OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. 2.1A (2 of 4)
Timothy F. Sipples
Version: 2.1A
[Part 2 of 4]
DAT) model is $650. All will work with GTAK tape backup software [See
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] when attached to an OS/2 supported
SCSI adapter.
o Irwin Accutrack Tape Drive with EZTape/PM. Several dealers offer the
Irwin Accutrack series of tape drives bundled with EZTape for DOS, Windows,
and OS/2. Prices start at about $200.
o 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Port Adapters. Improves high speed serial
communications performance. Price: $35 for a two port adapter from
Zero-One Networking (phone 714-693-0808). Ask about adapters with parallel
ports.
o Four Port 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Adapter. The STB 4-COM adapter
is available for $119 delivered by calling 800-735-5266 Ext. 64. The
16-bit STB adapter provides four buffered serial ports, each with an
independently selectable interrupt and address. IRQs above 7 are supported
for each port. Up to two of these adapters may be installed in the same
system (for up to eight buffered serial ports). Four six inch 8-pin DIN to
DB9 male converter cables are supplied. Fifteen month manufacturer's
warranty and free technical support from STB.
o Creative Labs SoundBlaster. Original (Revision 2.0), Pro, and 16ASP
models are available from many suppliers and provide audio output for OS/2
multimedia applications. Prices range from about $90 to $250.
o IBM M-Audio Adapter. Available in either AT bus or Microchannel models
for the same price. Provides compact disc quality audio reproduction and
recording capabilities under OS/2. Price: $235 from IBM Direct (phone
800-IBM-2YOU) or $222 from IBM Educational Sales (phone 800-222-7254).
o MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum 16. The PAS 16, as it is known, offers
compact disc quality audio reproduction and recording capabilities and an
on board SCSI port (for CD-ROM drives and other peripherals). Available
from several dealers for about $150. The Logitech SoundMan 16 is identical
to the PAS 16 (and sometimes less expensive), although it does not include
a SCSI port. MediaVision's new ProAudio Studio, a more expensive adapter,
is also supported under OS/2 2.1. All three are AT bus adapters.
Related information:
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support
(2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM
Can I use more than 16 MB of RAM?
OS/2 2.1 will address all the RAM in your system. If the BIOS recognizes
the memory, OS/2 will find it and use it.
However, on certain systems the RAM beyond the 16 MB boundary may be used
as a fast swap area. OS/2 relies on its swap file, SWAPPER.DAT, to hold
code and data which cannot fit into real memory (i.e. to provide virtual
memory). If the swap file can only be accessed via a hard disk adapter
which uses 24-bit DMA for disk access (e.g. the Adaptec 154x series), then
the system must move code and data below the 16 MB boundary before it can
write it to disk. This "double move" is costly (in terms of performance),
and often OS/2 will merely use all the RAM above the 16 MB boundary as a
fast swap area (before writing to disk) to avoid the problem. It is up to
the hard disk adapter driver, however, to decide how to handle this
situation.
Only AT bus adapters are limited to 24-bit DMA. Microchannel, EISA, and
other 32-bit adapters are not so limited. Moreover, only a select few AT
bus hard disk adapters utilize DMA. Nearly all MFM, RLL, and IDE adapters,
and many SCSI adapters, do not use DMA for disk access.
Suffice it to say that, regardless of your present hardware, OS/2 will take
advantage of it as best it can. However, if you are planning new hardware
purchases, you may wish to take this particular hardware design limitation
into account. Specifically, if you plan to install more than 16 MB of RAM
in your system, either choose a 32-bit hard disk adapter (Microchannel or
EISA, for example) or choose an AT bus adapter which does not utilize DMA
for disk access (a standard IDE adapter, an Adaptec 152x series SCSI
adapter, or a Future Domain SCSI adapter, for example).
Related information:
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(2.7) Device Driver List
What device drivers are available that aren't included with OS/2?
(This section will be completed in a future release of the OS/2 Frequently
Asked Questions List.)
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.1) Applications
What applications are available for OS/2?
In addition to the thousands of applications available for DOS and Windows,
there are a couple thousand OS/2-specific applications representing almost
every category imaginable.
The DOS/Windows applications with 16-bit OS/2-specific counterparts
include:
o Aldus
- Pagemaker
o AutoDesk
- AutoCAD
o Borland
- Sidekick
- Paradox
- Brief
o Corel Systems
- CorelDraw
o DeScribe
- Word Publisher
o FutureSoft
- DynaComm
o Hilgraeve
- HyperAccess/5
o IBM
- DisplayWrite
- DisplayWrite Composer
o Informix
- Wingz
o JP Software
- 4OS2 (4DOS for OS/2)
o Lotus Development
- 1-2-3
- Freelance Graphics
- Notes
- cc:Mail
o Micrographx
- Designer
o Microrim
- R:Base
o Microsoft
- Word
- Excel
- Multiplan
- Mail
o New England Software
- Graph-in-the-Box
o Omen
- Pro-YAM
o Oracle
- Database
o SAS Institute
- SAS
o SemWare
- QEdit
o SPSS Inc.
- SPSS
o Ventura
- Publisher
o WordPerfect Corp.
- WordPerfect
and many others. In some cases DOS and OS/2 versions ship together (e.g.
Microsoft Word 5.5, Lotus 1-2-3 3.0, Wingz).
OS/2 2.1 provides an attractive, 32-bit, Workplace Shell environment for
new applications; many do not have DOS/Windows predecessors. This new
class of 32-bit applications will (or does) include:
o Borland
- ObjectVision
- C++
o Computer Associates
- ACCPAC Simply Accounting
- Compete!
- Consensus
- dBFast
- Realizer
- SuperProject
- Telon/PWS
- Textor
- Unicenter
o Corel Systems
- CorelDraw
o DeScribe
- Word Publisher
o Hilgraeve
- HyperAccess/PM
o Lotus Development
- 1-2-3
- Freelance Graphics
- Notes
- cc:Mail
- Ami Pro
o Microformatic
- Fax/PM
o Micrographx
- Draw
- Designer
- (All others)
o Microrim
- R:Base
o Proportional Software
- DCF/2 (disk compression)
o SofNet
- Faxworks
o Spinnaker
- PFS:Works
o Stac Electronics
- Stacker
o Symantec
- Norton Commander
- Zortech C++
o Vienna Software Publishing
- N/Joy: The World of Objects
o WordPerfect Corp.
- WordPerfect
- Office
- Presentations
o ZSoft (WordStar)
- Publisher's Paintbrush
and many more. Over 1200 new 32-bit OS/2 2.1 applications have been
released to date.
OS/2-specific versions of popular utilities include ZIP/UNZIP, ARC, LHA,
Zoo 2.1, many GNU tools, tens of different file finders, desktop clocks,
calculators, and many more. Programming languages include Assembler, C++,
COBOL, Pascal, C, Fortran, BASIC, REXX (included with every copy of OS/2
2.1), Icon, Smalltalk, Modula-2, LISP, Ada, Prolog, Forth, and still more,
from vendors such as Borland, Clarion, Watcom, Symantec (through its
Zortech subsidiary), IBM, Microway, and many more. Two free ports of the
32-bit GNU C/C++ compiler, GCC/2 and EMX/GCC, are available [See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Fortran to C (f2c) and Pascal to C (p2c)
translators are also available. (See the Programmer's Edition of this List
for more information.)
The IBM PC Company BBS (404-835-6600) provides an online product database
of OS/2-specific software. A directory of OS/2 applications, IBM document
number G362-0029, is published by Graphics Plus (phone 800-READ-OS2). The
OS/2 Development Tools Guide is available free of charge by calling the IBM
Developer Assistance Program at (407) 982-6408. TINF [See (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources] is an applications directory (for use with the OS/2
VIEW facility).
Related information:
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware?
See (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for information on bulletin board systems that
support OS/2.
On the Internet, the Usenet conference comp.binaries.os2 carries OS/2
software. And several sites are available via anonymous ftp. (No ftp?
Send a single line message with the word HELP to bit...@pucc.bitnet or
ftp...@decwrl.dec.com to learn about ftp mail servers.) Some are (with
Internet node numbers and subdirectories):
ftp-os2.cdrom.com 192.153.46.254 /os2
ftp-os2.nmsu.edu 128.123.35.151 pub/os2
software.watson.ibm.com 129.34.139.5 pub/os2
mtsg.ubc.ca 137.82.27.1 os2:
access.usask.ca 128.233.3.1 pub/archives/os2
luga.latrobe.edu.au 131.172.2.2 pub/os2
funic.funet.fi 128.214.6.100 pub/os2
pdsoft.lancs.ac.uk 148.88.64.2 micros/ibmpc/os2
ftp.uni-stuttgart.de 129.69.1.12 soft/os2
src.doc.ic.ac.uk 146.169.2.1 computing/systems/os2
zaphod.cs.uwindsor.ca 137.207.224.3 pub/local/os2
ftp.luth.se 130.240.18.2 pub/pc/os2
ftp.informatik.tu-muenchen.de 131.159.0.198 /pub/comp/os/os2
The ftp-os2.nmsu.edu library is available on CD-ROM from Walnut Creek
(phone 510-947-5996). EMS (phone 301-924-3594) offers an OS/2
shareware/freeware library on diskette.
Other sources include CompuServe (FIND OS/2) and archive servers (send a
single line message with the word HELP to list...@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be or
mail-...@rus.uni-stuttgart.de for more information, or use ftp).
TRICKLE servers are also available outside the United States. For more
information on TRICKLE services, including automatic file subscription
procedures, send a single line message with the word HELP to any one of the
following sites nearest you:
Country Address
Austria TRI...@AWIWUW11.BITNET
Belgium TRI...@BANUFS11.BITNET
Colombia TRI...@UNALCOL.BITNET
France TRI...@FRMOP11.BITNET
Germany TRI...@DEARN.BITNET
Israel TRI...@TAUNIVM.BITNET
Italy TRI...@IMIPOLI.BITNET
Netherlands TRI...@HEARN.BITNET
Sweden TRI...@SEARN.BITNET
Turkey TRI...@TREARN.BITNET
TRI...@TRMETU.BITNET
IBM has been releasing freely distributable employee written software (e.g.
Visual REXX) and OS/2 patches to these sites.
Related information:
(3.3) "Must Have" Shareware and Freeware
(3.5) Running a BBS Under OS/2
(3.7) Viruses
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(4.11) OS/2 BBSes
(3.3) "Must Have" Shareware and Freeware
What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles?
Here are some of the shareware and freeware selections that have proven
popular among OS/2 users. Where available, an approximate filename is
provided. However, since version numbers are changing frequently, please
bear in mind that some of this information may be dated. Also, please
register any shareware you use -- your support will ensure a continuing
supply of capable OS/2 shareware.
o OS2Exec (OS2EXEC.ZIP): Start any OS/2 program from any OS/2 DOS session.
o Worldwide OS/2 BBS List (OS2WORLD.ZIP): List of BBSes around the world
where OS/2 is the predominant area of discussion and where large OS/2
software archives are held.
o 4OS2 Version 1.1 (4OS232.ZIP): A replacement command interpreter from JP
Software. A must for command line users.
o StartD (STARTD.ZIP): Provides the capability to start DOS sessions with
specific, custom DOS Settings from the OS/2 command line.
o Icon Extractor (ICON_160.ZIP): Converts Windows icons to OS/2 format.
Icons can be extracted from Windows executables. Assigns icons via drag
and drop. Deletes undeleteable objects.
o Mr. File/PM (MRFILEPM.ZIP): File manager and program launcher.
o Workplace Shell Backup (WPSBK7.ZIP): Backup the OS/2 desktop.
o Extended Attributes Backup (EABK202.ZIP): Saves extended attributes so
that non-EA aware backup software preserves all necessary OS/2 data.
o Visual REXX (VREXX2.ZIP): Provides the ability to write REXX programs
which use Presentation Manager windows, scroll bars, menus, and other
features.
o Icon Programming Language (ICON88.ZIP): A simple yet powerful
programming language for many platforms, including OS/2. Supports
graphical applications.
o EMX/GCC (various): Powerful C/C++ compiler with programming aids and
enhanced libraries.
o Enhanced Editor Toolkit and Accessories (various): Add-ons to the
Enhanced Editor (EPM) which provide editor macro capabilities,
documentation, and various accessories.
o INI Maintenance (INIMNT1E.ZIP): Edit and maintain your vital OS/2 INI
files.
o Info-Zip's UnZip 5.0 (UNZ50X32.EXE): Extract files from ZIP archives.
PKZip 2.x compatible. Supports extended attributes. Companion utility,
Zip 1.9, also available.
o GTAK GNU tar (GTAK212.ZIP): Tape archive (backup and restore) utility.
Supports SCSI tape drives.
o MR/2 ( MR2_139.ZIP): Reader for BBS QWK mail packets.
o TE/2 (TE2_123.ZIP): A full featured terminal emulation and modem
communications program.
o PMComm (PMCOM110.ZIP): As full featured as TE/2, but with a Presentation
Manager interface.
o C-Kermit 5A(188) (CK5A188.ZIP): A terminal emulation and modem
communications program featuring the Kermit file transfer protocol.
o SIO COM Drivers (SIO100.ZIP): Replacement serial port drivers which
offer enhanced performance.
o McAfee's Virus Scan (OSCN102.ZIP): Detects viruses. Companion Virus
Clean and Net Scan utilities also available.
o Minesweeper (DMINE110.ZIP): A game which requires you to avoid the mines
in a minefield. Several other versions are available.
o Galleria (GALLERIA.ZIP): Graphics manipulation and screen capture
utility.
o FracInt 17.2 (PMFRA2.ZIP): Render fractal images. Also converts among
several image formats.
o IBM Configurator and Pricer (ICPAUSA.ZIP): Prices IBM personal computer
systems and accessories.
o PS/2 Assistant (PS2AST72.ZIP): Provides information on most of the IBM
personal computer product line, including OS/2.
o Install B (INSTB.ZIP): Allows installation of OS/2 from 3.5 inch media
when Drive A is a 5.25 inch high density floppy drive and Drive B is a 3.5
inch high density floppy drive.
o emTeX (various): Provides professional typesetting and document
composition.
o BlackHole (BLAKHOL3.ZIP): A Workplace Shell object that destroys
anything dragged to it.
o CONFIG.SYS Editor (CFGED1B.ZIP): A Presentation Manager utility which
eases CONFIG.SYS editing.
o BootOS2 (BOOT2X.ZIP): Creates an OS/2 bootable diskette.
o psPM (PSPM2.ZIP): Displays a graphical representation of the processes
running on an OS/2 system and allows termination of any or all.
o Workplace Shell Tools (WPTOOL02.ZIP): Creates or deletes standard
Workplace Shell objects.
o GhostScript PM (GS252PM.ZIP): Postscript interpreter and viewer.
o OS2You (OS2YOU27.ZIP): OS/2 remote control over a modem or LAN
connection. Companion program PM2You, for control of graphical
applications, including DOS and Windows, is also available.
o UUPC/Extended (various): Provides uucp connection for mail, news, and
other services.
o TedP (TEDP090.ZIP): Text editor, under 10K in size -- perfect for an
emergency boot diskette.
o BookShelf (BOOKSHLF.ZIP): Utility which presents a coherent menu of all
available INF files on your system.
o VSwitch (VSWITCH.ZIP): A task list for full screen sessions.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.4) Disk Utilities
Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2?
Not yet, although Norton Desktop, Norton Utilities, and Norton Commander
all work under OS/2 2.1's DOS/Windows sessions [with limitations; See (1.3)
DOS and Windows Compatibility]. Also, Norton Commander is now available
for OS/2 2.1.
However, the GammaTech Utilities should fill the role. Contact their
publisher at 405-359-1219. Note that OS/2 2.1 has a built-in UnDelete
utility (see the online Command Reference), and HPFS is resistant to
fragmentation [See (1.5) High Performance File System].
Related information:
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(1.5) High Performance File System
(3.5) Running a BBS Under OS/2
I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS. What is available?
OS/2 is an excellent environment for BBS operation (even using DOS/Windows
software), including large multiline facilities. Related software will
enable FidoNet capabilities, gateways to Usenet/UUCP, nodelist processing,
additional file transfer protocols, and more.
Five popular OS/2-specific BBSes are Maximus and Simplex [available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources), Omega Point/2 (BBS 404-564-1961),
Magnum (phone 818-706-9800, BBS 818-706-9805), and Multi-Net (phone
503-883-8099, BBS 503-883-8197).
For more information on operating a BBS under OS/2 (with conferences
devoted to the subject) log on to one of the OS/2 BBSes listed in (4.11)
OS/2 BBSes.
Related information:
(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support
(4.11) OS/2 BBSes
(3.6) Multimedia (MMPM/2)
What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications?
OS/2 2.1 includes both the Win-OS/2 multimedia extensions and MMPM/2, the
OS/2 multimedia extensions, at no extra charge. OS/2 2.1's MMPM/2 includes
software motion video support for both IBM Ultimotion and Intel Indeo
files. Software motion video provides playback of video clips in a window
under OS/2. (Video for Windows will operate correctly under Win-OS/2, but
Ultimotion is far more capable than Video for Windows. Ultimotion supports
higher frame rates, larger image sizes, better synchronization of video and
audio, and, often, simultaneous playback of two or more video clips, even
with background tasks running.) An accelerated display adapter and a fast
processor can help improve the quality of software motion video.
Drivers for the Creative Labs SoundBlaster series, MediaVision ProAudio
series, and IBM M-Audio Capture and Playback Adapter are provided with
MMPM/2. Other drivers should be available from (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources, or contact your adapter vendor for information on OS/2
driver support. (MediaVision will be releasing a patch which allows the
Creative Labs Soundblaster driver to operate with SoundBlaster clones, like
their own ThunderBoard. The original SoundBlaster and certain ATI
SoundBlaster clones may require a low cost upgrade from the manufacturer to
work with MMPM/2.) A driver for the PC speaker will be released by IBM in
June, 1993, but this driver demands a huge amount of processor attention
and does not provide the fidelity that audio adapters do.
Note that the MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum Plus operates correctly when
using the built-in MMPM/2 ProAudio Spectrum 16 driver. However, to obtain
full functionality you must change the PARAMSTRING line in the
[ibmwavepas1601] section of the file \MMOS2\MMPM2.INI after installation of
MMPM/2. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor), change the line
so that BPS=8 instead of BPS=16. This change causes MMPM/2 to default to
8-bit audio (since the ProAudio Spectrum Plus does not support 16-bit
audio).
MMPM/2 drivers should also be available for Digitan and Omni sound
adapters, directly from their manufacturers. VideoLogic's (phone
617-494-0530) DVA-4000 supports video capture and video display in OS/2
windows as does New Media Graphics's (phone 508-663-0666) Super
VideoWindows. Tecmar (phone 800-624-8560 or 216-349-1009, or FAX
216-349-0851) offers various OS/2 multimedia products, including the
ProSound audio adapter.
REXX programs [see (5.11) REXX] can be used to play, record, and manipulate
MMPM/2 audio and video files. For more information on REXX and MMPM/2,
consult the online Multimedia with REXX document (located in the Multimedia
folder).
More information on IBM's OS/2 multimedia extensions (MMPM/2) and tools,
Ultimotion, multimedia hardware, and IBM multimedia titles (e.g.
Illuminated Manuscript) is available through IBM's Multimedia Office (phone
800-426-9402 ext. 150).
Related information:
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.5) Technical Support
(5.11) REXX
(3.7) Viruses
Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.1?
At present there are no OS/2-specific viruses. However, DOS/Windows
viruses can conceivably infect an OS/2 2.1 system. DOS/Windows antivirus
tools are just as useful in preventing such infection. Also, IBM has an
antivirus package (AntiVirus/2) which runs under OS/2 directly (without
DOS/Windows emulation). McAfee's OS/2 SCAN and CLEAN have been released,
as has Dr. Solomon's Antivirus Toolkit for OS/2 from Ontrack Systems.
Others (Dr. Cohen, for example) are in development.
But OS/2 2.1 is likely to be much more resistant to viruses because of its
design. Viruses running in one virtual DOS/Windows session are likely to
be confined to that session. Low level disk access is curtailed under OS/2
2.1, thus preventing most virus infection at that level. And when a
DOS/Windows virus does trigger, it is far less likely to disrupt the entire
system. In fact, OS/2 is most vulnerable when it isn't in charge (i.e.
when native DOS is being used). A DOS virus then has free reign to write
to the hard disk and possibly disable OS/2. The greater risk comes from
leaving OS/2.
OS/2 2.1 is by no means virus proof -- no system is. But it should prove
more resistant to virus infection.
Related information:
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.8) Networking Products
What networking products are available for OS/2 2.1?
In addition to DOS/Windows products, OS/2-specific TCP/IP support is
available from IBM (phone 800-IBM-CALL), Essex Systems (phone
508-532-5511), FTP Software (send mail to in...@ftp.com), and others. (A
freeware SLIP implementation, PMNOS, is available; see (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources.) The NetWare Workstation Kit 2.01 for OS/2 is available
from Novell (phone 800-873-2831) and IBM for a small charge; it is also
available free of charge from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. Note
that NetWare 4.0 Server (including all the NLMs) can run alongside OS/2 2.1
at the same time, making OS/2 2.1 the only operating system providing
nondedicated NetWare 4.0 server and client capability (a boon for
administration and dual LAN Server/NetWare servers, for example). IBM
offers both NetWare and LAN Server 3.0 (Basic and Advanced) with LAN
requesters. Microsoft sells LAN Manager (which comes bundled with OS/2
1.3). An OS/2 2.1 LAN Manager Requester, part no. 96F8359, is available
from IBM; Microsoft offers a similar requester with LAN Manager 2.1a (or
later). DEC sells Pathworks (Version 2.0b) for OS/2. Banyan Vines 5.5 (or
later) includes an OS/2 2.x requester.
OS/2 NDIS MAC drivers for most network adapters are available from (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources, as well as vax.ftp.com via Internet
anonymous ftp. Drivers for 3Com adapters are available via anonymous ftp
from ftp.3com.com, from the 3Com Support BBS, or from CompuServe (GO
THREECOM). Drivers for Cabletron adapters are available via anonymous ftp
from ftp.ctron.com.
Peer-to-peer networking under OS/2 2.1 is best accomplished (at the moment)
with either a TCP/IP or APPN product, like IBM's TCP/IP or Communications
Manager/2, respectively. TCP/IP (with NFS) is available for nearly all
platforms, so it is a particularly good choice in a mixed environment.
Artisoft is reportedly working on an OS/2 version of LANtastic; contact the
company for details. Note that LANtastic 5.0 can run in an OS/2 2.1 DOS
session, providing either client or server capability (including access to
HPFS long filenames for DOS clients). IBM may have its own offering in the
near future (a repackaging and upgrade of the peer-to-peer support already
provided in LAN Server 3.0). This support can interoperate with Microsoft
Windows for Workgroups.
Infoworld recently called OS/2 the best PC operating system for networking
in a mixed environment (i.e. with multiple network protocols and/or
platforms). With IBM's Network Transport Services/2 at the base (i.e. by
working through a single NDIS interface, using "shims" if necessary),
multiple network protocols can share the same network adapter under OS/2,
avoiding contention. OS/2 is equally adept as network client, server,
and/or peer. It is flexible enough to meet the needs of almost any network
user.
Related information:
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.9) Extended Services
(3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
(3.9) Extended Services
What is Extended Services?
Prior to Version 2.0, IBM offered two separate packages with each release
of OS/2: Standard Edition and Extended Edition. Extended Edition included
extra, bundled software products: the Communications Manager (for
communication with IBM mainframes, minicomputers, and other hosts),
Database Manager (a full, network aware, relational database), and LAN
Requester.
IBM has now unbundled the Extended Edition features, dropped LAN Requester
from the package (now available separately, with IBM's LAN Server), updated
it for OS/2 2.x, and renamed it Extended Services 1.0. ES, by itself, no
longer includes the base operating system as Extended Edition once did.
This new arrangement makes it easier to update the base operating system
with CSDs [See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes]. And now ES 1.0 will
run under OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition as well as OS/2 2.x. Also, ES 1.0,
like OS/2 2.x itself, is designed to operate on both IBM and non-IBM
systems [See (2.1) Hardware Requirements].
While Extended Services will remain available, IBM has decided to further
separate the ES components. DB/2, a full 32-bit relational database, is
available separately as a replacement for ES's Database Manager.
Communication Manager/2 is now also available by itself. With each
component available "a la carte," you can configure your OS/2 system to
your exact specifications (almost always at a lower cost), and you are free
to substitute similar products from other vendors (so you aren't locked
into IBM's offerings).
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(3.8) Networking Products
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(3.10) Special Software Offers
Are there any special software offers I should know about?
Here are some of the OS/2 software products that represent particularly
good values. Most prices do not include shipping and handling.
o FaxWorks. SofNet is offering a native OS/2 fax application which
supports faxing from DOS, Windows, and OS/2 applications. SendFax, Class
1, Class 2, Brooktree, Intel, and other faxmodems are supported. The
standalone version is just $99 direct from SofNet (phone 800-4FAXWORKS or
404-984-8088, or FAX 404-984-9956); ask about network versions.
o Novastor's Novaback Tape Backup Software. This package supports a wide
variety of tape drives, but check ahead to see if yours is supported.
Available for $112 from Programmer's Connection, phone 800-336-1166 or
216-494-8715.
o IBM C Set ++. IBM has released its C++ compiler for OS/2 at a special
price. Through August 31, C Set ++ is $175 on diskette, $149 on CD-ROM.
To order call 800-342-6672 in the U.S. or 800-465-7999 in Canada. Outside
North America, contact your local IBM dealer. C Set ++ on diskette is IBM
Part No. 61G1175; on CD-ROM, 61G1412.
o Borland C++ for OS/2. Available from Below Zero in Calgary (phone
800-461-2777, 403-547-0669, or FAX 403-547-1018) for about $136 U.S.,
including shipping. Add GST in Canada. Below Zero will export outside
North America.
o IBM PL/I. Not everyone is a PL/I programmer, but IBM is offering free
copies of Workframe/2 with every purchase and free product videos. Phone
800-426-3346 ext. STL10 for more information on the two packages
available.
o IBM TCP/IP for OS/2. The universal peer-to-peer networking solution. In
the United States the base package is available for $131 from IBM Direct
(phone 800-IBM-2-YOU); NFS (for disk sharing) and X Windows add-ons are $95
each. Part numbers are 02G6968, 02G6970, and 02G6980, respectively. Both
3.5 inch and 5.25 inch media are included in each package. Additional
license certificates are available at a lower cost.
o New Lotus Applications. Lotus 1-2-3 2.0 and Freelance Graphics 2.0 for
OS/2 are now available. These 32-bit, Workplace Shell and HPFS aware
applications are available at the same prices as the DOS and Windows
counterparts. For educational discounts in the United States contact
Douglas Stewart Co. (phone 800-279-2795).
o Imara ScanTool. Imara Research Corp. is offering its OS/2 ScanTool
software at a special price of $99 with a 30 day money back guarantee.
Works with HP ScanJet, ScanJet Plus, ScanJet IIP, and ScanJet IIC scanners.
Saves files as PCX, raw TIFF, or compressed TIFF. Phone Imara at
416-581-1740 (or FAX 416-581-1605) for more information or to order.
o DeScribe. DeScribe 4.0, the first 32-bit Workplace Shell and HPFS aware
word processor for OS/2, is available for $275 from the IBM OS/2 Hotline
(phone 800-3-IBM-OS2). To qualify for this price you must have purchased
something else (anything else, e.g. the $15 March OS/2 2.1 Beta CD-ROM)
through the Hotline. The price includes any minor maintenance and the next
full release of DeScribe. DeScribe is also available at the educational
price of $125 by calling 800-448-1586 or 916-646-1111, or by FAX at
916-923-3447; ask for Monica.
o Conner Backup Exec. Conner, through some recent acquisitions, has
obtained expertise in OS/2 backup software. Backup Exec is the latest
effort, on sale at a special price of $69. Call 800-468-2587 for more
information or to order.
o Corel Draw 2.5. Corel Systems has dropped the price of Corel Draw 2.5
for OS/2 to just $199 (list).
o Corel SCSI Software. Corel Systems offers a SCSI driver package which
will give you additional support for removeable media (such as
magneto-optical drives) under OS/2 (and DOS). This package is available
for $64.95 from Computability (phone 800-554-9948 or FAX 414-357-7814).
o PFS:Works. Spinnaker has slashed the price of PFS:Works for OS/2, an
integrated software package providing word processing, spreadsheet,
charting, database, and communications functions. Many dealers are
carrying PFS:Works for OS/2 for under $40, including Indelible Blue (phone
919-834-7005, FAX 919-783-8380).
o WordPerfect 5.2. WordPerfect Corp. will ship WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2
in June, 1993. If you already have WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows, you may
obtain the diskettes for the OS/2 version for about $25, thanks to
WordPerfect's generous multiplatform license. (A manual is extra.)
Contact WordPerfect for details, including educational and nonupgrade
pricing. WordPerfect can be reached at 800-451-5151 or FAX 801-222-5077.
o Norton Commander. Through June 30, Symantec is offering the Norton
Commander for OS/2 for just $49. Norton Commander is a file manager and
menuing system. To order phone 800-343-4714 or FAX 303-727-4611.
o Relish. Relish is a 32-bit PIM (personal information manager), handling
scheduling and calendar functions. Relish is now available for only $69
directly from Sundial Systems; mention the "OS/2 User Group Birthday
Special" when ordering. A demonstration version of Relish is available
from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.
o IBM DB2/2. The single user version of IBM's Database 2 for OS/2 is on
sale through August 31 for just $199 (part no. 62G3648). This powerful,
32-bit database is the successor to the Database Manager found in Extended
Services. Server versions are available.
Related information:
(3.1) Applications
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.11) Backup Software
What backup software is available?
Generally DOS backup programs will work under OS/2 2.1, but they may not
capture some OS/2 data (especially extended attributes) on the hard disk
without the assistance of utilities such as EABackup [See (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources].
OS/2 backup tools are available, notably:
Software Title Company Telephone
PMTape and PS2Tape IBM (800) IBM-CALL
Sytos Plus Sytron (508) 898-0100
BBS (508) 898-2608
EZTape and Backup Exec Irwin (Conner) (800) 821-8782
DMS/Intelligent Backup Sterling (916) 635-5535
FileSafe Mountain (408) 438-2665
KeepTrack Plus Finot (800) 748-6480
Back in a Flash! CCT Inc. (612) 339-5870
NovaBack NovaStor (818) 707-9900
OBackup ? See (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources
BackMaster MSR Development (409) 564-1862
MaynStream Maynard (407) 263-3500
The OS/2 BACKUP utility is best used from an OS/2 diskette boot [See (4.4)
Starting OS/2 from Diskette].
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
(3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security
What multiuser extensions and security options are available?
As shipped, OS/2 does not support multiuser operation, although third
parties have grafted multiuser capabilities onto the base operating system.
These products include:
Software Title Company Telephone
Remote-OS Software Lifeline (407) 994-4466
OS2You ? See (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources
Citrix Citrix Systems (305) 755-0559
PolyMod2 MemSoft (407) 997-6655
PC/DACS (Pyramid, phone 203-257-4223) offers security (for multiple users,
one at a time, in a lab setting for example).
IBM LAN Server provides local security (as well as LAN-oriented multiuser
features).
Related information:
(3.8) Networking Products
(4.1) Installation
I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do?
First consult the Installation Guide and other materials accompanying OS/2
2.1. Make sure your PC meets the system requirements in (2.1) Hardware
Requirements.
And if the following instructions do not help, fall back on IBM's toll free
technical support (phone 800-992-4777 in the United States) and/or consult
IBM's Tips and Techniques file [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources].
o Some PCs have trouble printing under OS/2 2.1. This problem can often be
traced to an interrupt conflict, a substandard cable, an interfering
software security "dongle," or a faulty printer adapter. LPT1 uses IRQ 7,
and LPT2, if installed, uses IRQ 5. Interrupts should not be shared on AT
bus machines. The SoundBlaster, for example, comes set to IRQ 7. Reset it
to an unused interrupt.
o Make sure adapters with onboard ROMs are not conflicting with other
adapters. For example, many SuperVGA adapters use large segments of upper
memory, and many hard disk adapters have onboard ROMs which can be mapped
into the same areas. Adapters must not share address space or interrupts.
Check your product manuals for more help.
o Be sure adequate free disk space is available before installing,
including space for a swap file. Drives compressed using Stacker or
similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless access
to these drives from OS/2 is not needed). [An OS/2 version of Stacker is
available, as is Proportional Software's (phone 303-484-2665) DCF/2
on-the-fly disk compression package.]
o Do not select HPFS when installing if your machine has 6 MB of RAM or
less, or diminished performance will likely result. Change the IFS=...HPFS
line in your CONFIG.SYS to REM IFS=... if necessary.
o Be sure your CMOS setup parameters are set correctly, especially those
relating to floppy drives. RAM should be given sufficient wait states and
precharge cycles. Test with cache memory and/or shadow RAM disabled if
necessary. The AT bus should run at 8 MHz. For best performance, make
sure all your RAM is set to be cacheable.
o If you are using the IBMINT13.I13 driver to access an MFM, RLL, or ESDI
hard drive, and the hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders, be certain
your hard disk adapter's sector translation mode is enabled.
o Some Quantum LPS105AT IDE hard disks require a free ROM update (to
Version 2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2.
o If your AMI keyboard BIOS is below Revision F you may need an update.
Contact Washburn & Assoc. (phone 716-248-3627) for an inexpensive
replacement.
o Check to make sure keyboard DIP switches are set correctly. For example,
if the keyboard is attached to a system with an AT bus it should typically
be switched to "AT" mode.
o "Autoswitching" on non-IBM EGA adapters should be disabled (usually with
a DIP switch or jumper setting). In rare cases it may be necessary to
switch third party VGA/SuperVGA adapters into 8-bit mode and/or disable
"autosense." See (2.2) SuperVGA Support.
o OS/2 is particularly sensitive to bad RAM or cache memory (often
reflected in TRAP 0002 error messages). Use a thorough RAM testing
utility, and try not to mix 9-chip and 3-chip SIMM/SIPP memory modules.
When upgrading, avoid adding RAM which is not rated (in nanoseconds) at
least as fast (i.e. with an equal or lower number) as the RAM already in
the system.
o Allow several minutes for OS/2 2.1 to build your desktop (and display
icons) at the end of installation -- take the Tutorial offered to you in
the meantime. Avail yourself of the "Start Here" icon, the other online
help, and the README file located in the root directory. They will help in
getting started with the Workplace Shell and in properly configuring your
system.
o When installing over a beta version of OS/2 be sure to reformat.
o To install the Upgrade Edition of OS/2 2.1, DOS or OS/2 must already
reside on the hard disk. If Diskette 1 is not write protected then the
installation program will record a file indicating that upgrade terms have
been satisfied and, in the future, will not require DOS or OS/2 on the hard
disk to install.
o OS/2 uses the same diskette format as DOS, so use DISKCOPY to backup the
installation diskettes and verify that none have been corrupted.
o Owners of IBM PS/2s should make sure that any applicable ECAs
(engineering changes) have been performed and that the most recent
Reference Diskette is in use. Reference Diskettes are available from the
IBM PC Co. BBS (modem 404-835-6600).
o Try disconnecting any tape backup device if "Cannot find COUNTRY.SYS"
messages are encountered when booting OS/2.
o An Always IN-2000 SCSI adapter with BIOS 3.06A or 3.20 requires an
updated version from the manufacturer. A companion 8-pin serial PROM chip
may also need to be updated. Contact Always at 818-597-9595. Also ask
about non-IBMINT13.I13 driver support.
o The TI TM4000 notebook may require a BIOS update to run OS/2 2.1; phone
817-771-5856 for help.
o For the technically advanced user, the following list of TRAP error codes
may help you in addressing OS/2 problems.
Code Description
0000 Divide by zero error
0001 Debug exception
0002 Non Maskable Interrupt (usually memory parity error)
0003 Breakpoint (one byte INT 3 instruction)
0004 Overflow
0005 Bounds check (BOUND instruction)
0006 Invalid opcode
0007 Coprocessor not available
0008 Double fault
0009 (Reserved)
000A Invalid TSS
000B Segment not present
000C Stack exception
000D General protection
000E Page fault
000F (Reserved)
0010 Coprocessor error
0011-001F (Reserved)
0020-00FF Available for external interrupts via INTR pin
o For the technically advanced user who wishes to install a secondary
diskette controller (provided it uses a separate DMA channel, IRQ, and I/O
address), the following parameters are available for the
BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD line in CONFIG.SYS:
Parameter Description
/MCA Load on Microchannel machine
/A:x Adapter ID (where x is 0 or 1)
/IRQ:x Interrupt level (where x is a number)
/DMA:x DMA channel (where x is a number)
/P:hhhh Controller I/O address (hhhh)
/U:x Drive number (where x is 0 to 3)
/F:ccc Drive capacity (where ccc is 360KB to 2.88MB)
/CL:tttt Changeline type (where tttt is NONE, AT, or PS2)
/SPEC:hh Controller specify bytes (hh)
Example:
BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /A:0 /DMA:3 /IRQ:10 /P:370 /U:0 /F:360KB
Related information:
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(4.2) Installing from Drive B
I can't install OS/2 2.1 from Drive B. What's wrong?
IBM OS/2 2.1 can only be installed starting from Drive A, like DOS (unless
your BIOS supports booting from Drive B). After booting from Drive A, OS/2
can then be copied from CD-ROM or across a network. (For more information
on installation across a network, see Remote Installation and Maintenance,
IBM Publication No. GG24-3780. Related publications include Automated
Installation for CID Enabled OS/2 2.0, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3783, and
Automated Installation for CID Enabled Extended Services, LAN Server 3.0
and Network Transport Services/2, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3781.) If you have
the wrong disk size go back to your dealer and obtain the correct media.
Otherwise you could open your machine and swap floppy drive cable
connectors, use your system's setup utility to set the new CMOS parameters,
and then install OS/2 from the "new" Drive A. Sometimes the floppy drive
cable connectors will not be the same. If so you can obtain an adapter
plug.
You may also use IBM's twin "bootstrap" diskette images [See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources] to boot from a 5.25 inch Drive A and
install using 3.5 inch OS/2 diskettes inserted into Drive B. This procedure
should only be used if absolutely necessary.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.1) Installation
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2?
There is no single best way to partition your hard disk for OS/2. For some
advice on the subject you should consult the IBM OS/2 Installation and
Planning Guide, available for download from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources, and the OS/2 Installation Guide in the OS/2 package.
It can be useful to place OS/2 by itself in a separate partition of about
40 or 50 MB. If you then elect to experiment with beta releases of OS/2,
you can reformat that particular partition quite easily to erase all old
code. The swap file can be placed on another partition; its location is
determined by the SWAPPATH line in CONFIG.SYS.
Partitioning should be performed by booting the OS/2 Installation Disk.
Executing FDISK from the command line will not allow certain functions to
be performed.
Related information:
(1.5) High Performance File System
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (and CHKDSK)
How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without booting from the
hard drive? I'm getting error messages now -- how do I "repair" my hard
disk?
With IBM OS/2 2.1, insert the Installation Diskette, Shutdown (if
necessary), and reboot. When prompted insert Diskette 1 and press ENTER.
When prompted, press ESC. You will be given an OS/2 command line prompt.
From there you can make necessary changes to your hard disk -- an OS/2
character mode text editor on diskette is handy for such changes. (Make
sure you backup CONFIG.SYS before making any changes so that you can easily
revert to the old version should things go wrong.)
You may use this diskette boot method to run CHKDSK on your FAT or HPFS
volumes. After you reach the command line, insert Diskette 2. Do not log
to another drive. Type CHKDSK X: /F to repair most kinds of damage to
your hard disk, replacing X with the appropriate drive letter. (If you are
checking a HPFS disk, use /F:3 if you have the time.) OS/2 CHKDSK will
also mark your hard disk as accessible, if possible, should OS/2 "lock it
out" for some reason. It will also allow Workplace Shell drive objects to
open properly if they are not functioning correctly. Repeat for each drive
letter you wish to check and/or repair.
"Errors" may be reported by CHKDSK if OS/2 was booted from the hard disk.
These "errors" are normal. Since the hard drive is in use by OS/2 itself
(and files are open) CHKDSK is unable to accurately report errors.
The best way to avoid the need to perform CHKDSK is to always select
Refresh then Shutdown. Click on the Workplace Shell desktop background
using mouse button two to bring up the appropriate menu. Also, avoid
manipulating OS/2-related files when using native DOS. Finally, enable
autochecking for all your hard disk volumes. For HPFS volumes use the
/AUTOCHECK parameter in the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS. For FAT
volumes use the AC parameter in the DISKCACHE line of your CONFIG.SYS. See
the online Command Reference for details.
Several utilities [including BOOTOS2; See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources] can create a single, bootable OS/2 diskette (as a convenience).
Preloaded versions of OS/2 2.0 can create a bootable diskette pair from the
Welcome folder. (This step, along with a full BACKUP after a diskette
boot, should be performed immediately upon receipt of any IBM preloaded
OS/2 2.0 system.)
Related information:
(1.5) High Performance File System
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.5) Technical Support
How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions?
If your question is not answered in this List, post a note to the
appropriate Usenet conference: comp.os.os2.apps carries discussions
related to finding or using any application running under OS/2,
comp.os.os2.networking looks at networking issues, comp.os.os2.advocacy
deals with opinions and speculation, comp.os.os2.programmer.porting helps
programmers move applications over to OS/2 from other operating systems and
environments, comp.os.os2.programmer.misc addresses anything else related
to OS/2 programming, comp.os.os2.beta explores beta releases of OS/2,
comp.os.os2.ver1x supports all releases of OS/2 prior to Version 2.0,
comp.os.os2.announce carries important OS/2 announcements, comp.os.os2.bugs
discusses possible bugs found in released versions of the operating system,
comp.os.os2.multimedia fosters conversation about OS/2 multimedia
(including MMPM/2), comp.os.os2.setup offers a place to talk about setup
and installation issues, and comp.os.os2.misc is for any other OS/2-related
discussion. These groups are watched closely by OS/2 experts from IBM.
Also, comp.lang.rexx discusses REXX programming.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) has a dedicated channel (#os/2) which provides
round-the-clock, real time OS/2 support and information thanks to the
efforts of several volunteers. If you are not familiar with IRC, ask your
system administrator for help.
A LISTSERVer distributes its own OS/2 conference by mail; send a single
line message with the word HELP to list...@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be for full
instructions; or send the same message to list...@frors12.circe.fr for
information on an unedited mailing list. To subscribe to the Multimedia
Presentation Manager/2 [See (3.6) Multimedia] mailing list, send a single
line message with the phrase SUBSCRIBE MMOS2-L (Your Name) to
mail-...@knex.via.mind.org.
Your local FidoNet BBS may carry OS/2 echo conferences and/or OS2NET. If
not, ask your system operator to join them. CompuServe (FIND OS/2) and
Prodigy are also excellent resources.
The IBM PC Co. BBS's (modem 404-835-6600) message areas, product database,
and PS/2 Assistant file(s) are invaluable resources. Information on the
IBM OS/2 BBS is included in the OS/2 2.1 package. In the United States IBM
has toll free technical support (phone 800-992-4777), an OS/2 Hotline (
general information, orders, upgrades, phone 800-3-IBM-OS2; ask about OS/2
videotapes, T-shirts, and other accessories), the HelpWare Center (phone
800-PS2-2227), a software order line (phone 800-IBM-CALL), two FAX
information services (phone 800-IBM-4FAX and/or 800-IBM-3395), and an
educational inquiries/order line (phone 800-222-7257). In Canada phone IBM
Personal Systems Software at 800-465-1234.
OS/2 2.1 developers should contact the IBM Developer Assistance Program
(phone 407-982-6408); membership is free. (You may also join on CompuServe
with GO OS2DAP.) The OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-ROM, containing
a wide selection of development tools and code, is available from IBM
(phone 800-3-IBM-OS2 to order in the United States for $20, express
shipping included; in Canada, phone 800-465-1234; in Australia, phone
Rohaini Cain or Mike Voris at 13-2426 ext. 7684; elsewhere, contact the
[Continue with Part 3 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.]