OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. 2.0K (1 of 3)
Timothy F. Sipples
Version: 2.0K
OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
User's Edition
Release 2.0K
March 22, 1993
Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples
For changes, suggestions, or additions please mail
si...@ellis.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, part numbers, or upgrade policies contained in this List.
Electronic mail addresses are in Internet form; use addressing
appropriate to your mail system.
This List is freely distributable. If you redistribute the List, please
include all the original files. If you publish the List, in full or in
part, please forward a copy of the finished publication to Timothy F.
Sipples at the above address.
This List is updated monthly and is distributed through various computer
networks and online services, including the Internet, CompuServe, GEnie,
and many BBSes.
Both ASCII text and OS/2 Information Presentation Facility (INF)
versions of the List are provided. To view the INF version of the List,
go to any OS/2 command line prompt (e.g. double click on "OS/2 Window")
and type:
VIEW OS2FAQ.INF
The ASCII text version may be viewed using any text editor, word
processor, or file listing utility. The text version is intended to
answer any questions you may have before actually obtaining and using
OS/2. You will find that the INF version provides a much more
attractive List, with hypertext links, fast indexing, and, increasingly,
illustrations.
If you have not received both files (OS2FAQ.INF and OS2FAQ.TXT), please
ask your system operator to make sure he/she is receiving the correct
and complete package every month.
Related information:
(0.1) Release Notes
----------
(0.1) Release Notes
Due to the substantial changes in this release, revision markings are
not included. Revision markings will be added when the List stabilizes
a bit.
At some point in the future I plan to add Master Help Index entries.
Please contact the author [See (0.0) Introduction and Credits] if you
would like to volunteer to redistribute the List to BIX or America
Online.
I hope to add two new questions to the FAQ List in the near future. One
will deal with dual monitor configurations, and the other will deal with
SCSI adapter and CD-ROM installation. Also, (2.2) SuperVGA Support and
(5.6) Performance Tuning could both stand substantial revision. Any
contributions are most welcome.
The following sections are new in this release:
(0.2) Recent Developments
(3.10) Special Software Offers
(4.7) Online Services
(4.8) User Groups
(4.9) Books and Magazines
(4.10) Problem Report Form
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
(6.2) How to Create INF Files
Related information:
(0.0) Introduction and Credits
(0.2) Recent Developments
(0.3) Questions in this Release
----------
(0.2) Recent Developments
Two new IBM OS/2 products have been released: Time and Place/2 (a
network-aware calendar and scheduling application for workgroups) and
Person to Person/2 (a computer/video conferencing system).
Borland C++ for OS/2 has been released. See (3.10) Special Software
Offers.
The March OS/2 2.1 Beta and March OS/2 Professional Developer's Kit CD-
ROMs are now available for ordering. See (4.5) Technical Support for
ordering instructions. The new March beta includes still more device
drivers, reduced disk space requirements, drag and drop icon assignment,
enhanced MMPM/2 (including tie-ins to system events), a new INI file
format for speedier and more convenient operation, and much more.
Lotus has released 1-2-3 2.0 and Freelance Graphics 2.0 for OS/2.
Pricing is the same as for DOS and Windows versions, with educational,
technology guarantee, and competitive upgrade discounts. AmiPro and
cc:Mail are expected to follow shortly.
DigiVox Corp. announces Sound Impression for OS/2, a desktop recording
studio with 16-track wave recorder/mixer, MIDI player, and CD player.
Phone DigiVox at 415-494-6200 for details.
The next OS/2 conference is to be held in Toronto on or about June 21.
For more information phone Skills Dynamics at 800-661-2131.
Related information:
(0.3) Questions in this Release
(3.10) Special Software Offers
(4.5) Technical Support
----------
(0.3) Questions in this Release
The following questions are addressed in this release:
(1.0) Fundamentals
(1.1) What is OS/2?
(1.2) What are the differences between versions?
(1.3) How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?
(1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?
(1.5) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it
work with DOS?
(2.0) Hardware
(2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0? Do I need a
PS/2?
(2.2) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
(2.3) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?
(2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.0?
(2.5) Are there any specific hardware recommendations?
(3.0) Software
(3.1) What applications are available for OS/2?
(3.2) Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware?
(3.3) What are the "must have" shareware and freeware titles?
(3.4) Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2?
(3.5) I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS. What is available?
(3.6) What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications?
(3.7) Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.0?
(3.8) What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?
(3.9) What is Extended Services?
(3.10) Are there any special software offers I should know about?
(4.0) Installation, Maintenance, and Support
(4.1) I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0. What should I do?
(4.2) I can't install OS/2 from Drive B. What's wrong?
(4.3) What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2?
(4.4) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without
booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages
now -- how do I "repair" my hard disk?
(4.5) How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions?
(4.6) What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I
get them?
(4.7) Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join?
(4.8) Are there any OS/2 user groups?
(4.9) What OS/2 books and magazines are available?
(4.10) How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM?
(5.0) Using OS/2
(5.1) I'm a Unix wizard. How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix?
(5.2) I prefer Windows. How do I make OS/2 2.0 resemble Windows
(or OS/2 1.3)?
(5.3) Sometimes OS/2 2.0 will freeze when I run an application.
What do I do?
(5.4) How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command
line?
(5.5) How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces?
(5.6) How do I tweak OS/2 2.0 for maximum performance?
(5.7) How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage?
(5.8) My background bitmap does not display correctly. What's
wrong?
(5.9) How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.0?
(5.10) Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?
(6.0) Miscellaneous
(6.1) What can I do to promote OS/2?
(6.2) How can I create INF files?
----------
The following questions are addressed in this section:
(1.1) What is OS/2?
(1.2) What are the differences between versions?
(1.3) How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?
(1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?
(1.5) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work with
DOS?
----------
(1.1) What is OS/2?
OS/2 is an advanced operating system for PCs and PS/2s with an 80286
processor or better. It was codeveloped by Microsoft and IBM and
envisioned as the successor to DOS.
It was designed from the ground up with preemptive multitasking and
multithreading in mind. "Preemptive multitasking" means that the
operating system is responsible for allocating processor time to the one
or more applications which are running. (Cooperative multitasking,
as found in Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh's System 7, requires that
each application surrender the processor after a certain amount of time.
If one application refuses to yield, all the other applications stop
running.) "Multithreading" means that programs can start subtasks which
will then be executed by the operating system in the background. For
example, a word processor may create a separate thread (subtask) to
handle printing or saving to disk. When the user asks the word
processor to perform one of these tasks, the word processor creates a
new thread and control returns to the word processor (and the user)
immediately. The subtask is executed by the operating system in the
background. The user is then free to ask the word processor to perform
another task without waiting for the thread to complete. Applications
which utilitize multithreading can be much more responsive to the user.
OS/2 also protects applications from one another (a single misbehaved
program will not typically disrupt the entire system), supports all
addressable physical RAM, and supplies virtual memory to applications as
requested, breaking DOS's 640K barrier.
As shipped, it does not support multiuser operation, although third
parties have grafted multiuser capabilities onto the base operating
system. These products include:
Software Title Company Telephone
Remote-OS Software Lifeline (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).
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.9) Extended Services
----------
(1.2) What are the differences between versions?
o IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is currently in beta testing and is widely
available [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources and (4.5) Technical
Support]. This new version will support Windows 3.1 applications,
Windows enhanced mode, more third party adapters and peripherals, and
OS/2 multimedia applications [See (3.6) Multimedia].
o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 [latest CSD Level is 06055; See (4.6) Corrective
Service Diskettes] will run only on machines with an 80386SX processor
or better. IBM is developing OS/2 (and its Intel and non-Intel-based
successors) independently but is involving third party PC manufacturers
in its testing. Improvements include an object-oriented Workplace Shell
(WPS); a multiple operating system boot mechanism; better DOS and
Windows support [See (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility]; new 32-bit
programming interfaces; support for more than 16 MB of physical RAM (on
all systems with appropriate BIOS support; memory above 16 MB on those
systems which must rely on 24-bit DMA for disk access, e.g. AT bus
systems with Adaptec 154x SCSI adapters, is used as swap space); and
more third party device drivers. OS/2 1.x applications, unmodified,
still run under OS/2 2.0.
o IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is the last release of OS/2 to operate on PCs
with 80286 CPUs. This version introduced built-in Adobe Type Manager
(ATM) [See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager], providing scalable typefaces for
screen and printer. Procedures Language/2 (REXX), a powerful batch-
oriented programming language, became a part of Standard Edition with
this release. (A few OEMs are shipping Microsoft OS/2 Version 1.3, but
Microsoft has ceded all OS/2 development to IBM.)
o OS/2 Version 1.2 was the first to incorporate the High Performance
File System (HPFS) [See (1.5) High Performance File System]. With this
release IBM OS/2 added a dual boot mechanism and IBM Extended Edition
[See (3.9) Extended Services] introduced REXX.
o OS/2 Version 1.1 was the first to include the Presentation Manager
(PM) GUI/API. Microsoft OEM versions added a dual boot mechanism with
this release.
o OS/2 Version 1.0, introduced in late 1987, was the first release of
OS/2. Task switching was accomplished using a character-based shell and
limited DOS compatibility was provided.
Related information:
(1.1) What is OS/2?
(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.9) Extended Services
(4.5) Technical Support
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
----------
(1.3) How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?
OS/2 1.x [See (1.2) Differences Between Versions] justifiably earned a
reputation for poor DOS compatibility. Since it was hampered by the
80286, it could not run more than one DOS application at a time.
The situation has changed dramatically with OS/2 2.0. Version 2.0
preemptively multitasks DOS and Windows (real and standard mode)
applications in separate, protected sessions, without purchasing either
environment.
OS/2 2.0 provides a complete DOS emulation equivalent to DOS 5.0. The
operating system can provide each DOS application with up to 32 MB of
EMS 4.0 (expanded memory), 16 MB of XMS 2.0 (extended memory), and/or
512 MB of DPMI 0.9 (DOS Protected Mode Interface extended memory), all
from its pool of physical and/or virtual memory (meaning you do not
have to have as much RAM in your system as your applications request).
These limits are in addition to the up to 730K free conventional memory
supplied to each DOS application, even after mouse and network drivers
[See (3.8) Networking Products] are loaded. As in DOS 5.0, DOS code and
device drivers may be loaded into high memory. A 386 memory manager
like QEMM is not needed -- these features are provided by OS/2 2.0
directly.
The DOS emulation allows customization of device driver sets -- each DOS
application shares a systemwide CONFIG.SYS and the equivalent of its own
CONFIG.SYS. Also, there is a systemwide AUTOEXEC.BAT file; batch
commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using
separate, application-specific batch files. And many DOS Settings are
provided to fine tune [See (5.6) Performance Tuning] each DOS/Windows
application's behavior (e.g. IDLE_SENSITIVITY). Most of the popular
DOS/Windows applications on your hard disk will be migrated
automatically when you install OS/2 2.0.
In addition, OS/2 2.0 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in
separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult
applications (e.g. DOS networks, MSCDEX). So, for example, it is
possible to multitask DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and
Desqview running atop DOS, all in separate sessions, either windowed or
full screen, all with the same and/or separate device drivers, TSRs,
environment variables, etc. DOS boot images may be stored on a hard
disk. These procedures are described in the online Command Reference
(under VMDISK), Master Help Index, and in the Installation Guide
(Appendix E). [See also (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions.]
Standard graphics modes [generally up to the resolution of the desktop;
See (2.2) SuperVGA Support] are supported in DOS windows, as are
selectable text mode fonts. Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications
is supported (to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications),
including graphics cut/paste. Theoretically, OS/2 2.0 will run up to
240 simultaneous DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on
system resources.
OS/2 2.0 will, in fact, run virtually all DOS applications in existence,
including notorious ones such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wing
Commander, Maple, MatLab (Version 3.5k or later), and others. Those
that do not run generally fall into the following categories:
1. Programs that use Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) memory
extenders or other extenders which require direct access to 80386
control registers. Since such applications are also all but
incompatible with Windows, most vendors have updates for DPMI
compatibility;
2. Applications which attempt to directly address the physical sectors
of an OS/2 managed nonremoveable hard disk drive. Such programs include
UnErase in Norton Utilities [See (3.4) Disk Utilities]. Fortunately
OS/2 2.0 has a built-in UnDelete feature which is more robust than
Norton's approach. (Consult the online Command Reference for
information on how to enable UNDELETE);
3. Timing sensitive DOS applications. Certain DOS programs that
generate digitized sound through the PC's internal speaker may have
distorted sound. High speed, real time data collection may be
compromised. These problems can often be minimized or even eliminated
using OS/2 2.0's DOS Settings.
4. Certain DOS programming debuggers. DOS applications running under
OS/2 2.0 are not permitted to access debug registers DR0-DR7 from a DOS
session. Also, DOS debuggers will not be able to set hardware
breakpoints, and all read/write operations to debug registers in virtual
8086 mode will be ignored.
Generally DOS backup programs will work under OS/2 2.0, but they may not
capture some OS/2 data (especially extended attributes) on the hard disk
without the assistance of utilities such as EABackup [See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources].
OS/2 backup tools are available, notably:
Software Title Company Telephone
PMTape and PS2Tape IBM (800) IBM-CALL
Sytos Plus Sytron (508) 898-0100
EZTape Irwin (313) 930-9000
DMS/Intelligent Backup Sterling (916) 635-5535
FileSafe Mountain (408) 438-2665
KeepTrack Plus Finot (800) 748-6480
NovaBack NovaStor (818) 707-9900
OBackup ? See (3.2) Shareware and
Freeware Sources
BackMaster MSR Development (409) 560-5970
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]. DOS-based disk caching software is
not required since OS/2 includes a built-in, highly configurable,
efficient disk cache.
DOS programs running under OS/2 2.0 are extremely fast. A single DOS
application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2
2.0 typically achieves 95-97% of the performance it would have under
native DOS. If the DOS application performs any disk I/O it can
actually operate up to several times faster than it would if running
under native DOS.
If pure DOS is absolutely required, OS/2 2.0 includes a utility called
the Boot Manager. The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the
operating systems available on the system and will allow selection of
any one at startup, with a default after timeout. The OS/2 1.x DualBoot
method is still available as well. Consult the Installation Guide for
instructions on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot. Note that OS/2 2.0
need not be installed on Drive C -- it can reside on other volumes [See
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning].
Compatibility with Windows, a popular DOS extender, is provided by Win-
OS/2, an environment based on Microsoft's Windows source code. It runs
Windows 2.x and 3.0 real mode and standard mode applications under OS/2
2.0, either on a full screen Windows desktop (with the familiar Program
Manager and one or more Windows applications) or "seamlessly," alongside
OS/2 applications on the Workplace Shell desktop. "Seamless" operation
is available in VGA, Tseng 4000 SuperVGA, and XGA resolutions with OS/2
2.0 as it ships. [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support.]
Several icon conversion utilities can convert Windows icons for use by
the OS/2 Icon Editor and/or OS/2-specific programs [See (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources]. (No conversion is necessary if the icons are to
be used with Windows programs running under OS/2 2.0.)
OS/2 2.0 directly provides Windows enhanced mode features save one:
services included in WINMEM32.DLL. Windows applications which utilize
this DLL (e.g. Mathematica 2.0, Omnipage Professional 1.0) will not run
under OS/2 2.0. Fortunately the number of WINMEM32 applications is few,
and apparently the vendors of such applications will be shipping OS/2
2.0 compatible updates. The forthcoming OS/2 2.1 will support Windows
enhanced mode and emulate WINMEM32.
Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 Workplace
Shell environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE (Object Linking
and Embedding) 1.0 is supported among Windows applications. Adobe Type
Manager [See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager] for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2 2.0.
Windows screen (for a full screen desktop) and printer device drivers
will work under Win-OS/2 [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support]. Such notorious
Windows applications as Word, Norton Desktop (save portions described
above), Toolbook, and After Dark work fine under Win-OS/2. Even the
Windows Multimedia Extensions (and programs which utilize them) operate
under Win-OS/2. [See (3.6) Multimedia for information on the OS/2
multimedia extensions, MMPM/2.]
Win-OS/2 departs from Microsoft Windows in that it allows more than one
Windows desktop and can preemptively (rather than cooperatively)
multitask Windows applications in separate, robust, protected sessions.
Also, while many Windows 3.1 enhancements are functionally incorporated
into Win-OS/2, Win-OS/2 is not technically Windows 3.1 compatible.
Fortunately there are few Windows 3.1-specific applications. Win-OS/2
will run the Windows 3.0 applets, but it does not include them.
Instead, true OS/2 2.0 spreadsheet, database, communications, time
planning/scheduling, and other applets are provided. OS/2 2.1, due in
the first half of 1993, will incorporate Windows 3.1 support (including
enhanced mode, WINMEM32 emulation, and the Windows applets).
Some Windows applications require OLE DLLs or custom settings in
WIN.INI. If such a Windows application has been installed under the DOS
version of Windows, Win-OS/2 may not be able to find the appropriate
files or configuration. Try reinstalling the Windows application under
Win-OS/2.
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.2) SuperVGA Support
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.4) Disk Utilities
(3.6) Multimedia
(3.8) Networking Products
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.6) Performance Tuning
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
----------
(1.4) Where can I buy OS/2, and how much does it cost?
In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is available from most
software dealers (including Corporate Software, phone 800-677-4000) and
directly from IBM (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2, or 800-222-7257 for educational
inquiries). The cost is just $99. Discounts are available for multiple
licenses and educational purchases. (Phone for details on upgrades from
OS/2 1.x. In Canada phone 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.)
OS/2 2.0 on 3.5 inch diskettes is part no. 84F7586. For 5.25 inch
diskettes, 10G2991. Media are high density. For compact disc, 10G2992.
IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is still available and may be ordered through many
IBM dealers.
IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.0 available everywhere DOS is purchased.
If your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.0, take your business elsewhere
(and explain why). IBM bundles OS/2 2.0 with some PS/1, most
ValuePoint, and all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems. Several other
vendors, including Dell, will preload OS/2 2.0 on request.
IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.: a 30-day, no questions
asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee [See
(2.1) Hardware Requirements].
Microsoft versions of OS/2 1.x are available only through OEMs (e.g.
Compaq and Dell) or by purchasing Microsoft's LAN Manager or SQL Server
products. Microsoft has all but ceased OS/2 development, working
instead on Windows NT.
Related information:
(1.2) Differences Between Versions
(2.1) Hardware Requirements
(3.8) Networking Products
----------
(1.5) Why should I use HPFS? What does it offer me? Does it work with
DOS?
HPFS offers long file names (up to 254 characters including the path,
greatly exceeding the "8 dot 3" limit in DOS's FAT file system),
contiguous storage of extended attributes (without the EA DATA. SF file
used by FAT), resistance to file fragmentation, improved media error
handling, smaller cluster size, support for larger file storage devices
(up to 512 GB), and speedier disk operation, particularly on large hard
disks, on systems with more than 6 MB of RAM. HPFS is not case
sensitive, although it does preserve case in file names.
However, HPFS is not currently supported on removeable media, although
some programs (e.g. BACKUP) preserve long file names on such FAT disks.
Also, native mode DOS cannot access a HPFS partition. However,
DOS/Windows sessions running under OS/2 can use all files that conform
to the "8 dot 3" naming conventions, even if they are stored on HPFS
volumes.
Related information:
(3.4) Disk Utilities
(4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning
(4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette
----------
The following questions are addressed in this section:
(2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0? Do I need a PS/2?
(2.2) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
(2.3) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?
(2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.0?
(2.5) Are there any specific hardware recommendations?
----------
(2.1) What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0? Do I need a PS/2?
You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or
more strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 20-
35 MB free), a supported video adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, Tseng 4000
SuperVGA, 8514/A, XGA, or third party driver) with appropriate display,
and a high density 3.5 or 5.25 inch floppy drive for installation. A
mouse or other pointing device is strongly recommended. Allow extra RAM
and hard disk space for OS/2-based networking [See (3.8) Networking
Products], Extended Services [See (3.9) Extended Services], and/or extra
system loads (i.e. an extraordinary number of large applications running
simultaneously). When calculating hard disk space requirements,
subtract space occupied by files already on the hard disk which are
functionally included in OS/2 2.0 and may be deleted, e.g. DOS, a 386
memory manager, Windows, Adobe Type Manager [See (5.5) Adobe Type
Manager] with base typefaces, etc.
The Workplace Shell (WPS) will not operate with the Monochrome Display
Adapter or the Hercules Monochrome Graphics Adapter. Usually the WPS
will fail to work with monochrome EGA. However, some EGA adapters (e.g.
Paradise Monochrome EGA Card, ATI EGA Wonder) will emulate all color EGA
modes on TTL monochrome monitors and, thus, will work with the WPS.
Certain dual monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for
advice.
On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly
all MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, and
IBM SCSI adapters. (True OS/2 2.0 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g.
Trantor, DPT, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Mylex, CE
Infosys, Ciprico, and others are available directly from the adapter
manufacturers. A driver for the Always IN-2000 adapter is available by
phoning Columbia Data Products at 407-869-6700. Columbia also provides
the necessary EPROM and PROM upgrades.) In addition, "generic" INT13
support is provided for all other hard disk adapters. This "generic"
support even embraces such devices as Iomega's Bernoulli and SyQuest's
removeable media products (but for best results contact Iomega or
SyQuest for an OS/2 2.0 driver).
OS/2 driver support is available for the following CD-ROM drives:
o IBM
- all models
o Hitachi
- CDR-1650S
- CDR-1750S
- CDR-3650
- CDR-3750
o NEC
- CDR-25
- CDR-36
- CDR-37
- CDR-72
- CDR-73
- CDR-74
- CDR-82
- CDR-83
- CDR-84
o Panasonic
- CR-501
- LK-MC501S
o Texel
- DM-3021
- DM-3024
- DM-5021
- DM-5024
o Toshiba
- 3301T
- TXM3301
- 3301B
- XM-3201
- 3401
o Pioneer
- DRM-604X
o Sony
- CDU-541
- CDU-561
- CDU-6111
- CDU-6211
- CDU-7211
when attached to IBM, Future Domain, Adaptec, or other SCSI adapters
with native OS/2 2.0 support. A driver for non-SCSI Sony CD-ROM drives
(e.g. the CDU-535) is also available, and others (e.g. Mitsumi) should
follow soon. The OS/2 support includes audio, ISO 9660/High Sierra, CD-
ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD compatibility for those drives which support
these standards. Drivers are available from several sources [See (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Storage Devices offers OS/2 drivers
for its parallel port attached peripherals, including its CD-ROM drive.
Corel Systems offers a set of drivers for many more CD-ROM drives and
SCSI adapters. DOS device drivers, when installed using a specific DOS
session [See (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions], will still provide CD-ROM
services to DOS/Windows programs for the remainder.
See (2.3) Printer Support for information on OS/2 printer and plotter
compatibility.
Version 2.0 is explicitly supported on PC compatibles. IBM is offering
a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S. Should OS/2 2.0 fail
to work on your compatible within the first 90 days of use, and should
IBM be unable to fix the problem, your purchase price will be refunded.
To date over 400 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(3.8) Networking Products
(3.9) Extended Services
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager
(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions
----------
(2.2) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
If you have a SuperVGA adapter, OS/2 2.0 should initially be installed
using the standard VGA driver. Then consult the README file OS/2 copies
to your root directory for more information on SuperVGA support.
OS/2 2.0 comes with basic mode switching capabilities to handle
applications which utilize SuperVGA modes. If OS/2 2.0 detects a
SuperVGA adapter it will list two SuperVGA support files, VSVGA.SYS and
BVHSVGA.DLL, in your CONFIG.SYS file. [A replacement VSVGA.SYS file,
dated April 20, 1992, or later, fixes Tseng 4000 and TRAP 000E problems.
A replacement BVHSVGA.DLL file, dated April 21, 1992, or later, fixes
C0000005 errors involving Western Digital/Paradise chipset adapters.
See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.]
To enable this mode switching support, available for most SuperVGA
adapters, you must start a DOS full screen session, issue the command
SVGA ON, EXIT, Shutdown, and reboot. (In the same DOS full screen
session and prior to SVGA ON you may run utilities which customize
refresh rates. The new refresh rates will take effect after you reboot.
You may also wish to run such a utility from AUTOEXEC.BAT.) SVGA ON
creates a text file called \OS2\SVGADATA.PMI which describes your
SuperVGA adapter to the system. Then you may install high resolution
drivers.
Aside from DOS applications (which may require their own drivers), OS/2
2.0 requires up to three high resolution support files:
\OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL Workplace Shell display driver
\OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV Win-OS/2 full screen driver
\OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\SWINVGA.DRV Win-OS/2 "seamless" driver
You may replace any one of these individually for high resolution
operation in each given mode, but be sure to keep a backup copy of the
original file(s). The "seamless" Win-OS/2 and WPS desktop driver files
must match (in terms of resolution and number of colors) if you wish to
run Windows programs "seamlessly." Any suitable Windows SuperVGA driver
will work as a Win-OS/2 full screen driver, but be sure to use the
EXPAND utility (as described in README) when installing.
OS/2 1.3 SuperVGA drivers often serve, with some limitations, as
Workplace Shell desktop drivers. Use the command DDINSTAL to replace
DISPLAY.DLL. Setting IOPL=YES in CONFIG.SYS may be required with a
SuperVGA adapter.
CAUTION:
For OS/2 2.0 CSD level 06055 [See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes],
\OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL should not be replaced, using DDINSTAL or
otherwise. Instead, create a separate directory (e.g. \DISPLAY) and
copy the vendor supplied 16-bit driver DLL file to \DISPLAY\DISPLAY.DLL.
In CONFIG.SYS, place the \DISPLAY pathname, including drive letter,
before \OS2\DLL in the LIBPATH line. The exception to this procedure is
Tseng 4000 SuperVGA. To install any of the available 256 color Tseng
4000 SuperVGA drivers, use OS/2 System -> System Setup -> Selective
Install. Check the Primary Display box, reselect SuperVGA, then
proceed.
Drivers for the following SuperVGA adapters (or adapters based on these
chipsets) are available. In most cases the drivers are available from
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.
Key
A All modes supported.
B Most or some modes supported.
C One mode supported.
S Supports "seamless" Win-OS/2 in at least one mode.
X Experimental or beta.
Trident Series B S
Tseng Labs ET4000 B S
Compaq QVision B
Genoa 7000 B
ATI VGA Wonder Series B S X
ATI Ultra and Vantage Series B
Lava Computer (phone 416-674-5942) B S
Orchid Farenheit (S3-based) B
Paradise/Western Digital B S X
Video7/Headland VRAM II B S X
Cirrus Logic B
Actix Systems (phone 408-986-1625) ?
Number Nine (phone 617-674-0009) ?
Portacom (phone 415-390-8507) ?
"Generic" 800x600 16 color (VGA800-B) C
In addition, several vendors, notably Ahead (phone 510-623-0900) and
Radius (phone 408-434-1010), are readying XGA-2 compatible display
adapters for market. Number Nine TIGA adapter support is available from
Janus Systems (phone 805-484-9770).
Consult adapter vendors for up-to-date information on driver
availability.
Some SuperVGA adapters cause problems with DOS/Win-OS/2 sessions. Try
turning VIDEO_ROM_EMULATION off, HW_ROM_TO_RAM on, and/or DOS_RMSIZE to
624 in DOS Settings.
If you have an ATI Ultra, Vantage, or other 8514/A hardware compatible
adapter, install OS/2 using the 8514/A driver. With the Ultra Plus and
Ultra Pro adapters, make sure you set the monitor type to VGA using the
supplied ATI setup diskette before you install OS/2. You may still use
customized refresh rates for high resolution modes, but the adapter must
report the monitor type as VGA (or 8514/A) to OS/2.
IBM was unable to test all SuperVGA adapters, so if you are experiencing
problems report them through IBM's toll free support (phone 800-237-5511
in the United States) and to the adapter manufacturer.
If SuperVGA continues to cause problems the stock VGA driver may be used
(preventing DOS/Windows applications from using SuperVGA modes,
however). In CONFIG.SYS change DEVICE=...VSVGA.SYS to ...VVGA.SYS and
SET VIO_VGA...(BVHVGA,BVHSVGA) to ...(BVHVGA). This procedure may be
required for first generation SuperVGA adapters based on Trident 8800
and Tseng 3000 chipsets, for example.
OS/2 2.0's installation program [CSD level 02000 only; See (4.6)
Corrective Service Diskettes] has difficulty with certain Oak video
adapters. Temporarily replace the video adapter to install OS/2, or
contact IBM for a patch.
Related information:
(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes
(5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps
----------
(2.3) Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?
OS/2 2.0 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets, DeskJets [See
(4.1) Installation], and PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets,
Proprinters, Quickwriters, Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and
Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix and laser printers; Postscript devices;
and other printers (e.g. Panasonic) compatible with these families. A
variety of IBM and HP plotters is also supported. Drivers for NEC dot
matrix printers are now available [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware
Sources].
DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows
applications. OS/2 2.0 includes a large assortment of Windows printer
drivers for Win-OS/2. If necessary install Windows printer drivers
using the Win-OS/2 Control Panel. OS/2 2.0 and OS/2 1.3 printer drivers
are interchangeable in many cases.
If your printer is not compatible with one of the drivers supplied with
OS/2, check with the printer manufacturer first then with (3.2)
Shareware and Freeware Sources. If you own an IBM printer, check with
the Lexmark BBS (modem 606-232-5653). The Lexmark/IBM 4070 InkJet
driver, for example, will also work with Canon BubbleJet printers.
Related information:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
(4.1) Installation
----------
(2.4) Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2?
COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.
On (E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS. Using a
text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)"
parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames. One example:
DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
Parameters for COM1 and COM2 need not be included (unless they are
somehow nonstandard). OS/2 must end up with sequentially numbered
logical COM ports, if possible. For example, if (physical) port two is
not installed but port three or port four is installed, start numbering
using (2,...) in the DEVICE lines. If these efforts fail, try IBM's
patched COM drivers or the SIO drivers [available from (3.2) Shareware
and Freeware Sources].
Note that AT bus COM ports cannot be used at the same time if they share
interrupts because of bus design limitations (cf. "Under the Hood: How
Interrupts Work," Byte, February, 1992). An adapter which provides more
flexibility in interrupt selection (e.g. the 16-bit model from Boca
Research) may prove helpful. Also, PolyCom, a replacement driver
available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, supports up to
eight ports with the right hardware.
"Smart" (coprocessor controlled) multiport communication adapters should
be used when installing more than four ports. Such an adapter will work
with OS/2 if the manufacturer has written an appropriate driver.
Examples include:
Company Telephone Number
IBM (ARTIC) (800) PS2-2227
Digiboard (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:
(3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources
----------
(2.5) Are there any specific hardware recommendations?
Here are some of the peripherals and adapters that are particularly well
suited to OS/2. Some true bargains are included. Prices do not include
shipping and handling.
o Radius XGA-2 Adapter. An AT bus display adapter providing superior
performance and driver support under OS/2. Price: $419 from Connecting
Point Computers (phone 505-345-7888). A Microchannel version is
available from IBM for an even lower price.
o ATI VGAWonder Turbo. This new, low cost ($249 list price) AT bus
display adapter uses the 8514/A hardware compatible ATI Mach 32
coprocessor. With 8514/A hardware compatibility you can utilize OS/2's
built-in 1024x768 256 color 8514/A driver (or any drivers which ATI may
release in the future). Dealers should be able to offer discounts off
the list price.
o Thomas Conrad Token Ring Adapter. Until April 30, 1993, Thomas Conrad
is offering its 16/4 Mbps Token Ring adapter for just $99. Limit one
per customer site. Phone 800-332-8683 or 512-836-1935 for details. No
other purchases are necessary. Money back guarantee.
o Western Digital EtherCard Plus. An 8-bit ethernet adapter (meaning
you'll need a free, lower interrupt). IBM LAN software (like TCP/IP)
includes an EtherCard Plus driver -- no need to go searching. Price:
$49 from Hi-Tech (phone 805-966-5454).
o Future Domain 1660ER SCSI Adapter. AT bus, 16-bit SCSI adapter for
CD-ROM drives, hard drives, and other SCSI peripherals. Price: $58 from
ICP Corp. (phone 908-613-4444). May require $25 ROM upgrade from Future
Domain for DOS compatibility.
Set jumpers JP1 as follows: 1-Closed, 2-Closed, 3-Open (IRQ 11
enabled), 4-Open, 5-Open (I/O address to 0140-014F), 6-Closed, and
7-Open (BIOS address to CA000-C8FFF).
o NEC CDR-25 CD-ROM Drive with SCSI Interface. An external, portable
CD-ROM drive (with optional battery back available). Compatible with
ISO 9660/High Sierra, audio, CD-ROM/XA, and single session Kodak Photo
CD. Speed: 650 ms average access time, 150K/second sustained data
transfer rate. Does not use CD-ROM caddies. Price: $219 from ICP Corp.
(phone 908-613-4444). An 8-bit Trantor SCSI adapter and cable is $39
extra. A slightly faster (450 ms) drive, the NEC CDR-36, is available
with cable and Trantor SCSI adapter for $288 from ERM Liquidators (phone
800-776-5865). This model does not support Kodak Photo CD, however.
o Toshiba CD-ROM Drive. The latest, super fast Toshiba CD-ROM drive,
Model 3401, is available from CD-ROM Direct (phone 800-332-2404) for
$399.
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 DAT) model is $650. All will work with GTAK tape backup software
[See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] when attached to an OS/2
supported SCSI adapter.
o 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Port Adapters. Improves high speed
serial communications performance. Price: $35 for a two port adapter
from Zero-One Networking (phone 714-693-0808).
o Creative Labs SoundBlaster. Original (2.0) and Pro models are
available from many suppliers and provide audio output for OS/2
multimedia applications. Prices range from about $90 to $170.
o IBM M-Audio Adapter. Available in either AT bus or Microchannel
models for the same price. Provides compact disc quality audio
reproduction and recording capabilities under OS/2. Price: $235 from
IBM Direct (phone 800-IBM-2YOU) or $222 from IBM Educational Sales
(phone 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 at about $190. An appropriate driver
will ship with OS/2 2.1.
o IBM Quietwriter Printers. Micro Recyling (phone 708-488-2000) is
selling used IBM Quietwriter II printers for $95 and Quietwriter III
printers for $130. These printers carry a 30-day warranty. A QW II
sheetfeeder is $20, and a QW III dual bin sheetfeeder is $25 (both "as-
is"). Both offer laser quality printing. Note that, while the print
quality is superb, the cost of consumables is quite high, particularly
for the Quietwriter II.
[Continue with Part 2 of 3.]
--
Timothy F. Sipples | READ the OS/2 FAQ List 2.0K, available from
si...@ellis.uchicago.edu | 128.123.35.151, anonymous ftp, in /pub/os2/all/info
Dept. of Econ., Univ. | /faq, or from LIST...@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP")
of Chicago, 60637 | [Post to ONE newsgroup only AFTER reading the List.]
Bill Healton
In article <1993Mar22....@midway.uchicago.edu>, si...@ellis.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples) writes:
>
> OS/2 driver support is available for the following CD-ROM drives:
>
>
> - CDR-25
> - CDR-36
> - CDR-37
> - CDR-72
> - CDR-73
> - CDR-74
> - CDR-82
> - CDR-83
> - CDR-84
>
> 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. 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.
I have purchased the NEC CD Express bundle which includes the NEC CDR-25
CD-ROM drive with the Trantor T130 (NEC OEMed) and speakers with 10 CDs.
I already have a Future Domain FD-1670. I plan to use the T130 in one system,
and move the drive between it and the FD-1670 as needed.
First the problem. I have loaded the NEC CDROM support for 2.1b(12/92) but
this only includes the CDR-36,74, & 84. How do I get the correct files
(NECCD.FLT??) to recognize the CDR-25?
Also FYI, this package was only $329 @ Computer Discount Warehouse and NEC has
a special if purchased before the end of the month you get 2 additional CDs for
S&H cost only, and can get a Thunder Board for $69.00. (I decided to go for the
extras is why I bought this bundle). The docs with this CDR-25 say it is 800ms,
not the 650ms I have seen advertised previously.
Thanks for your help. Bill Healton
reply to wlhe...@kopepc02.delcoelect.com
--
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.
Timothy F. Sipples
>First the problem. I have loaded the NEC CDROM support for 2.1b(12/92) but
>this only includes the CDR-36,74, & 84. How do I get the correct files
>(NECCD.FLT??) to recognize the CDR-25?
That's all you need to do for the CD-ROM. It's now the SCSI adapter
that's the problem. I suggest using Selective Install to install SCSI
adapter support for, say, the Future Domain adapter (pick one). Then,
after Selective Install has completed, go to your CONFIG.SYS file and
change the BASEDEV line which points to the Future Domain driver
(FDxxxxx.ADD) to your Trantor driver. Copy the Trantor driver file to
\OS2, delete the Future Domain driver file from the same place, and
reboot. With luck you should be in business.
I'll include a better explanation in a future release of the OS/2 FAQ
List.
Bill Healton
In article <1993Mar28.2...@midway.uchicago.edu>, si...@ellis.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples) writes:
> >First the problem. I have loaded the NEC CDROM support for 2.1b(12/92) but
> >this only includes the CDR-36,74, & 84. How do I get the correct files
> >(NECCD.FLT??) to recognize the CDR-25?
>
> That's all you need to do for the CD-ROM. It's now the SCSI adapter
> that's the problem. I suggest using Selective Install to install SCSI
> adapter support for, say, the Future Domain adapter (pick one). Then,
I already have the Future Domain .ADD installed. But still no access to the
CD-ROM drive. The pertinent lines of my config.sys are:
IFS=E:\OS2\CDFS.IFS /Q
BASEDEV=OS2DASD.DMD
DEVICE=E:\OS2\MDOS\VCDROM.SYS
BASEDEV=OS2CDROM.DMD /Q
BASEDEV=OS2SCSI.DMD
BASEDEV=FD16-700.ADD
BASEDEV=NECCDS1.FLT
no errors on booting but "dir f:" gives "SYS0015 The system cannot find the
drive specified." (C:-E:) are partitions on the (2) SCSI Hard drives also
connected to the FD-1670. The CD is found by the BIOS on bootup, so its not
a hookup problem. Is there something else missing?(I had no CDROM.SYS which
I have seen others having to delete)
Thanks for your help.
Timothy F. Sipples
>I already have the Future Domain .ADD installed. But still no access to the
>CD-ROM drive. The pertinent lines of my config.sys are:
>IFS=E:\OS2\CDFS.IFS /Q
>BASEDEV=OS2DASD.DMD
>DEVICE=E:\OS2\MDOS\VCDROM.SYS
>BASEDEV=OS2CDROM.DMD /Q
>BASEDEV=OS2SCSI.DMD
>BASEDEV=FD16-700.ADD
>BASEDEV=NECCDS1.FLT
>no errors on booting but "dir f:" gives "SYS0015 The system cannot find the
>drive specified." (C:-E:) are partitions on the (2) SCSI Hard drives also
>connected to the FD-1670. The CD is found by the BIOS on bootup, so its not
>a hookup problem. Is there something else missing?(I had no CDROM.SYS which
>I have seen others having to delete)
Here are the lines I have from my CONFIG.SYS:
DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCDROM.SYS
DEVICE=C:\OS2\OS2CDROM.DMD /Q
IFS=C:\OS2\CDFS.IFS /Q
BASEDEV=OS2SCSI.DMD
BASEDEV=NECCDS1.FLT
BASEDEV=TMV1SCSI.ADD (This line depends on which SCSI adapter you have.)
The order could be significant, so you might try rearranging them.
I would also suggest turning your CD-ROM drive on and placing a valid
CD-ROM in it as you boot up.