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Archive-name: os2-faq/user/part1
Version: 2.1A

[Part 1 of 4]

 OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List 
 User's Edition 
 Release 2.1A
 June 14, 1993 
 Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples
 
For changes, suggestions, or additions please mail 
sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu or write:  
                                        
 Timothy F. Sipples 
 Center for Population Economics 
 University of Chicago 
 1101 East 58th Street 
 Chicago, IL  60637
 U.S.A.
 
I cannot acknowledge your contribution(s), but they are greatly 
appreciated.  
 
Mention of a product does not constitute an endorsement.  Customers outside 
the United States should not necessarily rely on 800 telephone numbers, 
page numbers, part numbers, or upgrade policies contained in this List.  
Electronic mail addresses are in Internet form; use addressing appropriate 
to your mail system.  

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

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

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

 VIEW OS2FAQ.INF 

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

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

 
 Related information: 
 
 (0.1) Release Notes 
 

(0.1) Release Notes

Text which has been revised or updated since the last release will appear 
in the same color as this paragraph.  Unfortunately, this form of marking 
will not be evident in the plain text or hardcopy versions of the List.  If 
anyone has any strong objections to this form of revision marking, please 
let me know.  (I have several ideas on how to improve this method, but I 
would appreciate your feedback.)  

At some point in the future I plan to add Master Help Index entries.  I 
also hope to add a glossary of terms.  

Substantial changes have been made to this List to reflect new information 
on IBM OS/2 Version 2.1.  Hence, the version number of the List has changed 
(to match OS/2's version number).  Revision marking is omitted in this 
release since so much has changed since the last release.  BBS operators 
and archive maintainers:  please retain Version 2.0L of this List, the last 
version to deal specifically with OS/2 Version 2.0.  

Please contact the author [See (0.0) Introduction and Credits] if you would 
like to volunteer to redistribute the List to BIX.  

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

(0.2) Recent Developments

See (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1 for complete information on IBM's new 
version of OS/2.  

IBM will be holding the next Personal Software Products (PSP) Technical 
Interchange conference (formerly the OS/2 Technical Interchange) in 
Orlando, Florida, from August 29 through September 2. Call 800-872-7109 or 
508-443-4990 for more information.  

See (3.10) Special Software Offers for additional software specials and for 
more information on some of the following:  

o WordPerfect is now accepting orders for WordPerfect 5.2 for OS/2 for 
delivery in the next few weeks.  WordPerfect for OS/2 features integration 
with the Workplace Shell, multithreaded background printing, and background 
conversion of documents stored in older formats.  

o Two new on-the-fly disk compression packages are now available.  
Proportional Software's DCF/2 Version 1.1 is both HPFS and FAT compatible 
and is certified for both OS/2 2.0 and 2.1.  Stacker for OS/2 and DOS (from 
Stac Electronics, list price $199) provides compression on FAT drives only, 
but backward compatibility with the DOS version is assured.  

o VisPro/REXX, the visual application builder for OS/2, is now shipping.  
VisPro/REXX, produced by HockWare (formerly UCANDU Software), offers an 
environment which is tightly integrated with the Workplace Shell.  
Applications are built by dragging GUI elements (such as sliders, 
containers, and buttons) to a form.  A series of simple menus help to 
establish relationships between these GUI elements.  VisPro/REXX 
automatically generates the REXX code necessary to write the application.  
A VisPro/REXX application can be saved to a simple .EXE file (which has 
only about 90K of overhead) and distributed royalty-free.  VisPro/REXX is 
available for $299 direct from HockWare (telephone 919-387-7391 or FAX 
919-380-0757) or at a discount from such dealers as The Programmer's Shop.  

o IBM is close to finishing a trio of new, powerful multimedia development 
tools.  Ultimedia Builder/2 features a graphical filmstrip interface with 
authoring and playback buttons to help users build applications that 
feature audio, video, still images, and view interaction.  It offers a 
powerful multimedia scripting language, and a state-of-the-art multimedia 
tutorial and online help are available.  Ultimedia Workplace/2 allows you 
to manage multimedia objects simply and visually by providing browsable 
icons for each object.  It provides natural extensions to the Workplace 
Shell and allows you to define and enter descriptive fields for multimedia 
objects.  UW/2 will integrate with several relational databases.  Ultimedia 
Perfect Image/2 offers easy capture and enhancement of images for use in 
multimedia presentations.  It lets users enhance, retouch, or rearrange 
images in popular true color file formats.  To obtain a CD-ROM containing 
the final beta versions of these tools, or to inquire about the retail 
products, telephone 415-694-3049.  

o Corel Systems has reduced the price of Corel Draw 2.5 for OS/2 to $199 
(list).  

o IBM is now shipping beta Remote LAN Access code.  A pair of new 
applications provides dial-in capability to OS/2 LANs.  For more 
information on this beta program, ask your IBM representative to submit on 
online request on IBM's VM Network to BETASRUS at AUSVM1, FAX 512-838-4002, 
or phone 800-IBM-3040 (800-561-5293 in Canada).  

o Through September 1, Sytron is offering its Sytos Rebound add-on to Sytos 
Plus for just $79.  Rebound provides users of Sytos Plus with a character 
mode restore program.  Now it is not necessary to reinstall OS/2 to perform 
a system restoration from backup.  Sytron can be reached at 800-877-0016 or 
508-898-0100.  

o Watcom will release VX REXX for OS/2 this month at an introductory price 
of $99.  VX REXX is another visual builder for OS/2 REXX.  Contact Watcom 
at 800-265-4555 or FAX 519-747-4971 for more information.  

o IBM is now offering developers access to their new Continuous Speech 
Series for OS/2.  Beta level software and an array of support services and 
discounts are available for developers who wish to produce applications 
based on IBM's new OS/2- and AIX-based continuous speech recognition 
software, the most advanced technology of its kind.  For more information 
on IBM Continuous Speech Series, contact the Developer's Program at (404) 
283-2200.  
 
 
 Related information: 
 
 (0.3)  Questions in this Release 
 (0.4)  Special Report on OS/2 2.1
 (3.10) Special Software Offers 
 

(0.3) Questions in this Release

The following questions are addressed in this release:  

 (1.0)  Fundamentals 

      (1.1)  What is OS/2? 

      (1.2)  What are the differences between versions? 

      (1.3)  How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility? 

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

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

  
  (2.0)  Hardware 

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

      (2.2)  Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter? 

      (2.3)  Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer? 

      (2.4)  Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.1? 

      (2.5)  Are there any specific hardware recommendations? 

      (2.6)  Can I use more than 16 MB of RAM? 

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

  
  (3.0)  Software 

      (3.1)  What applications are available for OS/2? 

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

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

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

      (3.5)  I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS.  What is available? 

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

      (3.7)  Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.1? 

      (3.8)  What networking products are available for OS/2 2.1? 

      (3.9)  What is Extended Services? 

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

      (3.11)  What backup software is available? 

      (3.12) What multiuser extensions and security options are available?

  
  (4.0)  Installation, Maintenance, and Support 

      (4.1)  I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1.  What should I do? 

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

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

      (4.4) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without 
            booting from the hard drive?  I'm getting error messages now --
            how do I "repair" my hard disk?

      (4.5)  How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions? 

      (4.6) What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get
            them?

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

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

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

      (4.10)  How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM? 

      (4.11)  What OS/2 BBSes can I dial? 

  
  (5.0)  Using OS/2 

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

      (5.2) I prefer Windows.  How do I make OS/2 2.1 resemble Windows (or
            OS/2 1.3)?

      (5.3) Sometimes OS/2 2.1 will freeze when I run an application.  What
            do I do?

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

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

      (5.6)  How do I tweak OS/2 2.1 for maximum performance? 

      (5.7)  How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage? 

      (5.8) My background bitmap does not display correctly.  What's wrong?

      (5.9)  How do I boot a real version of DOS from within OS/2 2.1? 

      (5.10)  Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.1? 

      (5.11)  How do I use REXX?  What does it do? 

      (5.12)  What ANSI escape sequences can be used? 

  
  (6.0)  Miscellaneous 

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

      (6.2)  How can I create INF files? 


(0.4) Special Report on OS/2 2.1

On May 18, IBM announced OS/2 Version 2.1, slated for delivery in the 
United States on June 14 to all users.  

Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 (MMPM/2), the OS/2 multimedia extensions, 
are now a part of the base operating system (included at no extra charge).  
MMPM/2 includes support for sound output (including WAV and MIDI format 
files), software motion video (Ultimotion and Intel Indeo formats), and 
other advanced multimedia features.  

Ultimotion software motion video is the most advanced on the market for 
PCs, providing on most hardware, without any assist, up to 320x240 pixel 
video images displayed at up to 30 frames per second in 256 colors with an 
8- or 16-bit soundtrack.  These video images are properly synchronized with 
the sound output thanks to OS/2's preemptive multitasking and 
multithreading architecture.  Background tasks continue to operate without 
loss of foreground responsiveness to most multimedia operations.  

OS/2 2.1 includes drivers for the MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum series of 
adapters, Creative Labs SoundBlaster series, and IBM M-Audio.  Other 
drivers are expected to be released in parallel with OS/2 2.1 on vendor 
bulletin boards.  

Note:  SoundBlaster clones may not operate properly with the Creative Labs 
drivers in MMPM/2.  MediaVision is working on a simple patch (to enable 
their ThunderBoard to work with the Creative Labs SoundBlaster driver), and 
that patch should work with other SoundBlaster clones.  

IBM will also be releasing a driver which provides limited fidelity sound 
output on the standard PC speaker.  This driver does require a substantial 
amount of processor attention, so background tasks may experience decreased 
responsiveness.  This speaker driver will be released to OS/2 bulletin 
boards, CompuServe, the Internet, and other electronic sources, and it 
should be available on or about June 14.  It will provide MMPM/2 sound 
output for those customers who do not have dedicated sound hardware.  

The shrinkwrap OS/2 2.1 package now includes over 600 pages of hardcopy 
documentation, with extensive information on installation and use of the 
operating system.  Moreover, the online documentation (particularly the 
online Command Reference) has been enhanced.  

Beta testers of OS/2 2.1 will recall that FAX/PM (an applet which could 
send one page faxes using Class 2 faxmodems) was part of the product.  This 
applet has been pulled from the final release of OS/2 2.1 because it was 
found to be far too limiting.  Instead, a new multimedia game, Mahjongg, 
has been provided.  Follow the instructions in the OS/2 2.1 README file to 
install Mahjongg.  

OS/2 2.1 adds several new SuperVGA drivers, all with so-called "seamless" 
Windows support (meaning that Windows applications can run alongside OS/2 
and DOS applications on the OS/2 Workplace Shell desktop).  The built-in 
SuperVGA support extends to display adapters based on most Tseng 4000, 
Cirrus Logic, Trident 8900, ATI, Paradise/Western Digital, IBM, and 
Headland/Video7 chipsets.  Both the 8514/A and XGA drivers also support 
"seamless" Windows.  Text window scrolling speed for SuperVGA adapters has 
been improved.  OS/2 2.1 has also routinized the procedure for using video 
mode setting utilities (to set customized refresh rates or reset registers 
properly).  

Many drivers for other SuperVGA adapters based on other chipsets are 
expected to be released on or shortly after the June 14th delivery date, 
through vendor bulletin boards and other electronic sources.  

OS/2 2.1 adds support for Windows 3.1 applications, including enhanced mode 
applications.  The OS/2 exclusive features (such as the ability to start 
multiple Win-OS/2 desktops) are preserved.  Also, DOS and OS/2 applications 
can be started from the Win-OS/2 Program Manager and from other Windows 
applications.  Windows 3.1 features, such as OLE and the Windows Multimedia 
Extensions, are built into OS/2 2.1, as are most of the Windows 3.1 
applets.  VxD (virtual Windows drivers) are not supported under OS/2 2.1 
(affecting only a couple applications, notably MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft 
Visual C++).  

Support for PCMCIA adapters, Advanced Power Management (for portable and 
notebook computers), additional printers (including the DeskJet series and 
HP LaserJet 4), most CD-ROM drives, and more SCSI adapters have been added.  
Refinements have been made to the Workplace Shell, including drag and drop 
icon assignment.  Several new background bitmap images are provided for 
tiled backgrounds (like "bricks," "columns," and so forth).  

OS/2 2.1 will be available in three media types:  3.5 inch diskettes, 5.25 
inch diskettes, and CD-ROM.  The CD-ROM version includes two 3.5 inch and 
two 5.25 inch "bootstrap" diskettes.  These diskettes allow installation of 
OS/2 2.1 from the CD-ROM when a native OS/2 driver is in use.  If an OS/2 
driver is not available for a particular CD-ROM drive and adapter 
combination, a full set of installation diskettes can be built under DOS 
from the CD-ROM.  This capability will be familiar to beta testers of OS/2 
Version 2.1.  Extensive documentation has been included in the regular 
manual to enable the beginner to successfully install OS/2 from this new 
media type.  (The CD-ROM and diskette versions of OS/2 2.1 contain the same 
documentation, save for an extra one page insert in the CD-ROM package.)  

The CD-ROM version is the preferred version of OS/2, since it enables 
quicker installation and since it includes extra features not found on the 
diskette versions (namely more sample software motion video clips and extra 
sound files).  The CD-ROM version is also less expensive to manufacture, 
and IBM passes on the savings.  It is also less susceptible to damage by 
stray magnetic fields, for example.  

OS/2 2.1, like OS/2 2.0, is available in an upgrade version for DOS and 
OS/2 users.  This upgrade version includes a "sniffer" utility.  In order 
to install the upgrade edition, you must have any version of DOS (PC-DOS, 
DR-DOS, or MS-DOS) or OS/2 (IBM OS/2, Microsoft OS/2, or any other version) 
installed on your hard disk.  The first time you install the OS/2 2.1 
Upgrade Edition the "sniffer" will examine your hard disk to see if you 
have one of these operating systems.  If you do, a file will be written to 
Diskette 1 of the installation set (or the second bootstrap diskette if 
installing from CD-ROM) which will make the Upgrade Edition identical to 
the non-upgrade package.  In other words, once the "sniffer" has verified 
that a previous operating system is present, it will not attempt to 
interfere with any subsequent installation.  This procedure prevents mishap 
in the event that the contents of the hard disk are lost due to some 
catastrophic failure -- OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition can be reinstalled without 
any previous operating system on the hard disk.  

OS/2 beta testers may install the Upgrade Edition over their existing beta 
system, but IBM recommends that they reformat the hard drive early in the 
installation, when prompted.  (The "sniffer" will disable itself after 
seeing the OS/2 2.1 beta code.)  

Unofficially, you may install OS/2 2.1 without reformatting.  This 
procedure should only be undertaken by someone who is very familiar with 
OS/2.  Start by booting the OS/2 2.1 Installation Diskette, then insert 
Diskette 1 when prompted.  At the next prompt, press ESC.  You should then 
be left at the command line.  Leave Diskette 1 in Drive A. 

Execute the following commands:  

 C: 

[You should log to the drive where OS/2 is installed.  This example assumes 
Drive C.] 
 
 ATTRIB -r -h -s \* /s
 DEL \OS2*
 DEL \README
 DELTREE \OS2
 DELTREE \Desktop
 DELTREE \Nowhere
 DELTREE \Spool
 DELTREE \PSFonts
 DELTREE \Delete
 DELTREE \MMOS2
 RENAME \CONFIG.SYS CONFIG.BET
 RENAME \AUTOEXEC.BAT AUTOEXEC.BET
 A:
 EXIT 
 
[Note that the second DELTREE command should refer to your OS/2 desktop 
directory, whatever its name.] Then proceed with installation as directed.  

DELTREE is a utility that comes as part of the GammaTech Utilities.  It 
deletes a directory and all its contents (including any subdirectories).  A 
similar function can be performed using the GNU file utilities ("RM -rf 
...").  If you do not have such a utility you will have to use the DEL and 
RD commands several times to eliminate all the directories listed in the 
DELTREE lines, above.  

Do not attempt to perform the above steps under DOS.  Note that you may 
want to run CHKDSK from an OS/2 diskette boot (as directed in this List) 
prior to installation of OS/2 2.1.  

Do not attempt to migrate your INI files unless the utility you use (e.g.  
WPSBackup, DeskMan/2) is specifically certified for migration of beta INI 
files to the released version of OS/2 2.1.  (Note that in OS/2 2.1 the INI 
files may now be copied using the COPY command, even while OS/2 2.1 itself 
is running.)  

The "sniffer" is satisfied if you have performed a SYS C:  to your hard 
disk from DOS, or, in the case of OS/2 2.0, if you have completed 
installation through the second insertion of the Installation Diskette (and 
the request to remove the Installation Diskette to reboot).  Thus, you do 
not have to go to great lengths to satisfy the "sniffer" in the Upgrade 
Edition, even if you are starting from an empty hard disk for some reason.  
(The "sniffer" is also satisfied if it sees beta OS/2 code.)  

In the United States, IBM has priced OS/2 2.1 extremely competitively.  
Moreover, discounts for upgrades from OS/2 apply to any previous version of 
OS/2 (excluding beta releases), including OS/2 versions from Microsoft and 
non-IBM OEMs, including Version 1.x of OS/2.  Through the telephone number 
800-3-IBM-OS2, IBM is now accepting orders for OS/2 2.1 for shipment on 
June 14.  OS/2 2.1 on diskette (Upgrade Edition) costs $119.  On CD-ROM, 
the price is $99.  Both prices include shipping.  A rebate coupon will be 
enclosed in the package.  Return the coupon with the first page from your 
OS/2 manual and you will receive a rebate check for $30.  IBM is equipped 
to send your rebate check within 24 hours of receipt of the rebate form and 
manual page.  Non-upgrade pricing is also available; call for details.  
Additional licenses cost $69 (with a $10 rebate available to users 
upgrading from OS/2).  These prices are subject to change 90 days after 
June 14.  

IBM strongly encourages users to purchase OS/2 2.1 from dealers.  Pricing 
is expected to be substantially lower at software dealers such as Egghead 
Discount Software.  Initial reports indicate that, for users upgrading from 
OS/2, software dealer pricing is typically under $50 for the CD-ROM version 
and under $70 for the diskette version (after rebate).  Some dealers will 
even handle all the rebate paperwork for you (provided you bring in the 
necessary OS/2 proof of purchase), automatically reducing the price at the 
register.  

This pricing strategy is designed to encourage software dealers to carry 
OS/2 2.1, to provide even more visibility for what is expected to be an 
extremely successful product.  Shifting demand for OS/2 2.1 to dealers is 
likely to encourage those same dealers to carry more OS/2 applications (as 
well as the operating system itself).  

Most software dealers will have OS/2 2.1 product available for purchase on 
June 14.  You should contact your local software dealer by telephone right 
now to reserve your copy.  (You should avoid calling 800 numbers; the local 
dealer will know the most about local availability for June 14.)  

Technical support for OS/2 2.1 has been enhanced.  The same, free 800 
number support made available for OS/2 2.0 is also available for OS/2 2.1 
(for up to 60 days following your first call).  Each copy of OS/2 includes 
the 60 days of free support, so customers with multiple copies can 
effectively get more free support.  The 800 number will now be dedicated to 
OS/2 support, and your call will be directed more quickly and efficiently.  
IBM will continue to work to enhance the support available through 
electronic means (such as CompuServe, the OS/2 BBS, the Internet, and other 
electronic forums).  

IBM's marketing efforts have been expanded for OS/2 2.1.  You will see more 
(and improved) advertising in both trade publications and mass market 
general publications.  This new wave of advertising kicked off on Monday, 
May 10.  

Simultaneous with the release of OS/2 2.1, IBM is now offering a CD-ROM 
containing the complete suite of OS/2 and OS/2-related documentation in 
electronic form.  This one stop source for OS/2 documentation (including 
programming information, information on OS/2-related products such as LAN 
Server, MMPM/2 information, and other electronic publications) is in Book 
Reader format, and an OS/2 Book Reader program is provided on the CD-ROM.  
This CD-ROM is available for $49 from the 800-3-IBM-OS2 telephone number in 
the United States.  

Also, IBM is releasing the OS/2 2.1 Programmer's Toolkit.  This updated 
Toolkit (now part of C Set ++) provides utilities and programming 
information for developing the best OS/2 applications.  Call IBM's OS/2 
Hotline for information on the Toolkit, or ask your local software dealer.  

IBM believes in supporting its customers to the best of its abilities.  
That is why IBM will be releasing another Service Pak for OS/2 Version 2.0.  
While IBM strongly encourages users to upgrade to OS/2 Version 2.1, some 
users may wish to continue running OS/2 Version 2.0.  OS/2 2.1 provides 
several new features, and the new Service Pak for OS/2 2.0 will not be 
providing such features (such as MMPM/2, Windows 3.1 compatibility, 
Advanced Power Management, support for PCMCIA adapters, and so on), but it 
will fix all outstanding bugs found in the product to date.  This new 
Service Pak will be made available through electronic means (such as 
CompuServe and the Internet), and it will also be available for a nominal 
charge on diskette direct from IBM.  Expect this Service Pak by the end of 
July.  

Large customers who wish to purchase licenses for 1000 or more copies of 
OS/2 2.1 may be allowed to obtain OS/2 2.1 without Windows 3.1 support.  
Since Microsoft receives royalties on Win-OS/2 3.1, elimination of this 
code can reduce the cost over a large number of copies.  Large customers 
who wish to pursue this avenue should speak with their IBM representative.  
This offer is not available to smaller customers since IBM cannot supply 
custom OS/2 2.1 configurations at a competitive price in smaller 
quantities.  

OS/2 2.1 pricing and availability will vary from country to country to some 
extent.  Contact your local IBM office or IBM dealer for details.  For 
example, in the United Kingdom OS/2 2.1 upgrades are available from the 
International OS/2 User Group for 69 pounds plus VAT and shipping.  

Northgate, Unisys, AST, and ALR join the ranks of major system vendors who 
have agreed to preload OS/2 on request on new systems.  Dell, Tangent, and 
Ariel Design will also preload OS/2 on their new systems on request.  

Since OS/2 2.1 is less expensive on CD-ROM and offers several extra 
multimedia samples in that format, interest in purchasing CD-ROM drives has 
increased.  The advice found in other sections of this List applies.  As a 
general rule of thumb, choose a SCSI-2 compliant CD-ROM drive that supports 
audio discs, ISO 9660/High Sierra data discs, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo 
CD.  For the adapter, choose an Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, or IBM for 
easiest, "out of the box" support.  External CD-ROM drives are generally 
the safer investment.  Compare drives according to data transfer speed (the 
higher the better) and average access time (the lower the number, in 
milliseconds, the better).  This advice applies to new purchases.  If you 
already have a CD-ROM drive (especially the non-SCSI Sony, Phillips, and 
Mitsumi varieties), check CompuServe or other electronic sources for the 
appropriate OS/2 driver.  


(1.0) What is OS/2?

 What is OS/2? 

OS/2 is an advanced operating system for PCs and PS/2s with an 80286 
processor or better.  It was codeveloped by Microsoft and IBM and 
envisioned as the successor to DOS.  

It was designed from the ground up with preemptive multitasking and 
multithreading in mind.  "Preemptive multitasking" means that the operating 
system is responsible for allocating processor time to the one or more 
applications which are running.  (Cooperative multitasking, as found in 
Microsoft Windows or the Macintosh's System 7, requires that each 
application surrender the processor after a certain amount of time.  If one 
application refuses to yield, all the other applications stop running.)  
"Multithreading" means that programs can start subtasks which will then be 
executed by the operating system in the background.  For example, a word 
processor may create a separate thread (subtask) to handle printing or 
saving to disk.  When the user asks the word processor to perform one of 
these tasks, the word processor creates a new thread and control returns to 
the word processor (and the user) immediately.  The subtask is executed by 
the operating system in the background.  The user is then free to ask the 
word processor to perform another task without waiting for the thread to 
complete.  Applications which utilitize multithreading can be much more 
responsive to the user.  

OS/2 also protects applications from one another (a single misbehaved 
program will not typically disrupt the entire system), supports all 
addressable physical RAM, and supplies virtual memory to applications as 
requested, breaking DOS's 640K barrier.  

An OS/2 demonstration diskette (which will run on any PC with VGA or 
better, and DOS or OS/2) is available from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2.  
The OS/2 2.1 demo diskette may also be downloaded; see (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (1.2) Differences Between Versions 
 (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 (3.9) Extended Services 
 

(1.2) Differences Between Versions

 What are the differences between versions? 

o IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is the latest release of OS/2, offering Windows 3.1 
compatibility, multimedia support (including software motion video), and 
more device drivers.  With Version 2.1 IBM has ended the practice of 
including extra features in its own, preinstalled versions of OS/2 2.0 that 
were not found in the off-the-shelf package.  

o IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is the first release of OS/2 which will run only on 
machines with an 80386SX processor or better.  With this release IBM 
started developing OS/2 (and its Intel and non-Intel-based successors) 
independently but continued to involve third party PC manufacturers in its 
testing.  Improvements included an object-oriented Workplace Shell (WPS); a 
multiple operating system boot mechanism; better DOS and Windows support 
[See (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility]; new 32-bit programming 
interfaces; support for more than 16 MB of physical RAM [See (2.6) More 
Than 16 MB RAM]; and more third party device drivers.  OS/2 1.x 
applications, unmodified, still run under OS/2 2.0.  

o IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is the last release of OS/2 to operate on PCs with 
80286 CPUs.  This version introduced built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) [See 
(5.5) Adobe Type Manager], providing scalable typefaces for screen and 
printer.  Procedures Language/2 (REXX), a powerful batch-oriented 
programming language, became a part of Standard Edition with this release.  
[See (5.11) REXX.] (A few OEMs are shipping Microsoft OS/2 Version 1.3, but 
Microsoft has ceded all OS/2 development to IBM.)  

o OS/2 Version 1.2 was the first to incorporate the High Performance File 
System (HPFS) [See (1.5) High Performance File System].  With this release 
IBM OS/2 added a dual boot mechanism and IBM Extended Edition [See (3.9) 
Extended Services] introduced REXX.  

o OS/2 Version 1.1 was the first to include the Presentation Manager (PM) 
GUI/API.  Microsoft OEM versions added a dual boot mechanism with this 
release.  

o OS/2 Version 1.0, introduced in late 1987, was the first release of OS/2.  
Task switching was accomplished using a character-based shell and limited 
DOS compatibility was provided.  
  
  
  Related information: 
  
  (1.1)  What is OS/2?
  (1.3)  DOS and Windows Compatibility 
  (2.6)  More Than 16 MB RAM 
  (3.9)  Extended Services 
  (5.5)  Adobe Type Manager 
  (5.11) REXX 
  

(1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility

 How good is OS/2 2.1's DOS and Windows compatibility? 

OS/2 1.x [See (1.2) Differences Between Versions] justifiably earned a 
reputation for poor DOS compatibility.  Since it was hampered by the 80286, 
it could not run more than one DOS application at a time.  

The situation changed dramatically with OS/2 2.0, and Version 2.1 adds 
further refinements.  Version 2.1 preemptively multitasks DOS and Windows 
(standard and enhanced mode) applications in separate, protected sessions, 
without purchasing either environment.  

OS/2 2.1 provides a complete DOS emulation equivalent to DOS 5.0.  The 
operating system can provide each DOS application with up to 32 MB of EMS 
4.0 (expanded memory), 16 MB of XMS 2.0 (extended memory), and/or 512 MB of 
DPMI 0.95 (DOS Protected Mode Interface extended memory), all from its pool 
of physical and/or virtual memory (meaning you do not have to have as much 
RAM in your system as your applications request).  These limits are in 
addition to the up to 730K free conventional memory supplied to each DOS 
application, even after mouse and network drivers [See (3.8) Networking 
Products] are loaded.  As in DOS 5.0, DOS code and device drivers may be 
loaded into high memory.  A 386 memory manager like QEMM is not needed -- 
these features are provided by OS/2 2.1 directly.  

The DOS emulation allows customization of device driver sets -- each DOS 
application shares a systemwide CONFIG.SYS and the equivalent of its own 
CONFIG.SYS.  Also, there is a systemwide AUTOEXEC.BAT file; however, batch 
commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using separate, 
application-specific AUTOEXEC.BAT files.  And many DOS Settings are 
provided to fine tune [See (5.6) Performance Tuning] each DOS/Windows 
application's behavior (e.g.  IDLE_SENSITIVITY).  Most of the popular 
DOS/Windows applications on your hard disk will be migrated automatically 
when you install OS/2 2.1.  

In addition, OS/2 2.1 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in 
separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult applications 
(e.g.  DOS networks, MSCDEX).  So, for example, it is possible to multitask 
DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and Desqview running atop DOS, all 
in separate sessions, either windowed or full screen, all with the same 
and/or separate device drivers, TSRs, environment variables, etc.  DOS boot 
images may be stored on a hard disk.  These procedures are described in the 
online Command Reference (under VMDISK), Master Help Index, and in the 
Installation Guide (Appendix E).  [See also (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions.] 

Standard graphics modes [ generally up to the resolution of the desktop; 
See (2.2) SuperVGA Support] are supported in DOS windows, as are selectable 
text mode fonts.  Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications is supported 
(to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications), including graphics 
cut/paste.  Theoretically, OS/2 2.1 can run up to 240 simultaneous 
DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on system resources.  

OS/2 2.1 will, in fact, run virtually all DOS applications in existence, 
including notorious ones such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wing 
Commander, Maple, MatLab (Version 3.5k or later), and others.  Those that 
do not run generally fall into the following categories:  

1. Programs that use Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI) memory 
extenders or other extenders which require direct access to 80386 control 
registers.  Since such applications are also all but incompatible with 
Windows, most vendors have updates for DPMI compatibility; 

2. Applications which attempt to directly address the physical sectors of 
an OS/2 managed nonremoveable hard disk drive.  Such programs include 
UnErase in Norton Utilities [See (3.4) Disk Utilities].  Fortunately OS/2 
2.1 has a built-in UnDelete feature which is more robust than Norton's 
approach.  (Consult the online Command Reference for information on how to 
enable UNDELETE); 

3. Timing sensitive DOS applications.  Certain DOS programs that generate 
digitized sound through the PC's internal speaker may have distorted sound.  
High speed, real time data collection may be compromised.  These problems 
can often be minimized or even eliminated using OS/2 2.1's DOS Settings.  

4. Certain DOS programming debuggers.  DOS applications running under OS/2 
2.1 are not permitted to access debug registers DR0-DR7 from a DOS session.  
Also, DOS debuggers will not be able to set hardware breakpoints, and all 
read/write operations to debug registers in virtual 8086 mode will be 
ignored.  
  
See (3.11) Backup Software for information on OS/2 backup issues.  

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

DOS programs running under OS/2 2.1 are extremely fast.  A single DOS 
application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2 2.1 
typically achieves 95-97% of the performance it would have under native 
DOS.  If the DOS application performs any disk I/O it can actually operate 
up to several times faster than it would if running under native DOS.  

If pure DOS is absolutely required, OS/2 2.1 includes a utility called the 
Boot Manager.  The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the operating 
systems available on the system and will allow selection of any one at 
startup, with a default after timeout.  The OS/2 1.x DualBoot method is 
still available as well.  Consult the Installation Guide for instructions 
on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot.  Note that OS/2 2.1 need not be 
installed on Drive C -- it can reside on other volumes [See (4.3) Hard Disk 
Partitioning].  

Compatibility with Windows, a popular DOS extender, is provided by 
Win-OS/2, an environment based on Microsoft's Windows source code.  It runs 
Windows 3.x enhanced mode and standard mode applications under OS/2 2.1, 
either on a full screen Windows desktop (with the familiar Program Manager 
and one or more Windows applications) or "seamlessly," alongside OS/2 
applications on the Workplace Shell desktop.  "Seamless" operation is 
available in VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, and XGA resolutions with OS/2 2.1 
as it ships.  [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support.] 

Several icon conversion utilities can convert Windows icons for use by the 
OS/2 Icon Editor and/or OS/2-specific programs [See (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources].  (No conversion is necessary if the icons are to be used 
with Windows programs running under OS/2 2.1.)  

OS/2 2.1 directly provides all Windows enhanced mode features save one:  
support for Windows virtual drivers (VxD).  Only two applications are 
affected:  MathCAD 4.0 and Microsoft Visual C++.  Services provided by 
WINMEM32.DLL are supported.  

Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 Workplace 
Shell environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE (Object Linking and 
Embedding) is supported among Windows applications.  Adobe Type Manager 
[See (5.5) Adobe Type Manager] and TrueType for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2 
2.1.  Windows screen (for a full screen desktop) and printer device drivers 
will work under Win-OS/2 [See (2.2) SuperVGA Support].  Such notorious 
Windows applications as Word, Norton Desktop (save portions described 
above), Toolbook, and After Dark work fine under Win-OS/2.  Even 
applications which rely on the Windows Multimedia Extensions (supplied as 
part of Win-OS/2) operate without trouble.  [See (3.6) Multimedia for 
information on the OS/2 multimedia extensions, MMPM/2.] All the Windows 
applets (except those made redundant by OS/2's applets) are provided.  

Win-OS/2 departs from Microsoft Windows in that it allows more than one 
Windows desktop and can preemptively (rather than cooperatively) multitask 
Windows applications in separate, robust, protected sessions.  

Some Windows applications require custom settings in WIN.INI.  If such a 
Windows application has been installed under the DOS version of Windows, 
Win-OS/2 may not be able to find the appropriate files or configuration.  
Try reinstalling the Windows application under Win-OS/2.  (Note that 
several options are available for Win-OS/2 interaction with the Windows INI 
files.  For example, the Windows INI files may be migrated during 
installation.  Or both Win-OS/2 and Windows can share a single set of INI 
files.)  

In short, OS/2 2.1 is generally regarded as the most DOS and Windows 
compatible among the new crop of 32-bit operating systems (NT included).  
It is also generally regarded as a better DOS multitasker than Desqview.  

  
  Related information: 
  
  (1.2)  Differences Between Versions 
  (2.2)  SuperVGA Support 
  (3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources 
  (3.4)  Disk Utilities 
  (3.6)  Multimedia
  (3.8)  Networking Products 
  (3.11) Backup Software 
  (4.3)  Hard Disk Partitioning 
  (4.4)  Starting OS/2 from Diskette 
  (5.5)  Adobe Type Manager 
  (5.6)  Performance Tuning 
  (5.9)  Specific DOS Sessions 
  

(1.4) Availability and Cost of OS/2

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

In the United States IBM OS/2 Version 2.1 is available directly from IBM.  
Until September 14, promotional pricing is in effect.  OS/2 2.1 can be 
ordered directly from IBM by calling 800-3-IBM-OS2.  The price is $119 for 
the diskette versions (5.25 or 3.5 inch media) and $99 for the CD-ROM 
version (with both 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch "bootstrap" diskettes).  These 
prices are for the Upgrade Edition (for customers who already have any 
version of DOS or OS/2).  Non-upgrade packages are priced higher.  Both 
prices include express shipping.  A rebate coupon is enclosed in each 
Upgrade Edition package; users of any version of OS/2 receive a $30 rebate.  

IBM part numbers are as follows:  61G0900 for 3.5 inch media, 61G0902 for 
3.5 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0901 for 5.25 inch media, 61G0903 for 
5.25 inch media Upgrade Edition, 61G0904 for compact disc, 71G1877 for 
compact disc Upgrade Edition.  An additional license certificate (no media 
or manuals) is 61G0910; an additional license Upgrade Edition certificate 
is 61G0911.  

However, OS/2 2.1 is now available from almost any software dealer 
(including Corporate Software, Egghead, Software Etc., and many others).  
Software dealer pricing is lower than that available directly from IBM -- 
often $10 or $20 lower.  With rebate, OS/2 2.1 is about $65 for the 
diskette version and about $50 for the CD-ROM version from most dealers.  
(The CD-ROM version is less expensive because it costs much less to 
manufacture.)  

Additional license certificates are available for second and subsequent 
copies (with a $10 rebate per Upgrade Edition certificate if upgrading from 
any version of OS/2).  However, with the promotional pricing now in effect 
it does not make economic sense to purchase license certificates when 
upgrading from OS/2.  Through most dealers the CD-ROM package costs the 
same as a license certificate, after rebate.  Each CD-ROM (or diskette) 
package includes a set of OS/2 manuals and 60 days (per package) of toll 
free technical support.  An additional license certificate does not come 
with either.  

These prices mean that OS/2 2.1 costs about the same as Microsoft Windows 
for DOS and roughly one fifth to one third as much as the base (not server) 
versions of Windows NT, NeXTStep, Solaris, and UnixWare (NT is not yet 
available).  

In Canada phone 800-465-1234 to order.  In the U.K.  phone the OS/2 User 
Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0800-181182.  In other countries, contact 
any IBM dealer or office.  Pricing varies from country to country.  

IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is still available and may be ordered through many IBM 
dealers.  

IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.1 available everywhere DOS is purchased.  If 
your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.1, take your business elsewhere (and 
explain why).  IBM bundles OS/2 2.1 with some PS/1, most ValuePoint, and 
all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems.  Several other vendors, including AST, 
Northgate, ALR, Unisys, Dell, Ariel Design, and Tangent, will preload OS/2 
2.1 on request.  

IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.:  a 30-day, no questions 
asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee [See 
(2.1) Hardware Requirements].  

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

(1.5) High Performance File System (HPFS)

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

HPFS offers long file names (up to 254 characters including the path, 
greatly exceeding the "8 dot 3" limit in DOS's FAT file system), contiguous 
storage of extended attributes (without the EA DATA.  SF file used by FAT), 
resistance to file fragmentation, improved media error handling, smaller 
cluster size, support for larger file storage devices (up to 512 GB), and 
speedier disk operation, particularly on large hard disks, on systems with 
more than 6 MB of RAM.  HPFS is not case sensitive, although it does 
preserve case in file names.  

However, HPFS is not currently supported on removeable media, although some 
programs (e.g.  BACKUP) preserve long file names on such FAT disks.  Also, 
native mode DOS cannot access a HPFS partition.  However, DOS/Windows 
sessions running under OS/2 can use all files that conform to the "8 dot 3" 
naming conventions, even if they are stored on HPFS volumes.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.4) Disk Utilities 
 (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning 
 (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette 
 

(2.1) Hardware Requirements

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

You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or more 
strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 15-37 MB 
free, depending on which features you wish to install), a supported video 
adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, many SuperVGA, 8514/A, XGA, or third party driver) 
with appropriate display, and a high density 3.5 or 5.25 inch floppy drive 
for installation.  A mouse or other pointing device is strongly 
recommended.  Allow extra RAM and hard disk space for OS/2-based networking 
[See (3.8) Networking Products], Extended Services [See (3.9) Extended 
Services], and/or extra system loads (i.e.  an extraordinary number of 
large applications running simultaneously).  When calculating hard disk 
space requirements, subtract space occupied by files already on the hard 
disk which are functionally included in OS/2 2.1 and may be deleted, e.g.  
DOS, a 386 memory manager, Windows 3.1, Adobe Type Manager [See (5.5) Adobe 
Type Manager] with base typefaces, etc.  

The Workplace Shell (WPS) will not operate with the Monochrome Display 
Adapter or the Hercules Monochrome Graphics Adapter.  Usually the WPS will 
fail to work with monochrome EGA.  However, some EGA adapters (e.g.  
Paradise Monochrome EGA Card, ATI EGA Wonder) will emulate all color EGA 
modes on TTL monochrome monitors and, thus, will work with the WPS.  Many 
dual monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for advice.  

On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters 
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly all 
MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, DPT, and IBM 
SCSI adapters.  (True OS/2 2.1 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g.  
Trantor, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Seagate, Mylex, CE 
Infosys, Ciprico, MediaVision ProAudio Spectrum, and others are available 
directly from the adapter manufacturers or from (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources.  A driver for the Always IN-2000 adapter is available by 
phoning Columbia Data Products at 407-869-6700.  Columbia also provides the 
necessary EPROM and PROM upgrades.)  In addition, "generic" INT13 support 
is provided for all other hard disk adapters.  This "generic" support even 
embraces such devices as Iomega's Bernoulli and SyQuest's removeable media 
products (but for best results contact Iomega or SyQuest for an OS/2 2.1 
driver).  

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

  o Hitachi 

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

  o IBM 

     - all models 

  o NEC 

     - CDR-25 
     - CDR-36 
     - CDR-37 
     - CDR-38 
     - CDR-72 
     - CDR-73 
     - CDR-74 
     - CDR-82 
     - CDR-83 
     - CDR-84 

  o Panasonic 

     - CR-501 
     - LK-MC501S 
     - MC501B 
     - MC521 

  o Pioneer 

     - DRM-600 
     - DRM-604X 

  o Sony 

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

  o Texel 

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

  o Toshiba 

     - XM-3201 
     - XM-3301 
     - XM-3401 
  
when attached to IBM, Future Domain, Adaptec, DPT, or other SCSI adapters 
with native OS/2 2.1 support.  The OS/2 CD-ROM support includes audio, ISO 
9660/High Sierra, CD-ROM/XA, and Kodak Photo CD compatibility for those 
drives which support these standards.  

Drivers for non-SCSI Sony CD-ROM drives (e.g.  CDU-535, CDU-31A, and 
related models) and Mitsumi CD-ROM drives (and compatibles, e.g.  Tandy 
CDR-1000 and DAK) are available from several sources [See (3.2) Shareware 
and Freeware Sources].  Storage Devices offers OS/2 drivers for its 
parallel port attached peripherals, including its CD-ROM drive.  Corel 
Systems offers a set of OS/2 drivers (in its "Corel SCSI" package) for many 
more CD-ROM drives, magneto-optical drives, and other SCSI devices when 
attached to any of a number of SCSI adapters.  DOS device drivers, when 
installed using a specific DOS session [See (5.9) Specific DOS Sessions], 
will still provide CD-ROM services to DOS/Windows programs for the 
remainder.  

See (2.3) Printer Support for information on OS/2 printer and plotter 
compatibility.  

Version 2.1 is explicitly supported on non-IBM PC compatibles.  IBM is 
offering a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S.  Should OS/2 2.1 
fail to work on your compatible within the first 90 days of use, and should 
IBM be unable to fix the problem, your purchase price will be refunded.  To 
date over 750 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.  

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

(2.2) SuperVGA Support

 Will OS/2 2.1 work with my SuperVGA adapter? 

Consult the OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide and Using the Operating System 
manuals for complete information on SuperVGA support.  

OS/2 2.1 contains built-in 256 color drivers for most SuperVGA adapters 
based on the following chipsets:  
 
 ATI 28800 
 Cirrus Logic CL-GD5422 and CL-GD5424
 Headland Technologies HT209 
 IBM VGA256C 
 Trident Microsystems TVGA8900B and TVGA8900C 
 Tseng Labs ET4000 
 Western Digital/Paradise WD90C11, WD90C30, and WD90C31 (in WD90C30 mode)
 
Some SuperVGA adapters (notably ATI's Vantage and Ultra lines) are 8514/A 
hardware compatible and will function in 1024x768 256 color mode with 
OS/2's built-in 8514/A driver.  

Drivers for other SuperVGA adapters (along with installation instructions), 
and modified versions of the built-in drivers (such as 16 color versions or 
small icon versions) should be available from the adapter vendors directly 
or through (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  In addition, IBM will be 
releasing a set of drivers for SuperVGA adapters based on S3 chipsets to 
these public sources.  (However, certain S3-based adapters will require 
custom drivers from vendors.)  

Regular Windows 3.1 display drivers may be used for the full screen 
Win-OS/2 desktop.  To install a Windows 3.1 display driver under Win-OS/2, 
simply replace the \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV file with the Windows 
.DRV file supplied by the vendor.  (Be sure to make a copy of the original 
OS/2-supplied driver file first.)  Note that you may have to use the EXPAND 
program supplied with Win-OS/2 to decompress the vendor's .DRV file.  

OS/2 2.1 has now routinized the procedure for setting customized refresh 
rates using DOS-based utilities.  You will be prompted during installation 
of a SuperVGA driver, and you can specify the DOS utility you wish to 
execute along with its parameters (if any).  The utility will then be run 
whenever you start OS/2 (to reset the SuperVGA adapter as required).  

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

(2.3) Printer Support

 Will OS/2 2.1 work with my printer? 

OS/2 2.1 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets (including the 
LaserJet 4 series), DeskJets (including the new 1200C and 510 models), and 
PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets, Proprinters, Quickwriters, 
Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix, ink jet, 
and laser printers; Postscript devices; and other printers (e.g.  
Panasonic, Okidata) compatible with these families.  A variety of IBM and 
HP plotters (including HPGL/2 plotters) is also supported.  Drivers for NEC 
dot matrix printers and Canon laser and BubbleJet printers are now 
available for download [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources or contact 
the Canon Support BBS at 714-438-3325].  

DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows applications.  
OS/2 2.1 includes a large assortment of Windows printer drivers for 
Win-OS/2.  If necessary install Windows printer drivers using the Win-OS/2 
Control Panel.  OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 1.3 printer drivers are interchangeable 
in many cases.  

If your printer is not compatible with one of the drivers supplied with 
OS/2, check with the printer manufacturer first then with (3.2) Shareware 
and Freeware Sources.  If you own an IBM printer, check with the Lexmark 
BBS (modem 606-232-5653).  

If you are using a Postscript printer, and you are having difficulty 
printing under Win-OS/2 3.1, particularly over a network, try adding the 
following line to the Postscript section of your WIN.INI file:  

 CtrlD=0 

If you are having trouble printing generally, see the configuration advice 
in (4.1) Installation for assistance.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 (4.1) Installation 
 

(2.4) COM3 and COM4 Support

 Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2? 

COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.  
On (E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS.  Using a 
text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)" 
parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames.  One example:  
 
 DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
 DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,10)
 
Parameters for COM1 and COM2 need not be included (unless they are somehow 
nonstandard).  OS/2 must end up with sequentially numbered logical COM 
ports, if possible.  For example, if (physical) port two is not installed 
but port three or port four is installed, start numbering using (2,...)  in 
the DEVICE lines.  See the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual, 
starting on Page 374, for more information on COM ports under OS/2.  If 
these efforts fail, try the SIO drivers [available from (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources].  Note that IRQ 2 is actually redirected to IRQ 9 on the 
AT bus, so use (...,...,9) in the above COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS settings if 
your serial port is set to use IRQ 2. 

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

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

  Company           Telephone Number 
  
  IBM (ARTIC)       (800) PS2-2227 
  Digiboard         (612) 943-9020 
  Stargate          (216) 349-1860 
  Arnet             (615) 834-8000 
  Computone         (404) 475-2725 
  Comtrol           (612) 631-7654 
  CTC Systems       (415) 966-1688 
  Equinox           (305) 255-3500 
  I-Concepts        (214) 956-7770 
  Specialix         (408) 378-7919 
  Stallion          (408) 395-5775 
  
  
  Related information: 
  
  (2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations 
  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
  

(2.5) Specific Hardware Recommendations

 Are there any specific hardware recommendations? 

Here are some of the peripherals and adapters that are particularly well 
suited to OS/2.  Some true bargains are included.  Prices do not include 
shipping and handling.  

o CatsEye/X XGA-2 Adapter.  An AT bus display adapter with the latest IBM 
P2 XGA-2 chipset, providing superior performance and the best driver 
support under OS/2.  Price:  $249 from FutureComm (phone 203-937-7725 or 
FAX 203-932-3154; ask for John Jaser).  A Microchannel version is available 
from IBM for a comparable price.  

o ATI 8514/A Compatible Display Adapters.  Harmony Computers (phone 
800-441-1144 or 718-692-2828) is advertising two of ATI's 8514/A hardware 
compatible Mach8 display adapters.  Both operate in 1024x768 256 color mode 
at up to 72 Hz noninterlaced using the OS/2 8514/A driver.  (Confirm, 
though, that these adapters have the full megabyte of video memory for the 
Mach8 processor, required for OS/2 operation.)  The ATI 8514/Ultra ($179) 
is designed to work in both Microchannel and AT bus machines and, while it 
uses fast VRAM video memory, it does not contain onboard VGA circuitry.  A 
separate VGA or SuperVGA display adapter, with passthrough connector, is 
required.  The ATI Graphics Ultra ($199) also uses VRAM, has onboard 
SuperVGA circuitry, and works with AT bus computers.  Computer Discount 
Warehouse (tel.  800-795-4239, FAX 708-291-1737) offers the 2 MB DRAM 
version of the ATI Graphics Ultra Plus for just $239.55.  The ATI GUP 
includes the more recent (and faster) Mach32 coprocessor, yet it is still 
8514/A hardware compatible.  CDW also sells the ATI Graphics Vantage (a 
DRAM version of the original Graphics Ultra) for only $158.41.  Both the 
Vantage and GUP are AT bus adapters.  

o Western Digital EtherCard Plus.  An 8-bit ethernet adapter (meaning 
you'll need a free, lower interrupt).  IBM LAN software (like TCP/IP) 
includes an EtherCard Plus driver -- no need to go searching.  Price:  $49 
from Hi-Tech (phone 805-966-5454).  Not the fastest, but probably among the 
least expensive and best supported.  

o NEC CDR-25 CD-ROM Drive with SCSI Interface.  An external, portable 
CD-ROM drive (with optional battery back available).  Compatible with ISO 
9660/High Sierra, audio, CD-ROM/XA, and single session Kodak Photo CD.  
Speed:  650 ms average access time, 150K/second sustained data transfer 
rate.  Does not use CD-ROM caddies.  Price:  $219 from ICP Corp.  (phone 
908-613-4444).  An 8-bit Trantor SCSI adapter and cable is $39 extra.  
(CompUSA is reportedly selling the CDR-25 for $179, excluding adapter.)  A 
slightly faster (450 ms) drive, the NEC CDR-36, is available with cable and 
Trantor SCSI adapter for $288 from ERM Liquidators (phone 800-776-5865).  
This model does not support Kodak Photo CD, however.  

o Toshiba CD-ROM Drive.  The latest, super fast (200 ms average access 
time; 300K+/second sustained data transfer rate) Toshiba CD-ROM drive, 
Model XM-3401, is available from many dealers for about $400 (internal 
model; external model is priced higher).  The Toshiba is the best choice 
when performance is critical.  

o SCSI Adapters Two good values are the Adaptec 1522 (available for about 
$95 from many dealers, including MegaHaus, phone 800-426-0560) and the 
Future Domain 1680 (only $129 from Computability, phone 800-554-9948 or FAX 
414-357-7814).  Both are 16-bit AT bus SCSI-2 adapters with on board 
diskette controllers, and both are supported by drivers that ship with OS/2 
2.1.  Neither use DMA [see (2.6) More Than 16 MB RAM].  

o Wangtek Tape Drives.  Super Technologies (phone 909-393-4648) offers a 
seven month warranty on several Wangtek SCSI tape drives.  The Wangtek 
5150ES (250 MB) is $295, the 5525ES (525 MB) is $495, and the 6200HS (2 GB

[Continue with Part 2 of 4.]

-- 
Timothy F. Sipples       |READ the OS/2 FAQ List 2.1A, available from
sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu|192.153.46.254, anonymous ftp, in /os2/all/info/faq,
Dept. of Econ., Univ.    |or from LISTSERV@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP").
of Chicago, 60637        |[Post to ONE newsgroup only AFTER reading the List.]