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

[Part 1 of 4]

 OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List 
 User's Edition (U.S. English)
 Release 2.1D
 November 23, 1993 
 Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples
 Copyright (c) 1993 by Timothy F. Sipples 
 All Rights Reserved.
 
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 {{ for noncommercial purposes.  (For 
commercial purposes, please contact the author.)  }} If you redistribute the 
List, please include all the original files.  

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 all three files (OS2FAQ.ICO, 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 and will be enclosed in double braces.  
(Revision marking in magenta proved to be so unpopular that now a dark 
green/brown shade is used.  Thank goodness.)  }} 

{{ This release of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List has been delayed 
to follow the release of IBM's newest member of the OS/2 family, OS/2 for 
Windows.  To read more about this exciting product, see (0.4) Special Report 
on OS/2 for Windows.  }} 

{{ A Spanish language translation of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions 
List is now distributed in Spain.  Italian and Japanese versions are under 
consideration.  Volunteers for other languages are encouraged to step 
forward.  }} 

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

BBS operators and archive maintainers:  please retain Versions 2.0L and 1.9G 
of this List, the last versions to deal specifically with OS/2 Versions 2.0 
and 1.3, respectively.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (0.0) Introduction and Credits 
 (0.2) Recent Developments 
 (0.3) Questions in this Release 
 (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 for Windows 
 

(0.2) Recent Developments

{{ IBM's newest member of the OS/2 family, OS/2 for Windows, is now 
available.  This low cost, specially designed Windows add-on brings the 
power of OS/2 to the millions of Windows users currently searching for 
better performance and more features.  For more information on what will 
probably be IBM's best selling software product ever, please see (0.4) 
Special Report on OS/2 for Windows.  }} 

{{ BMDP Statistical Software (phone 800-238-2637 or FAX 310-312-0161) 
announces the release of BMDP/Diamond, a "highly interactive graphical 
visualization tool for exploring relationships in multivariate data."  }} 

{{ Skill Dynamics, IBM's training and education company, now offers 
professional certification for OS/2 and LAN Server experts.  Certification 
testing is administered by Drake Training and Technologies, with classroom 
training provided by Skill Dynamics (phone 800-426-8322).  }} 

{{ IBM's Worldwide Developer Assistance Program (WWDAP) announces its new 
Internet e-mail address, wwdap@vnet.ibm.com, to add yet another means of 
communicating with IBM's programmers.  WWDAP provides direct IBM support to 
developers of all sizes for the creation of OS/2 software.  }} 

{{ Congratulations to David Whittle (IBM Personal Software Products, 
Austin), winner of the 1993 OS/2 Professional "Team OS/2" Award.  }} 

{{ IBM is now shipping LAN Distance, software which enables remote access to 
IBM LAN Server, NetWare, Banyan Vines, and other PC-based LANs.  LAN 
Distance works over dial-up and other asynchronous (serial) communications 
links to provide protocol transparent remote access.  The OS/2 version is 
available immediately; DOS and Windows versions will follow.  For more 
information on LAN Distance, phone 800-IBM-CALL in the United States, or 
contact any IBM software dealer.  }} 

{{ Rightware Inc.  (phone 301-762-1151 or FAX 301-762-1185) is now shipping 
LinkRight, a parallel port and serial port file transfer utility (similar to 
LapLink) with OS/2 Presentation Manager, OS/2 character mode, and DOS 
versions included.  Extended attributes are retained, even when transferring 
to/from a DOS system.  }} 

{{ IBM has released a DCE (Distributed Computing Environment) runtime client 
for OS/2 (Part No.  96F8691) and a Software Development Kit for OS/2 and 
Windows (Part No.  96F8690).  DCE allows programmers to construct 
sophisticated, cross-platform client-server applications.  }} 

{{ FTP Software (phone 800-282-4FTP or mail info@ftp.com) is now shipping 
PC/TCP Version 1.3.  This TCP/IP software features several enhancements over 
the previous version:  a virtual device driver (for WinSock and DOS PC/TCP 
application compatibility), a print redirector, and an IBM TCP/IP-compatible 
DLL.  }} 

{{ IBM has released Screen Reader/2 Version 1.1, software which enables 
blind and visually impaired computer users to access DOS, Windows, and OS/2 
applications running under OS/2 2.1.  For more information, call 
800-426-4832 (voice), 800-426-4833 (TDD), or 800-465-7999 (Canada).  }} 

{{ CA-Realizer 2.0 from Computer Associates (phone 800-CALL-CAI) is now 
shipping.  Realizer, a visual BASIC development system, is QuickBASIC 
compatible.  Both OS/2 and Windows versions are included in the same box, 
priced under $100.  }} 

IBM is now shipping Pen for OS/2, a powerful pen computing system that 
offers pen capabilities, with handwriting recognition, to almost any OS/2, 
DOS, or Windows application.  Pen for OS/2 is just $89.  For more 
information or to order call 800-3-IBM-OS2.  A developer's toolkit is also 
available.  

{{ IBM has introduced C Set ++ Version 2.1 and C Set ++ FirstStep.  C Set ++ 
Version 2.1 now includes Version 2.1 of the OS/2 Toolkit, the Workplace 
Shell enabled WorkFrame/2 Version 2.1, new class libraries, and the KASE:Set 
GUI builder.  C Set ++ FirstStep is a lower cost package designed for all 
but the most power hungry OS/2 C/C++ programmers, with a nonoptimizing 
compiler, three basic class libaries, Toolkit 2.1, and WorkFrame/2 1.1.  C 
Set ++ FirstStep sells for just $99 (or less).  Reduced price upgrades to C 
Set ++ 2.1 are available from previous versions of C Set.  Call 800-IBM-CALL 
or 800-3-IBM-OS2 to order.  }} 

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 
800-627-8363 or 301-240-3356.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (0.3) Questions in this Release 
 (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 for Windows 
 

(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?

      (1.6)  Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors? 

  
  (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? 

      (3.13)  What on-the-fly disk compression software is available? 

      (3.14)  Are there any dealers that specialize in OS/2 products? 

  
  (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? 

      (4.12)  IBM has so many telephone numbers.  Which one do I use? 

  
  (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? 

  
  (7.0)  Glossary of Terms 


(0.4) Special Report on OS/2 for Windows

{{ On November 9, IBM announced widespread, on-the-shelf availability in the 
United States of its newest software product, OS/2 for Windows.  

OS/2 for Windows is the newest member of the OS/2 family, joining OS/2 2.1 
and OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition in satisfying the growing demands of PC users 
for a more powerful yet easy to use environment.  This newest member is 
specifically targeted at current Windows users who are becoming frustrated 
with the limitations of their aging 16-bit operating environment.  It offers 
a smooth, low cost way of upgrading today to take advantage of the future 
technologies that all pundits acknowledge will matter tomorrow.  

OS/2 for Windows is no stripped down sibling; it contains all the features 
found in its bigger brothers.  Those features include true preemptive 
multitasking, multithreading, advanced memory management, Adobe Type 
Manager, the drag-and-drop ease of the object-oriented Workplace Shell (or 
the familiar Windows Program Manager, if desired), state-of-the-art 
multimedia (including the best software motion video technology for the PC), 
support for long filenames through the High Performance File System (HPFS), 
and superb compatibility with DOS, Windows, and OS/2 software.  In fact, 
OS/2 for Windows shares the same base OS/2 2.1 code as its brothers.  

However, IBM has designed OS/2 for Windows to be a true Windows upgrade.  
That means that the Windows compatibility code, Win-OS/2, found in OS/2 2.1 
has been removed.  The installation program has been modified so that OS/2 
for Windows will install over a system which already has DOS 5.x (or later) 
with Microsoft Windows 3.1 installed (including OEM and national language 
versions).  

How does OS/2 for Windows manage to work this magic?  

The installation program in OS/2 for Windows modifies certain Windows files 
just enough so that Windows 3.1 is compatible with the new OS/2 environment.  
However, OS/2 for Windows preserves the existing DOS/Windows setup through 
DualBoot.  In other words, the modified version of Windows 3.1 will still 
execute under regular DOS just as it always did, and OS/2 for Windows will 
let you switch back and forth at will, much as you do now when switching 
between Windows and DOS.  Yet you still use Microsoft's Windows code to run 
your Windows applications regardless of whether you do so under DOS or under 
OS/2 for Windows.  It's like giving your copy of Windows an upgrade without 
getting rid of the old version (should you need it).  

Why is IBM producing a special Windows upgrade?  

IBM is producing OS/2 for Windows for several reasons.  First, since OS/2 
for Windows uses your existing copy of Microsoft Windows 3.1 for Windows 
compatibility, IBM does not have to pay royalties to Microsoft for use of 
the code.  That means that IBM can ship OS/2 for Windows at a lower price 
(with fewer diskettes) than regular OS/2 2.1 -- you do not have to pay twice 
for the same code.  

Moreover, IBM believes there is a large market among Windows users who are 
frustrated with their current environment.  Most of those users do not 
believe that Microsoft's NT (with tremendous hardware requirements and a 
price tag of $300 and up) is a viable upgrade, and many of those users are 
not willing to wait until Microsoft attempts to offer equivalent 
functionality some time in the future.  

What media sizes are available, and how much will OS/2 for Windows cost?  

OS/2 for Windows is available in four packages:  3.5 inch diskettes (IBM 
Part No.  71G5391), 5.25 inch diskettes (71G5392), CD-ROM (71G5395), and 
without media (additional license certificate, 71G5397).  Street prices in 
the United States are expected to be $49 to $59 for either of the diskette 
packages, $39 to $49 for the CD-ROM package, and $29 to $39 for an 
additional license.  (You would pay more for a Windows desktop replacement 
or accessory!)  

At those prices, what about toll free technical support?  

IBM will provide exactly the same toll free technical support to OS/2 for 
Windows customers as it does its regular OS/2 customers, that is, 60 days of 
toll free technical support per copy purchased starting from the first call.  
(Outside the United States, support policies may differ.)  In addition, all 
the other support vehicles are available indefinitely (such as BBSes, 
CompuServe, etc).  

Will OS/2 for Windows support "seamless" mode?  Enhanced mode?  VxDs?  
Win32s?  

While operating under OS/2 for Windows, both "seamless" and enhanced modes 
are supported.  (Seamless Windows is the ability to execute Windows 
applications on the OS/2 Workplace Shell desktop.  Enhanced mode is the 
default Windows mode on 386 or higher processors and is required by certain 
Windows applications.)  VxDs, or Windows virtual drivers, are not supported 
while executing under OS/2 for Windows and, by implication, neither is 
Win32s.  Only a tiny number (four at last count) of applications require one 
or both of these features.  (Microsoft NT, in fact, does not support VxDs at 
all.)  Again, OS/2 for Windows preserves an existing Windows 3.1 setup, so 
such applications, if absolutely necessary, can be run under DOS/Windows.  
On the other hand, OS/2 for Windows allows Windows users to run any of the 
thousands of OS/2 applications available (none of which are available to 
users running DOS with Windows, NT, or any other environment except OS/2).  

Should VxD and/or Win32s support become important in the future, IBM has 
stated that it will support these technologies.  

If I do not have a copy of Microsoft Windows 3.1, can I install OS/2 for 
Windows and use it to run DOS and OS/2 applications?  

Yes!  While OS/2 for Windows is designed primarily for people upgrading from 
Windows, it will install if you have DOS alone on your hard disk.  You will 
not be able to run Windows applications within OS/2 for Windows, however.  
When used as a DOS upgrade, you might think of OS/2 for Windows as "OS/2 
WOW":  OS/2 WithOut Windows.  

If I install OS/2 for Windows on a DOS-only system, and I later decide I 
need support for Windows applications, can I install Windows 3.1?  

Yes!  When you install OS/2 for Windows on a DOS-only system, the DualBoot 
facility (for switching between native DOS and OS/2 for Windows) is provided 
by default.  To add Windows 3.1 to a system with OS/2 for Windows already 
installed, simply DualBoot into native DOS, install Windows 3.1, DualBoot 
back into OS/2 for Windows, then use Selective Install to "migrate" Windows 
3.1.  (Precise instructions should be available in the OS/2 for Windows 
package.)  

If I have to install OS/2 for Windows over a DOS/Windows system, how do I 
use HPFS?  

OS/2 for Windows itself may be installed on a High Performance File System 
(HPFS) formatted volume, but Windows 3.1 must reside on a DOS File 
Allocation Table (FAT) volume (since DOS cannot read and write to HPFS).  
Since DOS (and Windows when it is installed and running under DOS) requires 
a FAT (File Allocation Table) file system, and since OS/2 for Windows needs 
the existing Windows code on your hard disk to provide Windows application 
compatibility, the part of your hard disk which holds Windows 3.1 must be 
FAT.  Other parts of your hard disk (including the section holding OS/2 for 
Windows itself) may be formatted to HPFS if you wish.  If you have no 
intention of ever running Windows 3.1 under native DOS, you can back up any 
FAT volumes (using OS/2 backup software), repartition/reformat for HPFS, 
then restore.  (This procedure is recommended only for those users who are 
reasonably familiar with OS/2.)  

Can I still use OS/2's Boot Manager?  

Yes, Boot Manager may be used provided there is unpartitioned space 
available on the hard disk.  Repartitioning may be required (using the FDISK 
utility supplied with OS/2 for Windows) if this is not the case.  

Can I still use MS-DOS's DoubleSpace?  

IBM recommends that DoubleSpace users either (a) move files off DoubleSpace 
drives completely and get rid of DoubleSpace, or (b) purchase Stacker for 
OS/2 and DOS along with OS/2 for Windows, to provide on-the-fly disk 
compression under both environments (and allow conversion of DoubleSpace 
volumes).  Users may keep DoubleSpace compressed files, but such files will 
not be accessible while inside OS/2 for Windows.  

Are there any extra drivers included with OS/2 for Windows?  

Yes.  With OS/2 2.1, users of S3-based video cards have to download a driver 
disk for support.  The S3 driver diskette is included inside the OS/2 for 
Windows box.  

Will OS/2 for Windows require separate Service Paks?  

No.  OS/2 for Windows will use the same Service Paks, when available, as 
OS/2 2.1.  See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes for more information.  

I already have OS/2 2.1.  What does OS/2 for Windows do for me?  

There are minimal functional differences.  OS/2 for Windows brings the power 
of OS/2 in a lower cost package to a key audience.  Windows users are now 
even more inclined to experience OS/2 technology for themselves.  The most 
substantial difference is that the "About" dialog boxes in Windows, even 
when running under OS/2 for Windows, still say Microsoft (and do not betray 
IBM influence as those in Win-OS/2 do).  So, if you have regular OS/2 2.1 or 
OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition, relax and watch as a new wave of new users join 
you in the OS/2 world.  For future purchases, you may wish to consider OS/2 
for Windows (as either a DOS or Windows upgrade).  

Will there be an upgrade to OS/2 for Windows from regular OS/2 2.1 or OS/2 
2.1 Upgrade Edition?  

No.  OS/2 for Windows is another member of the OS/2 family and is designed 
primarily as an upgrade for Windows users (and for DOS users who are not 
concerned about Windows compatibility).  It is not an upgrade (nor for that 
matter a downgrade) for OS/2 2.1 users.  

What will happen to regular OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition?  

Both regular OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition will continue to be sold 
alongside OS/2 for Windows (possibly in even greater numbers than before).  
Regular OS/2 2.1 is designed as IBM's premier operating system for new PCs 
-- PCs purchased without any operating system whatsoever.  OS/2 2.1 Upgrade 
Edition is intended for those PC users who do not have a copy of Microsoft 
Windows 3.1 but who run DOS or for those who are running a previous version 
of OS/2.  Both regular OS/2 2.1 and OS/2 2.1 Upgrade Edition include 
built-in Windows application support (Win-OS/2).  (OS/2 2.1 is also slightly 
more convenient for those users who wish to run with only HPFS, or for those 
users at larger sites who perform such tasks as OS/2 remote installation and 
maintenance.)  

How do I order OS/2 for Windows?  

IBM will sell OS/2 for Windows directly through its toll free telephone 
number (800-3-IBM-OS2), but you really ought to ask your local software 
vendor (Egghead, Software Etc., Babbages, or wherever) for a copy.  Prices 
from dealers should be lower than those offered by IBM directly.  
Availability will vary by country, so consult your local IBM dealer if you 
happen to live outside the United States.  }} 

 
 Related information: 
 
 (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes 
 

(1.0) Fundamentals

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 2.1'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?

 (1.6)  Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors? 


(1.1) 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.  {{ See (0.4) Special Report on 
OS/2 for Windows for details on the new, lower cost member of the OS/2 2.1 
family.  }} 

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: 
  
  (0.4)  Special Report on OS/2 for Windows 
  (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 and CD-ROM drivers).  So, for example, it is 
possible to multitask DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, {{ DOS 6.0, DOS 6.2, 
DR-DOS, }} 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), {{ AutoCAD (Release 12 requires 
maintenance version C2 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.  Also, the OS/2 CD-ROM 
file system's cache may be adjusted; see the online Command Reference for 
details.  

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 DualBoot method (to switch 
between DOS and OS/2 only) 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 major 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, at the user's 
option.  Also, both DOS and OS/2 applications can be started from the 
Win-OS/2 Program Manager.  

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 by 
calling 800-3-IBM-OS2.  {{ Call for the latest information on pricing -- 
promotional pricing may be in effect.  Diskette versions (5.25 or 3.5 inch 
media) are typically priced lower than the CD-ROM version (which contains 
only only the CD-ROM plus 5.25 inch and 3.5 inch "bootstrap" diskettes), and 
an Upgrade Edition is available.  Express shipping is provided with all 
orders placed through this toll free number.  }} 

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.  

Additional license certificates are available for second and subsequent 
copies.  {{ Note that each OS/2 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.  

In Canada phone 800-465-1234 to order.  In the U.K.  phone the OS/2 User 
Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 0256-841818 or 0800-919-929.  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, {{ as requested.  }} Several other vendors, 
including AST, Compaq, Everex, 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: 
 
 (0.4) Special Report on OS/2 for Windows 
 (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 is an installable file system (IFS) provided with OS/2 which may 
optionally be used instead of (or alongside) the standard DOS-style FAT 
(File Allocation Table) file system.  }} 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.  {{ (FAT is not 
required for compatibility with DOS and Windows applications.)  }} 

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

(1.6) Why OS/2?

Why should I choose OS/2 over its competitors?  

(Information from other sections of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List 
will be brought here in a future release.)  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility 
 

(2.0) Hardware

The following questions are addressed in this section:  

 (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? 


(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 ISA (AT bus), EISA, VESA LocalBus, {{ PCI, }} or Microchannel 
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 performance of OS/2 itself will not be increased appreciably with the 
addition of a math coprocessor.  However, certain applications may benefit.  
}} 

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.  

The following dual monitor configurations are supported:  VGA or most 
SuperVGA with Monochrome Display Adapter (not Hercules), 8514/A with VGA, 
XGA with VGA, and XGA with one or more other XGA.  A secondary monitor is 
most often used with code debuggers that explicitly support such 
configurations.  The Workplace Shell desktop is currently shown only on the 
primary display (except for the STB MVP-2 and MVP-4 ISA and Microchannel 
display adapters which do support the Workplace Shell desktop spanning 
multiple monitors -- contact STB at 214-234-8750 or FAX 214-234-1306 for 
more information; {{ and the Double Edge video card from Nth Graphics, phone 
800-624-7552 }}).  

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.  {{ Always, }} 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.] 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 (and close 
cousins, {{ including later models }}):  

  o Apple {{ (uses Sony driver) }} 

     - CD 300 
     - CD SC 

  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-55 
     - CDR-72 
     - CDR-73 
     - CDR-74 
     - CDR-80 
     - CDR-82 
     - CDR-83 
     - CDR-84 
     - {{ (most others) }} 

  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), {{ Creative Labs/Panasonic CD-ROM drives, and later model Mitsumi 
drives }} are available from several sources [See (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources].  Drivers for Mitsumi CD-ROM drives (and compatibles, e.g.  
Tandy CDR-1000 and DAK) are {{ also }} available from either Systems 
Integration Technologies (BBS 305-979-1976 or netmail 
76130.2321@compuserve.com) or Totronik (49-711-244272, FAX 49-711-6406815 or 
netmail 100064.1346@compuserve.com).  Drivers for non-SCSI Hitachi CD-ROM 
models are available by calling either Laser Resources (800-535-2737) or 
Proline (415-692-5262); ask for CDREXT5D.  A Philips CD-ROM driver is 
available from Aha Computers (49-4531-17070 or FAX 49-4531-170737).  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:  

  o ATI 28800 
  o Cirrus Logic CL-GD5422 and CL-GD5424 
  o Headland Technologies HT209 
  o IBM VGA256C 
  o Trident Microsystems TVGA8900B and TVGA8900C 
  o Tseng Labs ET4000 
  o 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 has 
released a set of drivers for SuperVGA adapters based on S3 chipsets to 
these public sources.  (However, certain S3-based adapters 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 (such as VMODE).  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).  You may 
also need to invoke the utility in your OS/2 AUTOEXEC.BAT file so that DOS 
sessions are properly configured to your monitor's specifications.  Read the 
OS/2 manuals carefully for details on how to use the DSPINSTL program to 
install SuperVGA drivers and customize refresh rates for your monitor.  
[Note that for SuperVGA adapters based on the Tseng 4000 chipset ONLY you 
may use the command SVGA MONITOR from any full screen DOS session to 
customize refresh rates for your particular monitor.] 

  
  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].  Most BubbleJet printers also work quite well 
with either the IBM 4072 ExecJet or IBM {{ 4070 }} InkJet driver.  If your 
printer model is not listed when you install OS/2 2.1, consult your Using 
the Operating System manual starting on Page 351 for advice.  Or check your 
printer's manual to see if the printer emulates one of the models that is 
listed.  

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).  Drivers for older IBM printers (including the 
original IBM 5152 Graphics Printer) are available from (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources.  

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

Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2?  

COM3 and COM4 are supported on most PS/2s without any additional effort.  On 
ISA, EISA, {{ PCI, }} and VESA LocalBus 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. 

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 (Xenix-compatible multiport adapters).  

"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 
  {{ Quatech        (216) 434-3154 }} 
  
  
  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 S3-based Display Adapters.  {{ Since IBM has produced high resolution 
device drivers for video cards based on S3 chipsets, there are many S3 cards 
which work well under OS/2.  Choose one based on either the S3 801 or 928 
chipset.  Orchid, Diamond, Actix, and Number Nine all manufacture S3-based 
display adapters with varying capabilities and prices.  }} 

o Toshiba 3201 CD-ROM Drives.  {{ R.S.T.  Computer Services (phone 
603-595-8708 or FAX 603-889-5250) is selling Toshiba 3201 external CD-ROM 
drives for just $200.  These drives feature a data transfer rate of 
150K/second and an average access time of 380 ms.  }} 

o NEC CD-ROM Drives.  ITG Computers (tel.  708-259-1129 or FAX 708-259-1130) 
is selling NEC CDR-73 ($225), CDR-83 ($205), CDR-74 ($315), and CDR-84 
($295) SCSI CD-ROM drives.  The CDR-73 (external) and CDR-83 (internal) 
feature an average access time of about 350 ms and a 150K/second data 
transfer rate.  The CDR-74 (external) and CDR-84 (internal) increase the 
data transfer rate to 300K/second and add Kodak Photo CD compatibility.  
Some models are refurbished.  Or you may wish to order the CDR-37 (portable, 
caddyless, 150K/second, 450 ms, Photo CD) for just $139 from JEM (phone 
617-254-5500).  Say "Summer Sizzler" when ordering.  Finally, MPS Multimedia 
(phone 800-533-4677, 415-731-4075, or FAX 415-731-1217) sells the CDR-55 
(300K/second, 340 ms, Photo CD) for $299 (internal) or $379 (external).  

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 $500 (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 $79 from 
Smart Computer Systems, tel.  510-656-6794 or FAX 510-656-6685) 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 (which can be disabled if necessary), and both are 
supported by drivers that ship with OS/2 2.1.  Neither use DMA [see (2.6) 
More Than 16 MB RAM].  Other possibilities include the bus mastering, AT 
bus, Adaptec 1540B ($100 from Discount Electronics Trading Int'l, tel.  
619-341-1107 or FAX 619-341-2217) and the Microchannel Adaptec 1640 ($139 
from Discount Electronics Trading Int'l).  These, too, are supported by 
drivers included with OS/2 2.1 itself.  For EISA and LocalBus systems, 
consider BusLogic SCSI adapters (which come with OS/2 2.1 drivers and 
complete instructions).  

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 {{ $305, }} 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 {{ 800-255-4101 }} or 714-693-0808).  Ask about 
adapters with parallel ports.  

o Four Port 16550AFN Buffered UART Serial Adapter.  The STB 4-COM adapter is 
available for $110 delivered by calling 800-735-5266 Ext.  64 {{ (or 
919-286-1502 Ext.  40).  }} The 16-bit STB adapter provides four buffered 
serial ports, each with an independently selectable interrupt and address.  
IRQs above 7 are supported for each port.  Up to two of these adapters may 
be installed in the same system (for up to eight buffered serial ports).  
Four six inch 8-pin DIN to DB9 male converter cables are supplied.  Fifteen 
month manufacturer's warranty and free technical support from STB.  

o Creative Labs SoundBlaster.  Original (Revision 2.0), Pro, and 16ASP 
models are available from many suppliers and provide audio output for OS/2 
multimedia applications.  The original SoundBlaster ($50; confirm Revision 
2.0 or later; speakers $5 extra) and SoundBlaster Pro ($90 with free 
speakers) are available from Stata (tel.  510-656-9848 or FAX 510-656-9891).  

o IBM M-Audio Adapter.  Available in either AT bus or Microchannel models 
for the same price.  Provides compact disc quality audio reproduction and 

[End of Part 1 of 4]

-- 
Timothy F. Sipples        | READ the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List
sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu | 2.1D, available from 192.153.46.2, anonymous
Dept. of Econ., Univ.     | ftp, in /pub/os2/all/info/faq.
of Chicago, 60637         | OS/2: The World's Most Popular Way to 32 Bits!