
DELTREE \Nowhere
DELTREE \Spool
DELTREE \PSFonts
DELTREE \Delete
DELTREE \MMOS2
RENAME \CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.BET
RENAME \AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.BET
A:
EXIT
[Note that the second DELTREE command should refer to your OS/2 desktop
directory, whatever its name.] Then proceed with installation as directed.
DELTREE is a utility that comes as part of the GammaTech Utilities. It
deletes a directory and all its contents (including any subdirectories). A
similar function can be performed using the GNU file utilities ("RM -rf
..."). If you do not have such a utility you will have to use the DEL and
RD commands several times to eliminate all the directories listed in the
DELTREE lines, above.
Do not attempt to perform the above steps under DOS. Note that you may
want to run CHKDSK from an OS/2 diskette boot (as directed in this List)
prior to installation of OS/2 2.1.
Do not attempt to migrate your INI files unless the utility you use (e.g.
WPSBackup, DeskMan/2) is specifically certified for migration of beta INI
files to the released version of OS/2 2.1. (Note that in OS/2 2.1 the INI
files may now be copied using the COPY command, even while OS/2 2.1 itself
is running.)
The "sniffer" is satisfied if you have performed a SYS C: to your hard
disk from DOS, or, in the case of OS/2 2.0, if you have completed
installation through the second insertion of the Installation Diskette (and
the request to remove the Installation Diskette to reboot). Thus, you do
not have to go to great lengths to satisfy the "sniffer" in the Upgrade
Edition, even if you are starting from an empty hard disk for some reason.
(The "sniffer" is also satisfied if it sees beta OS/2 code.)
In the United States, IBM has priced OS/2 2.1 extremely competitively.
Moreover, discounts for upgrades from OS/2 apply to any previous version of
OS/2 (excluding beta releases), including OS/2 versions from Microsoft and
non-IBM OEMs, including Version 1.x of OS/2. Through the telephone number
800-3-IBM-OS2, IBM is now accepting orders for OS/2 2.1 for shipment on
June 14. OS/2 2.1 on diskette (Upgrade Edition) costs $119. On CD-ROM,
the price is $99. Both prices include shipping. A rebate coupon will be
enclosed in the package. Return the coupon with the first page from your
OS/2 manual and you will receive a rebate check for $30. IBM is equipped
to send your rebate check within 24 hours of receipt of the rebate form and
manual page. Non-upgrade pricing is also available; call for details.
Additional licenses cost $69 (with a $10 rebate available to users
upgrading from OS/2). These prices are subject to change 90 days after
June 14.
IBM strongly encourages users to purchase OS/2 2.1 from dealers. Pricing
is expected to be substantially lower at software dealers such as Egghead
Discount Software. Initial reports indicate that, for users upgrading from
OS/2, software dealer pricing is typically under $50 for the CD-ROM version
and under $70 for the diskette version (after rebate). Some dealers will
even handle all the rebate paperwork for you (provided you bring in the
necessary OS/2 proof of purchase), automatically reducing the price at the
register.
This pricing strategy is designed to encourage software dealers to carry
OS/2 2.1, to provide even more visibility for what is expected to be an
extremely successful product. Shifting demand for OS/2 2.1 to dealers is
likely to encourage those same dealers to carry more OS/2 applications (as
well as the operating system itself).
Most software dealers will have OS/2 2.1 product available for purchase on
June 14. You should contact your local software dealer by telephone right
now to reserve your copy. (You should avoid calling 800 numbers; the local
dealer will know the most about local availability for June 14.)
Technical support for OS/2 2.1 has been enhanced. The same, free 800
number support made available for OS/2 2.0 is also available for OS/2 2.1
(for up to 60 days following your first call). Each copy of OS/2 includes
the 60 days of free support, so customers with multiple copies can
effectively get more free support. The 800 number will now be dedicated to
OS/2 support, and your call will be directed more quickly and efficiently.
IBM will continue to work to enhance the support available through
electronic means (such as CompuServe, the OS/2 BBS, the Internet, and other
electronic forums).
IBM's marketing efforts have been expanded for OS/2 2.1. You will see more
(and improved) advertising in both trade publications and mass market
general publications. This new wave of advertising kicked off on Monday,
May 10.
Simultaneous with the release of OS/2 2.1, IBM is now offering a CD-ROM
containing the complete suite of OS/2 and OS/2-related documentation in
electronic form. This one stop source for OS/2 documentation (including
programming information, information on OS/2-related products such as LAN
Server, MMPM/2 information, and other electronic publications) is in Book
Reader format, and an OS/2 Book Reader program is provided on the CD-ROM.
This CD-ROM is available for $49 from the 800-3-IBM-OS2 telephone number in
the United States.
Also, IBM is releasing the OS/2 2.1 Programmer's Toolkit. This updated
Toolkit (now part of C Set ++) provides utilities and programming
information for developing the best OS/2 applications. Call IBM's OS/2
Hotline for information on the Toolkit, or ask your local software dealer.
IBM believes in supporting its customers to the best of its abilities.
That is why IBM will be releasing another Service Pak for OS/2 Version 2.0.
While IBM strongly encourages users to upgrade to OS/2 Version 2.1, some
users may wish to continue running OS/2 Version 2.0. OS/2 2.1 provides
several new features, and the new Service Pak for OS/2 2.0 will not be
providing such features (such as MMPM/2, Windows 3.1 compatibility,
Advanced Power Management, support for PCMCIA adapters, and so on), but it
will fix all outstanding bugs found in the product to date. This new
Service Pak will be made available through electronic means (such as
CompuServe and the Internet), and it will also be available for a nominal
charge on diskette direct from IBM. Expect this Service Pak by the end of
July.
Large customers who wish to purchase licenses for 1000 or more copies of
OS/2 2.1 may be allowed to obtain OS/2 2.1 without Windows 3.1 support.
Since Microsoft receives royalties on Win-OS/2 3.1, elimination of this
code can reduce the cost over a large number of copies. Large customers
who wish to pursue this avenue should speak with their IBM representative.
This offer is not available to smaller customers since IBM cannot supply
custom OS/2 2.1 configurations at a competitive price in smaller
quantities.
OS/2 2.1 pricing and availability will vary from country to country to some
extent. Contact your local IBM office or IBM dealer for details. For
example, in the United Kingdom OS/2 2.1 upgrades are available from the
International OS/2 User Group for 69 pounds plus VAT and shipping.
Northgate, Unisys, AST, and ALR join the ranks of major system vendors who
have agreed to preload OS/2 on request on new systems. Dell, Tangent, and
Ariel Design will also preload OS/2 on their new systems on request.
Since OS/2 2.1 is less expensive on CD-ROM and offers several extra
multimedia samples in that format, interest in purchasing CD-ROM drives has
increased. The advice found in other sections of this List applies. As a
general rule of thumb, choose a SCSI-2 compliant CD-ROM drive that supports
audio discs, ISO 9660/High Sierra data discs, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo
CD. For the adapter, choose an Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, or IBM for
easiest, "out of the box" support. External CD-ROM drives are generally
the safer investment. Compare drives according to data transfer speed (the
higher the better) and average access time (the lower the number, in
milliseconds, the better). This advice applies to new purchases. If you
already have a CD-ROM drive (especially the non-SCSI Sony, Phillips, and
Mitsumi varieties), check CompuServe or other electronic sources for the
appropriate OS/2 driver.
(1.0) What is OS/2?
What is OS/2?
OS/2 is an advanced operating system for PCs and PS/2s with an 80286
processor or better. It was codeveloped by Microsoft and IBM and
envisioned as the successor to DOS.
It was designed from the ground up with preemptive multitasking and
multithreading in mind. "Preemptive multitasking" means that the operating
system is responsible for allocating processor time to the one or more
applications which are running. (Cooperative multitasking, as found in
Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh's System 7, requires that each
application surrender the processor after a certain amount of time. If one
application refuses to yield, all the other applications stop running.)
"Multithreading" means that programs can start subtasks which will then be
executed by the operating system in the background. For example, a word
processor may create a separate thread (subtask) to handle printing or
saving to disk. When the user asks the word processor to perform one of
these tasks, the word processor creates a new thread and control returns to
the word processor (and the user) immediately. The subtask is executed by
the operating system in the background. The user is then free to ask the
word processor to perform another task without waiting for the thread to
complete. Applications which utilitize multithreading can be much more
responsive to the user.
OS/2 also protects applications from one another (a single misbehaved
program will not typically disrupt the entire system), supports all
addressable physical RAM, and supplies virtual memory to applications as
requested, breaking DOS's 640K barrier.
An OS/2 demonstration diskette (which will run on any PC with VGA or
better, and DOS or OS/2) is available from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2.
The OS/2 2.1 demo diskette may also be downloaded; see (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources.
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.9) Extended Services
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
What are the differences between versions?
o IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is the latest release of OS/2, offering Windows 3.1
compatibility, multimedia support (including software motion video), and
more device drivers. With Version 2.1 IBM has ended the practice of
including extra features in its own, preinstalled versions of OS/2 2.0 that
were not found in the off-the-shelf package.
o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is the first release of OS/2 which will run only on
machines with an 80386SX processor or better. With this release IBM
started developing OS/2 (and its Intel and non-Intel-based successors)
independently but continued to involve third party PC manufacturers in its
testing. Improvements included an object-oriented Workplace Shell (WPS); a
multiple operating system boot mechanism; better DOS and Windows support
[See (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility]; new 32-bit programming
interfaces; support for more than 16 MB of physical RAM [See (2.6) More
Than 16 MB RAM]; and more third party device drivers. OS/2 1.x
applications, unmodified, still run under OS/2 2.0.
o IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is the last release of OS/2 to operate on PCs with
80286 CPUs. This version introduced built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) [See
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager], providing scalable typefaces for screen and
printer. Procedures Language/2 (REXX), a powerful batch-oriented
programming language, became a part of Standard Edition with this release.
[See (5.11) REXX.] (A few OEMs are shipping Microsoft OS/2 Version 1.3, but
Microsoft has ceded all OS/2 development to IBM.)
o OS/2 Version 1.2 was the first to incorporate the High Performance File
System (HPFS) [See (1.5) High Performance File System]. With this release
IBM OS/2 added a dual boot mechanism and IBM Extended Edition [See (3.9)
Extended Services] introduced REXX.
o OS/2 Version 1.1 was the first to include the Presentation Manager (PM)
GUI/API. Microsoft OEM versions added a dual boot mechanism with this
release.
o OS/2 Version 1.0, introduced in late 1987, was the first release of OS/2.
Task switching was accomplished using a character-based shell and limited
DOS compatibility was provided.
Related information:
(1.1) What is OS/2?
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM
(3.9) Extended Services
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.11) REXX
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility?
OS/2 1.x [See (1.2) Differences Between Versions] justifiably earned a
reputation for poor DOS compatibility. Since it was hampered by the 80286,
it could not run more than one DOS application at a time.
The situation changed dramatically with OS/2 2.0, and Version 2.1 adds
further refinements. Version 2.1 preemptively multitasks DOS and Windows
(standard and enhanced mode) applications in separate, protected sessions,
without purchasing either environment.
OS/2 2.1 provides a complete DOS emulation equivalent to DOS 5.0. The
operating system can provide each DOS application with up to 32 MB of EMS
4.0 (expanded memory), 16 MB of XMS 2.0 (extended memory), and/or 512 MB of
DPMI 0.95 (DOS Protected Mode Interface extended memory), all from its pool
of physical and/or virtual memory (meaning you do not have to have as much
RAM in your system as your applications request). These limits are in
addition to the up to 730K free conventional memory supplied to each DOS
application, even after mouse and network drivers [See (3.8) Networking
Products] are loaded. As in DOS 5.0, DOS code and device drivers may be
loaded into high memory. A 386 memory manager like QEMM is not needed --
these features are provided by OS/2 2.1 directly.
The DOS emulation allows customization of device driver sets -- each DOS
application shares a systemwide CONFIG.SYS and the equivalent of its own
CONFIG.SYS. Also, there is a systemwide AUTOEXEC.BAT file; however, batch
commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using separate,
application-specific AUTOEXEC.BAT files. And many DOS Settings are
provided to fine tune [See (5.6) Performance Tuning] each DOS/Windows
application's behavior (e.g. IDLE_SENSITIVITY). Most of the popular
DOS/Windows applications on your hard disk will be migrated automatically
when you install OS/2 2.1.
In addition, OS/2 2.1 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in
separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult applications
(e.g. DOS networks, MSCDEX). So, for example, it is possible to multitask
DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and Desqview running atop DOS, all
in separate sessions, either windowed or full screen, all with the same
and/or separate device drivers, TSRs, environment variables, etc. DOS boot
images may be stored on a hard disk. These procedures are described in the
online Command Reference (under VMDISK), Master Help Index, and in the
Installation Guide (Appendix E). [See also (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions.]
Standard graphics modes [ generally up to the resolution of the desktop;
See (2.2) SuperVGA Support] are supported in DOS windows, as are selectable
text mode fonts. Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications is supported
(to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications), including graphics
cut/paste. Theoretically, OS/2 2.1 can run up to 240 simultaneous
DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on system resources.
OS/2 2.1 will, in fact, run virtually all DOS applications in existence,
including notorious ones such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wing
Commander, Maple, MatLab (Version 3.5k or later), and others. Those that
do not run generally fall into the following categories:
1. Programs that use Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) memory
extenders or other extenders which require direct access to 80386 control
registers. Since such applications are also all but incompatible with
Windows, most vendors have updates for DPMI compatibility;
2. Applications which attempt to directly address the physical sectors of
an OS/2 managed nonremoveable hard disk drive. Such programs include
UnErase in Norton Utilities [See (3.4) Disk Utilities]. Fortunately OS/2
2.1 has a built-in UnDelete feature which is more robust than Norton's
approach. (Consult the online Command Reference for information on how to
enable UNDELETE);
3. Timing sensitive DOS applications. Certain DOS programs that generate
digitized sound through the PC's internal speaker may have distorted sound.
High speed, real time data collection may be compromised. These problems
can often be minimized or even eliminated using OS/2 2.1's DOS Settings.
4. Certain DOS programming debuggers. DOS applications running under OS/2
2.1 are not permitted to access debug registers DR0-DR7 from a DOS session.
Also, DOS debuggers will not be able to set hardware breakpoints, and all
read/write operations to debug registers in virtual 8086 mode will be
ignored.
See (3.11) Backup Software for information on OS/2 backup issues.
DOS-based disk caching software is not required since OS/2 includes a
built-in, highly configurable, efficient disk cache.
DOS programs running under OS/2 2.1 are extremely fast. A single DOS
application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2 2.1
typically achieves 95-97% of the performance it would have under native
DOS. If the DOS application performs any disk I/O it can actually operate
up to several times faster than it would if running under native DOS.
If pure DOS is absolutely required, OS/2 2.1 includes a utility called the
Boot Manager. The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the operating
systems available on the system and will allow selection of any one at
startup, with a default after timeout. The OS/2 1.x DualBoot method is
still available as well. Consult the Installation Guide for instructions
on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot. Note that OS/2 2.1 need not be
installed on Drive C -- it can reside on other volumes [See (4.3) Hard Disk
Partitioning].
Compatibility with Windows, a popular DOS extender, is provided by
Win-OS/2, an environment based on Microsoft's Windows source code. It runs
Windows 3.x enhanced mode and standard mode applications under OS/2 2.1,
either on a full screen Windows desktop (with the familiar Program Manager
and one or more Windows applications) or "seamlessly," alongside OS/2
applications on the Workplace Shell desktop. "Seamless" operation is
available in VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, and XGA resolutions with OS/2 2.1
as it ships. [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support.]
Several icon conversion utilities can convert Windows icons for use by the
OS/2 Icon Editor and/or OS/2-specific programs [See (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources]. (No conversion is necessary if the icons are to be used
with Windows programs running under OS/2 2.1.)
OS/2 2.1 directly provides all Windows enhanced mode features save one:
support for Windows virtual drivers (VxD). Only two applications are
affected: MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft Visual C++. Services provided by
WINMEM32.DLL are supported.
Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 Workplace
Shell environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE (Object Linking and
Embedding) is supported among Windows applications. Adobe Type Manager
[See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager] and TrueType for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2
2.1. Windows screen (for a full screen desktop) and printer device drivers
will work under Win-OS/2 [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support]. Such notorious
Windows applications as Word, Norton Desktop (save portions described
above), Toolbook, and After Dark work fine under Win-OS/2. Even
applications which rely on the Windows Multimedia Extensions (supplied as
part of Win-OS/2) operate without trouble. [See (3.6) Multimedia for
information on the OS/2 multimedia extensions, MMPM/2.] All the Windows
applets (except those made redundant by OS/2's applets) are provided.
Win-OS/2 departs from Microsoft Windows in that it allows more than one
Windows desktop and can preemptively (rather than cooperatively) multitask
Windows applications in separate, robust, protected sessions.
Some Windows applications require custom settings in WIN.INI. If such a
Windows application has been installed under the DOS version of Windows,
Win-OS/2 may not be able to find the appropriate files or configuration.
Try reinstalling the Windows application under Win-OS/2. (Note that
several options are available for Win-OS/2 interaction with the Windows INI
files. For example, the Windows INI files may be migrated during
installation. Or both Win-OS/2 and Windows can share a single set of INI
files.)
In short, OS/2 2.1 is generally regarded as the most DOS and Windows
compatible among the new crop of 32-bit operating systems (NT included).
It is also generally regarded as a better DOS multitasker than Desqview.
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.4) Disk Utilities
(3.6) Multimedia
(3.8) Networking Products
(3.11) Backup Software
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.6) Performance Tuning
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
(1.4) Availability and Cost of OS/2
Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?
In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is available directly from IBM.
Until September 14, promotional pricing is in effect. OS/2 2.1 can be
ordered directly from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2. The price is $119 for
the diskette versions (5.25 or 3.5 inch media) and $99 for the CD-ROM
version (with both 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch "bootstrap" diskettes). These
prices are for the Upgrade Edition (for customers who already have any
version of DOS or OS/2). Non-upgrade packages are priced higher. Both
prices include express shipping. A rebate coupon is enclosed in each
Upgrade Edition package; users of any version of OS/2 receive a $30 rebate.
IBM part numbers are as follows: 61G0900 for 3.5 inch media, 61G0902 for
3.5 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0901 for 5.25 inch media, 61G0903 for
5.25 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0904 for compact disc, 71G1877 for
compact disc Upgrade Edition. An additional license certificate (no media
or manuals) is 61G0910; an additional license Upgrade Edition certificate
is 61G0911.
However, OS/2 2.1 is now available from almost any software dealer
(including Corporate Software, Egghead, Software Etc., and many others).
Software dealer pricing is lower than that available directly from IBM --
often $10 or $20 lower. With rebate, OS/2 2.1 is about $65 for the
diskette version and about $50 for the CD-ROM version from most dealers.
(The CD-ROM version is less expensive because it costs much less to
manufacture.)
Additional license certificates are available for second and subsequent
copies (with a $10 rebate per Upgrade Edition certificate if upgrading from
any version of OS/2). However, with the promotional pricing now in effect
it does not make economic sense to purchase license certificates when
upgrading from OS/2. Through most dealers the CD-ROM package costs the
same as a license certificate, after rebate. Each CD-ROM (or diskette)
package includes a set of OS/2 manuals and 60 days (per package) of toll
free technical support. An additional license certificate does not come
with either.
These prices mean that OS/2 2.1 costs about the same as Microsoft Windows
for DOS and roughly one fifth to one third as much as the base (not server)
versions of Windows NT, NeXTStep, Solaris, and UnixWare (NT is not yet
available).
In Canada phone 800-465-1234 to order. In the U.K. phone the OS/2 User
Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0800-181182. In other countries, contact
any IBM dealer or office. Pricing varies from country to country.
IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is still available and may be ordered through many IBM
dealers.
IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.1 available everywhere DOS is purchased. If
your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.1, take your business elsewhere (and
explain why). IBM bundles OS/2 2.1 with some PS/1, most ValuePoint, and
all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems. Several other vendors, including AST,
Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Ariel Design, and Tangent, will preload OS/2
2.1 on request.
IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.: a 30-day, no questions
asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee [See
(2.1) Hardware Requirements].
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(3.8) Networking Products
(1.5) High Performance File System (HPFS)
Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work with DOS?
HPFS offers long file names (up to 254 characters including the path,
greatly exceeding the "8 dot 3" limit in DOS's FAT file system), contiguous
storage of extended attributes (without the EA DATA. SF file used by FAT),
resistance to file fragmentation, improved media error handling, smaller
cluster size, support for larger file storage devices (up to 512 GB), and
speedier disk operation, particularly on large hard disks, on systems with
more than 6 MB of RAM. HPFS is not case sensitive, although it does
preserve case in file names.
However, HPFS is not currently supported on removeable media, although some
programs (e.g. BACKUP) preserve long file names on such FAT disks. Also,
native mode DOS cannot access a HPFS partition. However, DOS/Windows
sessions running under OS/2 can use all files that conform to the "8 dot 3"
naming conventions, even if they are stored on HPFS volumes.
Related information:
(3.4) Disk Utilities
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.1? Do I need a PS/2?
You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or more
strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 15-37 MB
free, depending on which features you wish to install), a supported video
adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, XGA, or third party driver)
with appropriate display, and a high density 3.5 or 5.25 inch floppy drive
for installation. A mouse or other pointing device is strongly
recommended. Allow extra RAM and hard disk space for OS/2-based networking
[See (3.8) Networking Products], Extended Services [See (3.9) Extended
Services], and/or extra system loads (i.e. an extraordinary number of
large applications running simultaneously). When calculating hard disk
space requirements, subtract space occupied by files already on the hard
disk which are functionally included in OS/2 2.1 and may be deleted, e.g.
DOS, a 386 memory manager, Windows 3.1, Adobe Type Manager [See (5.5) Adobe
Type Manager] with base typefaces, etc.
The Workplace Shell (WPS) will not operate with the Monochrome Display
Adapter or the Hercules Monochrome Graphics Adapter. Usually the WPS will
fail to work with monochrome EGA. However, some EGA adapters (e.g.
Paradise Monochrome EGA Card, ATI EGA Wonder) will emulate all color EGA
modes on TTL monochrome monitors and, thus, will work with the WPS. Many
dual monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for advice.
On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly all
MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, and IBM
SCSI adapters. (True OS/2 2.1 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g.
Trantor, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Seagate, Mylex, CE
Infosys, Ciprico, MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum, and others are available
directly from the adapter manufacturers or from (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources. A driver for the Always IN-2000 adapter is available by
phoning Columbia Data Products at 407-869-6700. Columbia also provides the
necessary EPROM and PROM upgrades.) In addition, "generic" INT13 support
is provided for all other hard disk adapters. This "generic" support even
embraces such devices as Iomega's Bernoulli and SyQuest's removeable media
products (but for best results contact Iomega or SyQuest for an OS/2 2.1
driver).
OS/2 driver support is available for the following CD-ROM drives:
o Hitachi
- CDR-1650S
- CDR-1750S
- CDR-3650
- CDR-3750
o IBM
- all models
o NEC
- CDR-25
- CDR-36
- CDR-37
- CDR-38
- CDR-72
- CDR-73
- CDR-74
- CDR-82
- CDR-83
- CDR-84
o Panasonic
- CR-501
- LK-MC501S
- MC501B
- MC521
o Pioneer
- DRM-600
- DRM-604X
o Sony
- CDU-541
- CDU-561
- CDU-6111
- CDU-6211
- CDU-7211
o Texel
- DM-3021
- DM-3024
- DM-5021
- DM-5024
o Toshiba
- XM-3201
- XM-3301
- XM-3401
when attached to IBM, Future Domain, Adaptec, DPT, or other SCSI adapters
with native OS/2 2.1 support. The OS/2 CD-ROM support includes audio, ISO
9660/High Sierra, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD compatibility for those
drives which support these standards.
Drivers for non-SCSI Sony CD-ROM drives (e.g. CDU-535, CDU-31A, and
related models) and Mitsumi CD-ROM drives (and compatibles, e.g. Tandy
CDR-1000 and DAK) are available from several sources [See (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources]. Storage Devices offers OS/2 drivers for its
parallel port attached peripherals, including its CD-ROM drive. Corel
Systems offers a set of OS/2 drivers (in its "Corel SCSI" package) for many
more CD-ROM drives, magneto-optical drives, and other SCSI devices when
attached to any of a number of SCSI adapters. DOS device drivers, when
installed using a specific DOS session [See (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions],
will still provide CD-ROM services to DOS/Windows programs for the
remainder.
See (2.3) Printer Support for information on OS/2 printer and plotter
compatibility.
Version 2.1 is explicitly supported on non-IBM PC compatibles. IBM is
offering a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S. Should OS/2 2.1
fail to work on your compatible within the first 90 days of use, and should
IBM be unable to fix the problem, your purchase price will be refunded. To
date over 750 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.8) Networking Products
(3.9) Extended Services
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
Consult the OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide and Using the Operating System
manuals for complete information on SuperVGA support.
OS/2 2.1 contains built-in 256 color drivers for most SuperVGA adapters
based on the following chipsets:
ATI 28800
Cirrus Logic CL-GD5422 and CL-GD5424
Headland Technologies HT209
IBM VGA256C
Trident Microsystems TVGA8900B and TVGA8900C
Tseng Labs ET4000
Western Digital/Paradise WD90C11, WD90C30, and WD90C31 (in WD90C30 mode)
Some SuperVGA adapters (notably ATI's Vantage and Ultra lines) are 8514/A
hardware compatible and will function in 1024x768 256 color mode with
OS/2's built-in 8514/A driver.
Drivers for other SuperVGA adapters (along with installation instructions),
and modified versions of the built-in drivers (such as 16 color versions or
small icon versions) should be available from the adapter vendors directly
or through (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. In addition, IBM will be
releasing a set of drivers for SuperVGA adapters based on S3 chipsets to
these public sources. (However, certain S3-based adapters will require
custom drivers from vendors.)
Regular Windows 3.1 display drivers may be used for the full screen
Win-OS/2 desktop. To install a Windows 3.1 display driver under Win-OS/2,
simply replace the \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV file with the Windows
.DRV file supplied by the vendor. (Be sure to make a copy of the original
OS/2-supplied driver file first.) Note that you may have to use the EXPAND
program supplied with Win-OS/2 to decompress the vendor's .DRV file.
OS/2 2.1 has now routinized the procedure for setting customized refresh
rates using DOS-based utilities. You will be prompted during installation
of a SuperVGA driver, and you can specify the DOS utility you wish to
execute along with its parameters (if any). The utility will then be run
whenever you start OS/2 (to reset the SuperVGA adapter as required).
Related information:
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps
(2.3) Printer Support
Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer?
OS/2 2.1 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets (including the
LaserJet 4 series), DeskJets (including the new 1200C and 510 models), and
PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets, Proprinters, Quickwriters,
Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix, ink jet,
and laser printers; Postscript devices; and other printers (e.g.
Panasonic, Okidata) compatible with these families. A variety of IBM and
HP plotters (including HPGL/2 plotters) is also supported. Drivers for NEC
dot matrix printers and Canon laser and BubbleJet printers are now
available for download [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources or contact
the Canon Support BBS at 714-438-3325].
DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows applications.
OS/2 2.1 includes a large assortment of Windows printer drivers for
Win-OS/2. If necessary install Windows printer drivers using the Win-OS/2
Control Panel. OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 1.3 printer drivers are interchangeable
in many cases.
If your printer is not compatible with one of the drivers supplied with
OS/2, check with the printer manufacturer first then with (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources. If you own an IBM printer, check with the Lexmark
BBS (modem 606-232-5653).
If you are using a Postscript printer, and you are having difficulty
printing under Win-OS/2 3.1, particularly over a network, try adding the
following line to the Postscript section of your WIN.INI file:
CtrlD=0
If you are having trouble printing generally, see the configuration advice
in (4.1) Installation for assistance.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.1) Installation
(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support
Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2?
COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.
On (E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS. Using a
text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)"
parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames. One example:
DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
Parameters for COM1 and COM2 need not be included (unless they are somehow
nonstandard). OS/2 must end up with sequentially numbered logical COM
ports, if possible. For example, if (physical) port two is not installed
but port three or port four is installed, start numbering using (2,...) in
the DEVICE lines. See the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual,
starting on Page 374, for more information on COM ports under OS/2. If
these efforts fail, try the SIO drivers [available from (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources]. Note that IRQ 2 is actually redirected to IRQ 9 on the
AT bus, so use (...,...,9) in the above COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS settings if
your serial port is set to use IRQ 2.
Note that AT bus COM ports cannot be used at the same time if they share
interrupts because of bus design limitations (cf. "Under the Hood: How
Interrupts Work," Byte, February, 1992). An adapter which provides more
flexibility in interrupt selection [e.g. the 16-bit model from STB; See
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations] may prove helpful. Also, PolyCom,
a replacement driver available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources,
supports up to eight ports with the right hardware.
"Smart" (coprocessor controlled) multiport communication adapters should be
used when installing more than four ports. Such an adapter will work with
OS/2 if the manufacturer has written an appropriate driver. Examples
include:
Company Telephone Number
IBM (ARTIC) (800) PS2-2227
Digiboard (612) 943-9020
Stargate (216) 349-1860
Arnet (615) 834-8000
Computone (404) 475-2725
Comtrol (612) 631-7654
CTC Systems (415) 966-1688
Equinox (305) 255-3500
I-Concepts (214) 956-7770
Specialix (408) 378-7919
Stallion (408) 395-5775
Related information:
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
Are there any specific hardware recommendations?
Here are some of the peripherals and adapters that are particularly well
suited to OS/2. Some true bargains are included. Prices do not include
shipping and handling.
o CatsEye/X XGA-2 Adapter. An AT bus display adapter with the latest IBM
P2 XGA-2 chipset, providing superior performance and the best driver
support under OS/2. Price: $249 from FutureComm (phone 203-937-7725 or
FAX 203-932-3154; ask for John Jaser). A Microchannel version is available
from IBM for a comparable price.
o ATI 8514/A Compatible Display Adapters. Harmony Computers (phone
800-441-1144 or 718-692-2828) is advertising two of ATI's 8514/A hardware
compatible Mach8 display adapters. Both operate in 1024x768 256 color mode
at up to 72 Hz noninterlaced using the OS/2 8514/A driver. (Confirm,
though, that these adapters have the full megabyte of video memory for the
Mach8 processor, required for OS/2 operation.) The ATI 8514/Ultra ($179)
is designed to work in both Microchannel and AT bus machines and, while it
uses fast VRAM video memory, it does not contain onboard VGA circuitry. A
separate VGA or SuperVGA display adapter, with passthrough connector, is
required. The ATI Graphics Ultra ($199) also uses VRAM, has onboard
SuperVGA circuitry, and works with AT bus computers. Computer Discount
Warehouse (tel. 800-795-4239, FAX 708-291-1737) offers the 2 MB DRAM
version of the ATI Graphics Ultra Plus for just $239.55. The ATI GUP
includes the more recent (and faster) Mach32 coprocessor, yet it is still
8514/A hardware compatible. CDW also sells the ATI Graphics Vantage (a
DRAM version of the original Graphics Ultra) for only $158.41. Both the
Vantage and GUP are AT bus adapters.
o Western Digital EtherCard Plus. An 8-bit ethernet adapter (meaning
you'll need a free, lower interrupt). IBM LAN software (like TCP/IP)
includes an EtherCard Plus driver -- no need to go searching. Price: $49
from Hi-Tech (phone 805-966-5454). Not the fastest, but probably among the
least expensive and best supported.
o NEC CDR-25 CD-ROM Drive with SCSI Interface. An external, portable
CD-ROM drive (with optional battery back available). Compatible with ISO
9660/High Sierra, audio, CD-ROM/XA, and single session Kodak Photo CD.
Speed: 650 ms average access time, 150K/second sustained data transfer
rate. Does not use CD-ROM caddies. Price: $219 from ICP Corp. (phone
908-613-4444). An 8-bit Trantor SCSI adapter and cable is $39 extra.
(CompUSA is reportedly selling the CDR-25 for $179, excluding adapter.) A
slightly faster (450 ms) drive, the NEC CDR-36, is available with cable and
Trantor SCSI adapter for $288 from ERM Liquidators (phone 800-776-5865).
This model does not support Kodak Photo CD, however.
o Toshiba CD-ROM Drive. The latest, super fast (200 ms average access
time; 300K+/second sustained data transfer rate) Toshiba CD-ROM drive,
Model XM-3401, is available from many dealers for about $400 (internal
model; external model is priced higher). The Toshiba is the best choice
when performance is critical.
o SCSI Adapters Two good values are the Adaptec 1522 (available for about
$95 from many dealers, including MegaHaus, phone 800-426-0560) and the
Future Domain 1680 (only $129 from Computability, phone 800-554-9948 or FAX
414-357-7814). Both are 16-bit AT bus SCSI-2 adapters with on board
diskette controllers, and both are supported by drivers that ship with OS/2
2.1. Neither use DMA [see (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM].
o Wangtek Tape Drives. Super Technologies (phone 909-393-4648) offers a
seven month warranty on several Wangtek SCSI tape drives. The Wangtek
5150ES (250 MB) is $295, the 5525ES (525 MB) is $495, and the 6200HS (2 GB
[Continue with Part 2 of 4.]
--
Timothy F. Sipples |READ the OS/2 FAQ List 2.1A, available from
si...@kimbark.uchicago.edu|192.153.46.254, anonymous ftp, in /os2/all/info/faq,
Dept. of Econ., Univ. |or from LIST...@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP").
of Chicago, 60637 |[Post to ONE newsgroup only AFTER reading the List.]
Mike Tran x3895
OS2 2.1 but have no idea on how to install the driver for my Tseng
graphic card. The installation assumed that I have a SuperVGA card
and does not allow me to select the different graphic mode and
different resolution mode.
Thanks, Mike
JULIAN BOOT, UNI OF QUEENSLAND
This is covered in detail from page 336 in OS/2 2.1: Using the OS (Installing a
new display driver)
In breif:
Open an OS/2 prompt. Run DPINSTL and reset primary display to VGA.
Run DPINSTL again and select primary display to TSENG ET4000
Hope this helps.
Julian
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
j.b...@cc.uq.oz.au | Windows NT. From the people
Julian Boot, University of Queensland | who brought you EDLIN!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
wlhe...@kopepc02.delcoelect.com
| Please excuse me if this question has been asked before. I installed
| OS2 2.1 but have no idea on how to install the driver for my Tseng
| graphic card. The installation assumed that I have a SuperVGA card
| and does not allow me to select the different graphic mode and
| different resolution mode.
Read pages 111-112 of the installation guide that came with OS/2 2.1.
Optionally (or maybe thereafter) pages 114-115 apply.
|
| Thanks, Mike
|
|
|
--
Bill Healton Any Opinions, requests, advise, or offers are strictly
those of the author and do not necessary reflect on the
company I work for.
A.A. Olowofoyeku
: >Please excuse me if this question has been asked before. I installed
Open a Full Screen DOS session, type "SVGA ON", when that rigmarole
finishes, run the DSPINSTL program.
The Chief.
--
Dr. Abimbola Olowofoyeku (The African Chief)
Keele University ( All opinions are personal and do not reflect)
England. ( the views of Keele University)
Email: la...@seq1.keele.ac.uk
Tel : (0782) 621111
Fax : (0782) 583228
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"Yet will Africa rise again, from decline, decay, and distraint,
her forlorn glory to regain, never, never to fall again".
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