🚀 go-pugleaf

RetroBBS NetNews Server

Inspired by RockSolid Light RIP Retro Guy

Thread View: comp.os.os2.misc
1 messages
1 total messages Started by Timothy F. Sipples Mon, 14 Jun 1993 06:37
OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. 2.1A (3 of 4)
#14758
Author: Timothy F. Sipples
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 1993 06:37
1312 lines
57678 bytes
Archive-name: os2-faq/user/part3
Version: 2.1A

[Part 3 of 4]

International OS/2 User Group by phoning 285-641175 in the U.K.)  The OS/2 
Device Driver Source Kit CD-ROM is also now available from IBM, part no.  
71G3703.  To order phone 407-982-4239 (FAX 407-982-4218) in North America, 
61-2-354-7684 (FAX 61-2-354-7766) in most of the Far East and Pacific Rim, 
81-3-5563-5897 (FAX 81-3-5563-4957) in Japan, 81-2-528-1548 (FAX 
82-2-528-1414) in Korea, or 011-52-627-1846 (FAX 011-52-395-7812) in Latin 
America.  

IBM offers classes worldwide to help in using and programming OS/2 2.1; 
phone your local IBM branch office (or the OS/2 Hotline) for more 
information.  Or contact one of these third party providers of classes 
training materials:  

  Company                                 Telephone 
  Acumen People and Productivity          61-3-853-6662 
  Adaptive Research and Design            305-889-0070 
  Adar International                      212-750-5820 
  Allied Computer Service                 Singapore 2948741 
  AOSI                                    415-586-3454 
  Applied Learning                        708-369-3000 
  ATI                                     310-823-1129 
  Ron Beauchemin                          203-285-5896 
  Bell and Associates                     61-2-953-7619 
  Broadway and Seymour                    800-274-9287 
  Chapman and Associates                  714-831-4442 
  Charles Hatvany and Associates          617-648-4100 
  CIE                                     800-882-3981 
  Computer Information Associates         708-766-4677 
  Computer Training Center                901-753-9706 
  CompuTrainers                           212-984-0522 
  Comsell                                 404-872-2500 
  Creative Systems Programming            609-234-1500 
  David Bernstein Company                 206-282-8711 
  Denenfeld Systems Design                519-396-8088 
  Descriptor Systems                      319-362-3906 
  Development Technologies                803-790-1234 
  Edutrends                               201-838-6700 
  Chris Eldridge Pty Ltd.                 61-2-016-289-093 
  Electronic Directions                   212-213-6500 
  Fermier Consulting and Education        817-481-4966 
  Future Enterprises                      202-662-7676 
  Gateway Technologies Corp.              203-693-1097 
  Hailey Griffin Corp.                    416-475-4200 
  Huffman and Associates                  805-461-1053 
  Iconisys                                805-522-8863 
  InfoLink Solutions                      404-876-1512 
  Infotec Training Institute              800-282-7990 
  Instruction Set                         617-890-4930 
  Instructional Systems Co.               212-477-8800 
  Instructware                            800-267-0101 
  iQ Training Systems                     44-71-613-5771 
  IS International                        407-994-4373 
  JRT Information Services                407-547-0178 
  Jensen Enterprises                      616-429-9599 
  Kee Systems                             301-880-0880 
  Kemtex Services                         212-661-5770 
  Knowhow Solutions                       61-2-955-9592 
  Dr. Michael S. Kogan                    904-246-8341 
  Logical Operations                      716-482-7700 
  Management Technology Education         61-2-261-5555 
                                          61-3-629-5811 
                                          61-7-840-9248 
                                          61-8-231-3048 
                                          61-9-324-1142 
  Mannix Enterprises                      914-229-8109 
  Mentor Technologies                     614-265-3170 
  Microtransfer                           44-869-50340 
  Minasi and Company                      703-276-8940 
  Object Management Laboratory            818-879-9620 
  One on One Computer Training            708-628-0500 
  One Up Corp.                            214-620-1123 
  PC Dialogs                              212-663-3459 
  PC Etcetera                             212-736-5870 
  PCLC                                    212-953-9800 
  Professional Development Assoc.         Singapore 2272883 
  Pinnacle Technology                     918-455-2520 
  Productivity Point International        800-848-0980 
  Productivity Solutions                  215-631-5685 
  Professional Development Assoc.         44-71-706-3744 
  Progressive Software Technologies       303-932-2051 
  QED Information Sciences                800-343-4848 
  Rockey and Assoc.                       215-640-4880 
  SCS Computer Consulting                 718-321-1572 
  Kenneth E. Sanger                       914-948-8496 
  SE International                        407-241-3428 
  Sims Software Technology                415-731-2222 
  Software Education Corp.                908-946-0606 
  Software Paradise                       44-222-887521 
  Soza & Company                          703-560-9477 
  Stratemm Pacific Ltd.                   New Zealand 07-578-5100 
  Testek                                  207-539-8825 
  Touchstone Systems Group                312-263-1444 
  User View                               612-331-7212 
  ViaGrafix U.S.                          918-825-6700 
  VisGrafix Australia                     61-9-417-3178 
  Wave Technologies Training              214-650-9283 
  William H. Zack & Assoc.                203-255-2979 
  Worthman & Assoc.                       303-290-9700 
  
For a free copy of the IBM IV League catalog (with OS/2 books, videotapes, 
and other support materials), phone 800-342-6672.  For more information on 
the IBM IV (Independent Vendor) League, an organization of individuals and 
companies who develop and market products and services that support OS/2, 
call 203-262-3769 or 203-262-3776.  You may also dial the IV League BBS at 
203-380-8264.  

If you need to reach any individual at IBM, but you do not know that 
person's direct telephone number, call the IBM Switchboard at 800-IBM-3333.  

See (4.9) Books and Magazines for information on OS/2 publications.  

Any of the regular DOS or Windows resources (e.g.  books, magazines, 
shareware/freeware sources) will be useful since both environments come 
with OS/2 2.1.  

  
  Related information: 
  
  (1.3)  DOS and Windows Compatibility 
  (3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources 
  (3.6)  Multimedia
  (4.8)  User Groups 
  (4.9)  Books and Magazines 
  (4.10) Problem Report Form 
  

(4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes

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

CSDs are Corrective Service Diskettes, or bug fixes (Service Paks), 
periodically issued by IBM.  The OS/2 CSD level number may be obtained 
using the command SYSLEVEL from an OS/2 command line prompt.  CSDs are 
cumulative, i.e.  only the most recent CSD is required to bring a system up 
from any previous CSD level.  However, CSDs only apply within a major 
version number.  For example, an upgrade, not a CSD, would bring OS/2 
Version 2.0 up to Version 2.1.  Note also that each national language (e.g.  
French, U.K.  English) uses a distinct CSD.  

CSDs may be ordered by phoning 800-3-IBM-OS2.  Customers with IBM customer 
numbers (usually large sites) should phone 800-237-5511 or order through 
IBMLink.  Outside the United States, ask an authorized IBM dealer or 
representative for the CSD.  CSDs may also be downloaded from the IBM PC 
Co.  BBS (modem 404-835-6600), CompuServe (FIND OS/2), or from (3.2) 
Shareware and Freeware Sources.  And CSDs may be ordered through IBM's OS/2 
BBS.  

The latest, current OS/2 2.1 CSD level will be listed in this List and in 
the PS/2 Assistant files.  At present there is no Service Pak for OS/2 2.1.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 

(4.7) Online Services

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

IBM's official non-IBM online service for OS/2 user and developer support 
is CompuServe (FIND OS/2).  In the United States you can obtain CompuServe 
membership information by phoning 800-848-8199.  

IBM maintains an unofficial presence on many other networks.  For 
information on the Internet consult one of the many books describing the 
network.  One example:  The Whole Internet by Ed Krol, O'Reilly & 
Associates (phone 707-829-0515), ISBN 1-56592-025-2.  Once you start using 
the Internet you should peruse the information files posted to the 
news.answers newsgroup to familiarize yourself with Internet resources.  

The OS/2 Roundtable (Page 1400, Keyword OS2) has opened on GEnie.  To 
subscribe to GEnie, set your communications software to half duplex and 
either 1200 or 2400 bps then have your modem dial 800-638-8369 
(800-387-8330 in Canada).  Upon connection, type HHH and press RETURN.  At 
the U#= prompt type SIGNUP and press RETURN, then follow the directions 
given.  

See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, (4.5) Technical Support, and 
(4.11) OS/2 BBSes for information on other online services with high OS/2 
content.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2)  Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 (4.5)  Technical Support 
 (4.11) OS/2 BBSes 
 

(4.8) User Groups

 Are there any OS/2 user groups? 

The following OS/2 user groups meet regularly:  
      
      Northeast Ohio (Akron) OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Garey Smiley (phone 216-630-3565)
      
      Atlanta OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Robert Cannon (phone 404-908-2121)
      
      Baton Rouge OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: David Arbour (phone 504-753-9637)
      
      North Suburban Chicago OS/2 User's Group 
      Contact: James Schmidt (phone 708-317-7405)
      
      Greater Chicago OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Lisa Der Mateosian (phone 312-245-6418)
      
      West Suburban Chicago OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Dwight Cannon (phone 708-742-0700 ext. 2170)
      
      Mid Missouri (Columbia) OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Woody Sturges (BBS 314-446-0016)
      
      Denver OS/2 User's Group 
      Contact: Ronald Van Iwaarden (BBS 303-744-0373)
      
      Computer Users of Erie (Pennsylvania) OS/2 SIG 
      Contact: Tom Kuklinski (phone 814-866-5396)
      
      Fort Wayne OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Stephen Gutknecht (phone 219-484-0062)
      
      Indianapolis OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Jay Schultz (phone 317-634-8080)
      
      Las Vegas OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Karu Karunaratne (phone 702-435-0018, BBS 702-433-5535)
      
      Long Island OS/2 User's Group 
      Contact: Jeffrey Altman (phone 516-444-3751)
      
      Los Angeles OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Paul Duncanson (phone 805-584-6721)
      
      Minnesota OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Marcus Krumpholz (phone 612-869-7956, BBS 612-379-8272)
      
      Montreal OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Gilbert Daigle (phone 514-923-9964)
      
      New England OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Dave Pinard (phone 203-954-1872)
      
      Phoenix PC User Group and OS/2 SIG 
      Contact: 602-222-8511
      
      Triangle (Raleigh, North Carolina) OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone 919-254-5637)
      
      Sacramento OS/2 Users Group 
      Contact: Charlie Kotan (phone 916-641-4007)
      
      San Diego OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Craig Swanson (BBS 619-558-9475)
      
      Bay Area (San Francisco) OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Sanford Rockowitz (phone 415-755-3124)
      
      Singapore (NUS) OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: N. Sriram (Internet: swknasri@nuscc.nus.sg)
      
      Tampa Bay OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Paul Wylie (phone 813-786-4567)
      
      International OS/2 User Group (based in the U.K.)
      Contact: Mike Gove (phone +44(0)285-641175 or FAX +44(0)285-640181)
      
      Wellington (New Zealand) OS/2 Users' Group 
      Contact: Andrew McMillian (phone 801-4764 days, 233-9123 evenings)
      
      Westchester (New York) OS/2 User Group 
      Contact: Patrick Pearce (phone 914-762-8950)
      

[OS/2 user groups:  please send information on your group to the author.  
See (0.0) Introduction and Credits.] See (6.1) Promoting OS/2 for 
information on IBM assistance to OS/2 user groups.  

  
  Related information: 
  
  (0.0) Introduction and Credits 
  (4.5) Technical Support 
  (6.1) Promoting OS/2
  

(4.9) Books and Magazines

 What OS/2 books and magazines are available? 

OS/2 has its own magazines:  OS/2 Developer Magazine (phone 800-WANT-OS2 or 
708-647-5960, FAX 708-647-0537), OS/2 Monthly (mail 
72550.2440@compuserve.com or phone 800-365-2642), Inside OS/2 (phone 
502-491-1900), OS/2 Professional (phone 301-770-7302), and the OS/2 
Newsletter (phone 714-495-3757).  

Many OS/2 2.x books can be ordered by calling IBM Fulfillment Headquarters 
at 800-342-6672.  Or you may obtain OS/2 books through most computer book 
sellers.  

Here are just a few of the OS/2 2.x books available, with ISBN and IBM 
Publication Number, if available:  

o Designing OS/2 Applications, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-58889-X, IBM 
Publication No.  SC28-2701.  

o Easy OS/2, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-145-X.  

o The Little Book of OS/2:  2.1 Edition, Peachpit Press.  

o Micro Focus COBOL/2 Workbench for the Application Developer, QED.  

o OS/2 for Non-Nerds, New Riders, ISBN 1-56205-153-9, IBM Pub.  No.  
SR28-4319.  

o OS/2 Inside & Out (2.1), Osborne McGraw-Hill.  

o OS/2 2.x Notebook:  The Best of OS/2 Developer Magazine, Van Nostrand 
Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-01522-4, IBM Pub.  No.  G362-0015.  

o OS/2 2.1 Complete, Abacus.  

o OS/2 2.1 Programming, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-881910-5.  

o OS/2 2.1 Unleashed, Sams, ISBN 0-672-30240-3, IBM Pub.  No.  SR28-4318.  

o The Shell Collection:  OS/2 2.1 Utilities, Van Nostrand Reinhold.  

o Stepping Up to OS/2 2.1, Abacus, ISBN 1-55755-185-5.  

o Ten-Minute Guide to OS/2 2.1, Alpha, ISBN 1-56761-185-0, IBM Pub.  No.  
SR28-4322.  

o Using OS/2 2.1:  Special Edition, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-118-2, IBM Pub.  No.  
SR28-4317.  

o Your OS/2 Consultant, Sams.  

o Advanced OS/2 for Programming Managers, John Wiley & Sons.  

o Dvorak's Guide to OS/2, Random House.  

o OS/2 for Dummies (2.1), IDG, ISBN 1-878058-76-2.  

o OS/2 Instant Reference Book, Sybex.  

o The OS/2 2.1 User's Bible, Abacus.  

o OS/2 2.1 Power User's Guide, Van Nostrand Reinhold.  

o Real-World Programming for OS/2, Sams.  

o Learn OS/2 in a Day, Wordware Publishing.  

o Micro Focus CICS Option:  Developing CICS Applications on the PC, QED.  

o OS/2:  The Workplace Shell, A User's Guide & Tutorial for Release 2.1, 
Computer Information Associates.  

o PC Learning Labs Teaches OS/2, Ziff-Davis Press.  

o Quick Reference Guide for OS/2 2.1, DDC.  

o Van Wolverton's Guide to OS/2, Random House.  
  
IBM's OS/2 "redbooks" (power user guides) are IBM Publication No.  
GBOF-2254.  (To order these and other IBM publications phone your local IBM 
office and ask for the Librarian or phone 800-765-4IBM.)  These redbooks 
are also available in electronic form [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware 
Sources ]. Other OS/2 publications, such as the OS/2 Technical Library, IBM 
Part No.  10G3356, are available by calling IBM Technical Books at 
800-IBM-PCTB.  

IBM also offers the OS/2 Online Book Collection CD-ROM, part no.  53G2166.  
This CD-ROM provides nearly all of the OS/2 publications produced by IBM in 
electronic form.  The CD-ROM includes the following titles:  

  o IBM C Set ++ Version 2.0 

     - IBM WorkFrame/2 Introduction 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: Browser Introduction 
     - Collection Class Library Reference 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools C Library Reference 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: C Language Reference 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: C++ Language Reference 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: Debugger Introduction 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: Programming Guide 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: Standard Class Library Reference 
     - User Interface Class Library Guide 
     - User Interface Class Library Reference 
     - IBM C/C++ Tools: EXTRA Introduction 

  o IBM International Technical Support Center (Red Books) 

     - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 1: Control Program (ITSC) 
     - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 2: DOS and Windows Environment (ITSC) 
     - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 3: PM and Workplace Shell (ITSC) 
     - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 4: Application Development (ITSC) 
     - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 5: Print Subsystem (ITSC) 
     - OS/2 2.1 Technical Update 

  o OS/2 LAN Server Version 2.0 

     - OS/2 LAN Server Migration Handbook 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning 
     - DOS LAN Requester User's Quick Reference 
     - LAN Server User's Quick Reference 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages 
     - LAN Support Program User's Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrator's Tasks 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts 
     - DOS LAN Requester Windows User's Guide 
     - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids 
     - Network Administrator Reference Supplement for OS/2 2.0 

  o OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 

     - PC LAN Program Migration Guide 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning 
     - DLR and DLR Windows User's Quick Reference 
     - OS/2 LAN Requester User's Quick Reference 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages 
     - IBM LAN Support Program User's Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide 
     - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrators Tasks 
     - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts 
     - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids 
     - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide 
     - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and Configuration
       Guide
     - Messages and Problem Determination Guide 

  o Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 Version 1.1 

     - MMPM/2 Application Programming Guide 
     - MMPM Toolkit/2 
     - CUA Guide to Multimedia User Interface Design 
     - MMPM/2 Programming Reference 
     - OS/2 Multimedia Advantage 

  o Network Transport Services/2 Version 1.0 

     - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide 
     - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and
       Configuration Guide
     - Messages and Problem Determination Guide 

  o OS/2 2.0 

     - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide 
     - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) 
     - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) 
     - IBM OS/2 2.0 Getting Started 
     - OS/2 2.0 Installation Guide 
     - OS/2 2.0 Quick Reference 
     - OS/2 2.0 Command Reference 
     - IBM OS/2 2.0 Migrating to the OS/2 Workplace Shell 
     - OS/2 2.0 Using the Operating System 
     - Tips and Techniques 
     - OS/2 2.0 Adobe Type Manager for WIN-OS/2 
     - OS/2 2.0 Compatibility Information 
     - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support 

  o OS/2 2.1 

     - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide 
     - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) 
     - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) 
     - OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System 
     - OS/2 2.1 Book Catalog 
     - OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide 
     - OS/2 2.1 Quick Reference 
     - OS/2 2.1 Command Reference 
     - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support 
     - OS/2 2.1 Performance Tuning for End Users (White Paper) 
     - OS/2 2.1 Performance Improvements (White Paper) 

  o Operating System/2 2.0 Technical Library 

     - OEM DASD and SCSI Device Driver Support 
     - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume III 
     - Getting Started: OS/2 2.1 Toolkit 
     - Getting Started: Toolkit 
     - Information Presentation Facility 
     - Physical Device Driver Reference 
     - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume I 
     - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume II 
     - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume III 
     - Application Design Guide 
     - Procedures Language 2/REXX User's Guide 
     - Presentation Driver Reference 
     - Virtual Device Driver Reference 
     - System Object Model Guide and Reference 
     - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume I 
     - OS/2 Programming Guide: Volume II 
     - Bidirectional National Language Support 
     - Control Program Programming Reference 
     - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume I 
     - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume II 
     - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume III 
     - OS/2 2.1 CP Programming Reference 
     - Procedures Language 2/REXX Reference 
     - SAA CUA Advanced Interface Design Reference 
     - SAA CUA Guide to User Interface Design 

  o PL/I Package/2 Version 1.1 

     - PL/I Package/2 Programming Guide 
     - PL/I Package/2 Language Environment Run-Time Messages 
     - PL/I Package/2 Installation 
     - PL/I Package/2 Language Reference 
     - PL/I Package/2 Reference Summary 
     - PL/I Package/2 Fact Sheet 

  o SAA Common User Access Controls Library/2 Version 1.0 

     - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Programming Guide 
     - Common User Access Controls Library/2 PM Reference 
     - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Windows Reference 

  o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2 for OS/2 

     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: User's Guide 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide 

  o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2.1 for OS/2 

     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: User's Guide 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: LAN Adapter and Protocol Support 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference 
     - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide 
  
  
  Related information: 
  
  (4.5) Technical Support 
  

(4.10) Problem Report Form

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

If you would like to send an OS/2 bug report to IBM, you may phone IBM at 
800-992-4777 (in the U.S.)  or you may fill in the OS/2 Problem Report Form 
and mail it to IBM via CompuServe or the Internet.  

The Problem Report Form helps IBM solve your problem more quickly, 
especially if you include all the relevant details.  IBM then has to ask 
fewer questions in order to determine the problem.  

To use the Problem Report Form, follow these steps:  

1. If you are reading the INF version of this List, press CTRL-F.  This 
panel will then be saved to a file named TEXT.TMP.  

2. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor), open either TEXT.TMP 
or the plain text version of this List.  

3. Delete all the extra lines in the file so that only the OS/2 Problem 
Report Form remains.  

4. Fill in all the requested information using your text editor.  

5. Save the Form to disk (as file name OS2PROB.TXT for example).  

6. Upload the file to CompuServe Mail or the Internet, and send the Form to 
IBM.  (The exact procedure will depend on the service and the software you 
use.)  
  
You may use the Problem Report Form as many times as you need to, but 
please include only one problem per copy.  If you wish, you can use the 
Defect Report Form found on Page 493 of the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating 
System manual instead of this form.  
  
  ------  Submit an OS/2 Problem Report  ------
  
  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  << THIS SUPPORT IS ELIGIBLE FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS ONLY >>
  <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
  
  Customers should use this form to report a suspected OS/2 DEFECT to 
  IBM support.
  
  IBM employees should refer to the OS2DFECT FORUM in IBMPC for instructions on 
  how to report an OS/2 defect.
  
  If you have How-to or other questions about OS/2, please refer to these 
  sources:
  
  - The OS/2 on-line help and README.
  - If you have a CompuServe ID, you may submit an item to the 
    appropriate section within the forums under IBMOS2 (GO IBMOS2).
  - Many bulletin board systems contain user forums where OS/2 users 
    share information and ideas on OS/2.
  
  If you have Beta problems or suggestions, please refer to the bottom of this 
  form for the proper reporting procedure.  While we appreciate your input, we do 
  not accept Beta problems through the Base defect or ES/LS support ID's.
  Customers with CompuServe ID's may report problems on CIS in IBM's PSPBETA 
  forum.  If you do NOT have a CIS ID, please send the feedback via Internet 
  to the CIS address: 76711.175@compuserve.com.
  
  Please provide as much information as possible on your problem.  Feel free to 
  add additional space, or remove sections of the form that are not relevant to 
  your problem.
  
  CONTACT PERSON: __________________________________
  
  PHONE NUMBER:   (___) ___-____ x____     Phone number where you can be 
  FAX NUMBER:     (___) ___-____ x____     contacted between 8-5, M-F.
  
  Note: Support will normally be handled electronically through 
        CompuServe mail.  IBM may contact you via telephone if it 
        appears it will expedite resolution to the problem.
  
  Would you rather be contacted by phone?   Y _  N _ 
  
  ONE LINE DESCRIPTION OF THE OS/2 PROBLEM:
  ___________________________________________________________________
  
  DETAILED PROBLEM DESCRIPTION - If possible, provide step-by-step recreation 
  scenario.  Also, please include any fixes or workarounds you may have already 
  tried.
  __________________________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________________________
  __________________________________________________________________
  
  Enter any error messages that occur: ________________________________
  
  Select the appropriate answers by placing an "X" in the space indicated.
  Can you recreate the problem?                      Y _   N _ 
  Has the problem occurred on more than one system?  Y _   N _ 
  
  OS/2 OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION:
  OS/2 Version 2.1 .........:  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 Version 2.0 .........:  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition :  _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition :  _   CSD Level: _______
  
  NOTE - CSD = Corrective Service Diskette.
         Use the SYSLEVEL command to determine, if unknown.
  
  HARDWARE CONFIGURATION (provide as much as possible):
  Brand and model of PC: ____________________________________
  Microprocessor:   Intel _  Other (specify) _______________
  Type:     286 _  386SX _  386 _  486SX _   486 _ Speed: __ MHz 
  Total RAM ....:   __ MB 
  Disk drive ...: ____ MB 
  File System:   FAT _     HPFS _ 
  Manufacturer: ___________________ Model # _______
  Type: IDE _  SCSI _  MFM _  RLL _  Unknown _ 
  Manufacturer and model # of disk controller: ______________________
  Manufacturer, revision #, and date of System BIOS: __________________
  Manufacturer and model # of video adapter: __________________________
  Manufacturer and model # of display: ________________________________
  Memory installed on video adapter: _____  EGA _  VGA _  SVGA _  XGA _ 
  Diskette Drive A:  3 1/2" _  5 1/4" _ 
  Diskette Drive B:  3 1/2" _  5 1/4" _ 
  List other adapters installed:   _____________________
                                   _____________________
                                   _____________________
  
  TRAP INFORMATION - If a TRAP occurs and results in the 16 bit trap display 
  similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you recorded:
  
  SESSION TITLE: __________________________________________________
  TRAP____
  AX=____   BX=____   CX=____   DX=____    BP= ____   SI=____   DI=____
  DS=____   ES=____   FLG=____  CS=____   IP=____   SS=____   SP=____
  MSW=____ CSLIM=____   SSLIM=___   DSLIM=___    ESLIM=____   CSACC=__
  SSACC=__ DSACC=__     ESACC=__   ERRCD=____   ERLIM=____  ERACC=__
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________
  
  If a TRAP occurs and results in the 32 bit trap display similar to the 
  following, enter any of the register values that you recorded:
  
  TRAP ____
  ERRCD=____     ERACC=____    ERLIM=________   EAC=________  EBX=________
  ECX=________  EDX=________   ESI=________  EDI=________   EBP=________
  FLG=________   CS:EIP=____:________  CSACC=____   CSLIM=________
  SS:ESP=____:________  SSACC=____   SSLIM=________   DS=____  DSACC=____
  DSLIM=________  CR0=________   ES=____  ESACC=____  ESLIM=________
  CR2=________ FS=____  FSACC=____  FSLIM=________   GS=____  GSACC=____
  GSLIM=________
  
  THE SYSTEM DETECTED AN INTERNAL PROCESSING 
  ERROR AT LOCATION ##____:________ - ____:____.   _____, ____   ________
  INTERNAL REVISION _.___,  __/__/__
  
  PRINTER - If this is a printer problem, please provide the following:
  Printer Vendor: __________________   Model ....: ________________
  Driver Name ..: __________________   Port Used : ________________
  Printer is attached to: Local _    LAN Server _    Host _ 
  
  COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - If this is a problem with Communications Manager,
  please provide answers in this section:
  
  OS/2 Extended Services ............: _   CSD Level: _______
  OS/2 EE Communications Manager 1.3 : _   CSD Level: _______
  Describe your Communications Manager configuration (DFT, T-R, etc):
  ________________________________________________________________
  ________________________________________________________________
  
  LOCAL AREA NETWORK - If this is a local area network problem, please enter 
  information about the LAN involved:
  
  LAN SERVER:     OS/2 LAN Server Version 1.3 : _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Entry ..: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 Advanced: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Entry ..: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 LAN Server 3.0 Advanced: _   CSD Level: ________
  
  LAN REQUESTER:
                  LAN Server 3.0 Requester....: _   CSD Level: ________
                  LAN Server 2.0 Requester....: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 1.3 Requester..........: _   CSD Level: ________
  
  DOS LAN REQUESTER:
                  LS 3.0 Requester ...........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  LS 2.0 Requester ...........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  OS/2 1.3 Requester .........: _   CSD Level: ________
                  DOS Version: ____  DOS Vendor: _________________
  
  Is the failing system a Domain Controller?  Y _    N _ 
  Is the failing system an additional server? Y _    N _ 
  
  DATABASE MANAGER - If this is an OS/2 DATABASE MANAGER problem, please enter 
  information about the DataBase Manager problem below.
  
  SQL Error Code ....: ________
  Secondary Return Code: ________
  Error occurs when database is being accessed as:
  Stand Alone ......: Y _  N _ 
  Requester (Client): Y _  N _ 
  Database Server ..: Y _  N _ 
  Using RDS ........: Y _  N _ 
  Using LAN ........: Y _  N _ 
  If the error is occurring at a requester, can the problem be recreated 
  at the server? .....: Y _  N _ 
  Error occurs in which application?
  Query Manager.....: _ 
  LI ..............: _  (Command Line Interface)
  User Application..: _ 
  If a trap has occurred, provide the SQLABEND results:
  _________________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________
  _________________________________________________________________
  
  PLEASE REVIEW ALL OF THIS PROBLEM REPORT BEFORE SENDING.  When you are 
  ready to send this OS/2 Problem Report, send the form via CISMAIL 
  to ---
  
  Base problems   -   Base Support,     76711,610
  ES/LS problems  -   ES/LS Support,    76711,611
  (ES = IBM Extended Services, LS = IBM LAN Server)
  
  Beta problems   -                     76711,175
  (FEEDBACK purposes only...you will not be contacted).
  
  (To send from the Internet use address 76711.610@compuserve.com,
  76711.611@compuserve.com, or 76711.175@compuserve.com, as 
  appropriate.)
  
  
  Related information: 
  
  (4.5) Technical Support 
  (4.7) Online Services 
  

(4.11) OS/2 BBSes

 What OS/2 BBSes can I dial? 

The following BBSes hold large OS/2 libraries:  

 
  Fernwood                 (203) 483-0348
 
  OS/2 Shareware           (703) 385-4325
 
  Bay Area OS/2            (510) 657-7948
 
  Gateway/2                (314) 554-9313
 
  Greater Chicago Online   (708) 895-4042
 
  OS/2 San Diego           (619) 558-9475
 
  OS/2 Las Vegas           (702) 433-5535
 
  Denver OS/2 BBS          (303) 755-6859
 
  OS/2 Source BBS          (303) 744-0373
 
  Inside Technologies BBS  (313) 283-1151
 
  OS/2 Woodmeister         (314) 446-0016
 
  IBM Germany              049-711-785-7777
 
  IBM Denmark              45-42-88-72-22
 
  OS/2 UK                  0454-633197
 
  IBM UK                   0256-336655
 
  IBM Norway               47-66-99-94-50
 
  OS/2 Norway              47-22-38-09-49
 
  OS/2 Australia           61-2-241-2466
 
  Abaforum (Barcelona,     34-3-589.38.88
  Spain)
 
 
(The monthly Worldwide OS/2 BBS Listing, available from these BBSes, lists 
others.)  The IBM PC Company BBS (modem 404-835-6600) has some 
shareware/freeware as well, along with CSDs [See (4.6) Corrective Service 
Diskettes] and the PS/2 Assistant (an invaluable resource for locating 
almost any sort of information on OS/2).  For information on IBM's OS/2 BBS 
phone 800-547-1283.  IBM Canada maintains several support BBSes:  

      (416) 946-4255 
      (514) 938-3022 
      (604) 664-6464 
      (416) 946-4244 
      

  
  Related information: 
  
  (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
  (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes 
  

(5.1) Making OS/2 Resemble Unix

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

A great number of GNU and Unix utilities have been ported to OS/2 native 
mode and are available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  A uucp 
package, UUPC/Extended, is available via anonymous ftp from 
sun.soe.clarkson.edu, directory pub/uupc; mail help@kew.com with questions.  

In addition, the Hamilton C Shell is available from Hamilton Labs (phone 
508-358-5715 or mail 3890321@mcimail.com).  The Thompson Toolkit, a 
Bourne-like shell, and awk are published by Thompson Automation (phone 
206-224-1639).  MKS (phone 519-884-2251 or mail pat@mks.com) publishes a 
number of standard Unix utilities for OS/2.  Hippix (Hippo Software; 
consult file pub/hippo/press.txt, available via anonymous ftp from 
morgan.cs.utah.edu, for more information) provides a set of low cost 
Unix-like command utilities (such as grep, awk, sh, and vi) along with a 
POSIX programming library.  For OS/2-specific X-Windows server support, IBM 
provides an optional package available with its TCP/IP 1.2.1 for OS/2.  The 
TCP/IP 1.2.1 base package includes a news reader as a sample application.  

DOS and Windows based utilities and aids still work fine under OS/2 2.1.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 (3.8) Networking Products 
 

(5.2) Making OS/2 Resemble Windows

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

Spend some time with the Workplace Shell first.  Browse the online 
Tutorial, Master Help Index, and Start Here facilties.  Consult the 
Unofficial Guide to the Workplace Shell, available from (3.2) Shareware and 
Freeware Sources.  

If you still prefer Windows-like behavior, follow the instructions 
beginning on Page 401 in the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual.  

Note that you can run the Win-OS/2 Program Manager "seamlessly" on your 
OS/2 desktop, and you can use it to launch DOS, Windows, and OS/2 
applications.  Using the Program Manager in this way can make even hard 
core Windows users more comfortable.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 

(5.3) Recovering from Crashed Sessions

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

Before rebooting with CTRL-ALT-DEL, try CTRL-ESC.  Do not hit additional 
keys, do not move the mouse.  Wait up to a minute.  Either the Window List 
or an error message should pop up.  You may close the offending application 
at that point; allow some time for it to close.  (Try ALT-ESC if you have 
disabled CTRL-ESC in that application's DOS Settings.  If you do not get 
any response, press CTRL-ESC or ALT-ESC repeatedly until the dialog 
appears.)  Note that the Workplace Shell can recycle, independent of 
running applications, if it crashes.  

If the system is badly disabled, sometimes pressing CTRL-ALT-NUMLOCK twice 
will result in a prompt to create a dump diskette.  You may do so (the 
online Command Reference describes dump diskettes), or at that point you 
may reboot with CTRL-ALT-DEL.  

To prevent applications from automatically restarting see (5.10) Clever 
Tricks.  To restore the desktop to "factory defaults," use ALT-F1 when OS/2 
2.1 starts.  See Appendix C of the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System 
manual for details.  Note that if you have installed an OS/2 Service Pak 
[See (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes] the ALT-F1 sequence will restore 
your desktop to the state it was found in just before installation of the 
Service Pak.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (4.6)  Corrective Service Diskettes 
 (5.10) Clever Tricks 
 

(5.4) Starting Background Processes

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

Look up the START and DETACH commands in the online Command Reference.  

If you wish to start a DOS session with nondefault settings, use a utility 
such as STARTD.  If you wish to start an OS/2 session from a DOS session, 
try OS2EXEC.  Both (and several others) are available from (3.2) Shareware 
and Freeware Sources.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 

(5.5) Adobe Type Manager

 How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces? 

(NOTE:  The answer to this question may be slightly inaccurate due to minor 
changes made to Adobe Type Manager under OS/2 2.1.  This note will be 
removed in a future release of the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List 
after any necessary corrections have been made.)  

OS/2 2.1 comes with built-in Adobe Type Manager (ATM) for OS/2 and 
Win-OS/2.  A basic set of typefaces (Courier, Helvetica, and Times New 
Roman) comes with OS/2 2.1 and is installed (if selected) for use under 
both OS/2's and Win-OS/2's ATM.  

Each typeface should come with three separate files with PFB, AFM, and INF 
extensions.  To install a typeface for use under Win-OS/2, use the ATM 
Control Panel.  The Win-OS/2 ATM Control Panel will then build a PFM file 
from the INF file.  To install a typeface for use with OS/2-specific 
applications, select OS/2 System -> System Setup -> Font Palette -> Edit 
Font -> Add.  

PFM files may converted to AFM files using the PFM2AFM utility, available 
from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  (However, these converted AFM 
files sometimes produce unusual results.)  AFM files for Adobe commercial 
typefaces are available via Internet anonymous ftp from 
ftp.mv.us.adobe.com.  Many public domain typefaces for OS/2's ATM are 
available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources.  Atech Software's 
(phone 800-786-FONT) AllType and Ares Software's (phone 415-578-9090) 
FontMonger convert between TrueType and Adobe Type 1 formats.  

Typeface files may be shared by OS/2 ATM and Win-OS/2 ATM.  To do so, 
install the typefaces using both the Font Palette and Win-OS/2 ATM Control 
Panel, specifying the target path each time (most conveniently \PSFONTS).  

Note that IOPL=YES should appear in CONFIG.SYS; the modules WPPWNDRV, 
BVHSVGA, and PMATM are marked as requiring I/O privilege.  

 
 Related information 
 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 

(5.6) Performance Tuning

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

For OS/2 overall, the CONFIG.SYS parameters MAXWAIT, TIMESLICE, PRIORITY, 
PRIORITY_DISK_IO, PROTECTONLY, and cache settings (in the DISKCACHE line, 
for FAT; or IFS line, for HPFS) can be tweaked.  The swap file should be 
placed on the most used partition on the least used hard disk, and its 
location is controlled by the SWAPPATH line.  See the online Command 
Reference for details.  

FAT partitions should be periodically defragmented.  A shareware 
defragmenter for DOS called DOG (Disk OrGanizer) works well, as do many 
others.  (You can boot DOS from a floppy disk to run such a utility.)  

For the Workplace Shell, drag shadows of most often used items to the 
desktop or to folders closer to the "surface" -- opening folders takes 
time.  Drag shadows of program objects you use often (e.g.  the Win-OS/2 
full screen Program Manager) to the Startup folder.  Disable animation (go 
to OS/2 System -> System Setup -> System -> Window).  Use the faster 
Details View when opening drive and folder objects; to set Details View as 
the default, open the settings notebook for the object, select the Menu 
tab, click on ~Open, then the Settings button, then select the Default 
Action.  

Try reducing the number of on screen colors or dropping down in screen 
resolution to enhance speed.  Close (not just minimize; check the Window 
List) unnecessary objects and applications.  Use the Monochrome scheme from 
the Scheme Palette -- it provides marginally faster screen updates.  
Consider adding more RAM.  

For DOS programs, run full screen instead of windowed if speed is 
important.  In DOS Settings for each application:  reduce conventional, 
XMS, DPMI, and EMS memory allocations to the bare minimums required for 
maximum performance; turn off VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION unless necessary; 
adjust IDLE_SENSITIVITY; turn off DOS_BACKGROUND_EXECUTION if not needed; 
change the HW_TIMER setting (particularly for games); enable 
VIDEO_FASTPASTE if possible; turn on HW_ROM_TO_RAM.  Communications 
programs should use hardware handshaking where possible (use OS/2's MODE 
COMx command if necessary), and a buffered UART can prove helpful.  (DOS 
programs running under OS/2 will not be aware of a buffered 16550AF UART.  
OS/2 virtualizes the serial port and manages the buffer itself.)  For 
faster printing set the DOS program's output port to LPTx.OS2 (where x is 
the printer port number) -- use a "print to file" option if necessary.  
Disable any DOS print spoolers; rely on OS/2's spooler instead.  Increase 
CONFIG.SYS's PRINTMONBUFSIZE values.  Other, standard steps to enhance DOS 
performance (e.g.  increasing BUFFERS in CONFIG.SYS) of course apply.  

For Windows programs, run using a full screen desktop if speed is vital.  
The Win-OS/2 Full Screen icon set up by the installation program has poor 
Settings.  For better performance perform some of the same steps outlined 
in the preceding paragraph, including VIDEO_RETRACE_EMULATION off.  The 
same printer output advice also applies.  Consider disabling the Public 
setting in the Clipboard.  If available, set VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP to off.  
If mouse control is lost when switching to/from the Win-OS/2 session, try 
setting VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION off.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility 
 (5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage 
 

(5.7) Measuring Performance and Memory Usage

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

OS/2 does not treat system resources like DOS.  Memory is treated as a 
virtual resource, used intelligently.  For example, OS/2 will retain 
unused, "dormant" code in memory if that memory is not otherwise required, 
on the assumption that that code may be used again.  Also, all but a small 
portion of OS/2 (and most applications, no matter how many are running) may 
be paged to disk should a large amount of physical memory be required.  
Utilities which display "free" memory, then, are only useful for rough, 
relative measurements.  (Such utilities also often fail for another reason:  
many only report the largest contiguous block of free physical RAM.  And a 
few will never report more than 16 MB of RAM because they were designed for 
OS/2 1.x.)  

Similarly, utilities which purport to measure system load (e.g.  Pulse) 
should not be relied upon for definitive performance measurement.  
Subjective assessments are often much more reliable.  Pulse (and similar 
utilities) rely on a measurement of processor time allocated to a thread 
running at OS/2's lowest priority.  This method is sometimes subject to 
erroneous results.  

That said, more rigorous system performance optimization and monitoring 
tools include SPM/2 (IBM), BenchTech (Synetik, phone 303-241-1718), and 
Performance 2.0 (Clear & Simple, phone 203-658-1204).  

Note that OS/2's swap file is designed to behave with hysteresis.  It will 
not shrink in size as easily as it grows, under the assumption that swap 
space needed once may be needed again.  It should shrink given enough time 
and continued, less intense system loads.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (5.6) Performance Tuning 
 

(5.8) Displaying Background Bitmaps

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

Color bitmap images used for the Workplace Shell screen or folder 
backgrounds may not display correctly (may have distorted or missing 
colors) due to incorrect matching with OS/2's default palette.  Unlike 
Windows, OS/2 does not adjust the palette to accommodate background bitmaps 
(to keep the rest of the desktop from experiencing color distortions).  
(Palette control is now available to applications running under the 32-bit 
graphics engine with an appropriate display driver, however.)  

To remedy the problem you may use the numerous background images which have 
been specifically prepared for the Workplace Shell [available from (3.2) 
Shareware and Freeware Sources] or you may use an image editing/conversion 
utility which can create a proper, palette-matched bitmap file.  For 
example, FracInt 17.2 [available from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] 
may be used to import noninterlaced GIF, Windows BMP, and PCX files and 
save them as palette matched OS/2 BMP files.  

Note that background bitmap images impose some additional overhead, taking 
up RAM and disk resources.  You should probably use them sparingly.  Also, 
if you have set a Win-OS/2 background bitmap you may experience desktop 
color distortions when running Windows programs "seamlessly."  Disable the 
Win-OS/2 background bitmap to remedy the problem.  

 
 Related information: 
 
 (2.2) SuperVGA Support 
 (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources 
 

(5.9) Specific DOS Sessions

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

Booting a real version of DOS under OS/2 provides certain features that the 
OS/2 emulated DOS sessions cannot.  For example, a specific DOS session can 
provide access to devices (like CD-ROM drives) and networks for which there 
are only DOS device drivers.  A specific DOS session can also help get DOS 
applications which generate spurious "divide by zero" errors running again.  

You will be able to run one such session per hardware device.  So, for 
example, if you have your DOS networking software loaded in one specific 
DOS session, you may not start another, similar session.  

Specific DOS sessions are discussed in the online Command Reference (under 
VMDISK), the Master Help Index, and the printed Installation Guide 
(Appendix E).  You should consult those resources first.  However, if you 
are still unsure how to configure your system to run specific DOS sessions, 
follow these steps:  

1. Create a bootable DOS diskette.  Insert your DOS system diskette into 
Drive A and reboot.  When you arrive at the "A>" prompt, type FORMAT A:  /S 
and press ENTER.  (Note that you may wish to format the diskette for the 
smallest capacity possible, to save hard disk space later on.  For example, 
a 5.25 inch double density -- not high density -- diskette may be formatted 
to just 160K by adding the /1 /N:8 parameters to the FORMAT command.)  When 
prompted, insert a blank diskette into Drive A and press ENTER.  When the 
FORMAT operation is complete, remove the diskette and restart OS/2.  

2. Copy FSFILTER.SYS to the diskette.  Double click on OS/2 System -> 
Command Prompts -> OS/2 Window.  Insert the diskette you just formatted 
into Drive A. Copy the following file to your startable diskette:  
\OS2\MDOS\FSFILTER.SYS.  

3. Set up CONFIG.SYS.  Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor) 
create the file A:\CONFIG.SYS with the following lines at the top:  
      
      DEVICE=A:\FSFILTER.SYS
      DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\HIMEM.SYS
      DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\EMM386.SYS
      DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS
      
Change the "C:"  drive letter if OS/2 is installed on another drive.  Add 
any other lines as required for your application (like CD-ROM or 
networking), but do not include any XMS, EMS, mouse, or memory management 
device drivers.  Make sure that everything is referenced with a drive 
letter and path, as above.  

4. Set up AUTOEXEC.BAT.  Likewise, create a file named A:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and 
make sure that the first line reads:  
      
      C:\OS2\MDOS\MOUSE
      
changing "C:"  if necessary.  Add any additional lines (like PATH, SET 
PROMPT, and so on) as required by your application.  

5. Test your DOS diskette.  Once you have configured the CONFIG.SYS and 
AUTOEXEC.BAT files as you wish, double click on OS/2 System -> Command 
Prompts -> DOS from Drive A:.  A DOS session should start.  Test for the 
functionality you need (like access to your CD-ROM reader or network).  If 
the session is not working properly, press CTRL-ESC and shut down the 
session, edit CONFIG.SYS and/or AUTOEXEC.BAT as required, and repeat the 
test.  

6. Create the diskette image.  When you are satisfied that your specific 
DOS session diskette functions properly, go back to the OS/2 Window and 
type VMDISK A:  C:\DOS.IMG to create a diskette image file.  (If you want 
the file to be located on another drive or in another directory, change 
"C:\" accordingly.)  

7. Create a program object for your specific DOS session.  Drag a program 
object from your Templates folder to any target folder.  When the notebook 
opens, enter a single asterisk (*) in the Program Name field, then click on 
the right arrow in the lower right.  Select either DOS Window or DOS Full 
Screen for the session type, as desired.  Click on the DOS Settings button, 
and scroll down until you find the DOS_STARTUP_DRIVE property.  Enter 
C:\DOS.IMG in the field at the upper right.  (If your image file is not 
located on Drive C in the root directory, make the necessary changes.)  
Change any other DOS Settings if necessary.  Click on the Save button, then 
click on the General tab.  Give your program object a name.  Then close up 
the notebook.  
  
You should now be able to double click on your new program object to start 
your specific DOS session.  If you require access to your diskette drive 
(Drive A), use the FSACCESS command.  See the online Command Reference for 
details.  

When formatting your bootable DOS diskette, you may wish to use additional 
command line parameters to create a diskette with a reduced capacity.  The 
"smaller" the diskette, the less room the diskette image file created by 
VMDISK will take on your hard disk.  See your DOS manual for details, or 
use the example given above.  

  
  Related information: 
  
  (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility 
  

(5.10) Clever Tricks

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

o To force DIR to display your directories in alphabetical order, with the 
subdirectories listed first, add the line 
    
    SET DIRCMD=/O:GN
    
to CONFIG.SYS; and, if you wish the same for your DOS command line 
sessions, add the same line to AUTOEXEC.BAT.  You may also wish to run 
DOSKEY to enable the command history feature.  (Shutdown and reboot for 
changes to CONFIG.SYS to take effect.)  

o Hold down SHIFT while resizing text windows to make size changes 
permanent.  

o If you want to configure your printer port(s) for shared access (so that 
DOS programs, for example, can use them directly), go to your printer 
object, click on it with mouse button two, select Open -> Settings, select 
the Output tab, then double click on the port you wish to share.  Check the 
appropriate box.  

o While running a DOS graphics program in a window, use the graphics cut 
and paste feature to clip a picture and paste it into the Icon Editor.  You 
can then quickly and easily create custom icons for your applications.  

o To disable the automatic application restart feature, create a 
STARTUP.CMD file in the root directory of your OS/2 boot drive with the 
following REXX script:  
    
    /*  */
    call RxFuncadd 'SysLoadFuncs', 'RexxUtil', 'SysLoadFuncs'
    call SysLoadFuncs 
    call SysIni 'USER', 'PM_WorkPlace:Restart', 'DELETE:'
    'exit'
    
or add the line 
    
    SET RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY
    
to your CONFIG.SYS.  To manually disable automatic application restart when 
booting OS/2, hold down the left CTRL, left SHIFT, and F1 keys 
simultaneously from the time the mouse pointer appears until icons are 
displayed on the desktop.  

o Use the Alarms applet to automatically start programs at specified times.  

To start the Alarms applet minimized, put /I in the Optional Parameters 
section of its program object settings.  

o If you wish to dispense with the Workplace Shell (and its overhead), 
particularly on low memory systems, change the line SET RUNWORKPLACE...  in 
CONFIG.SYS to read SET RUNWORKPLACE=C:\OS2\CMD.EXE (replacing C, if 
necessary, with a different drive letter).  In fact any program with job 
control (e.g.  Enhanced Editor, HyperAccess/5) can be used as the shell.  

o To implement a small scroll back buffer for your OS/2 command line 
windows, use the command MODE CO80,102.  This procedure may be automated by 
adding /K MODE CO80,102 in the Optional Parameters section of the OS/2 
Window program object settings.  

o If you do not want any command line parameters passed to a program object 
that you start (for example, if you customize the desktop menu so that it 
has an additional option which starts a command line prompt) place a lone % 
in the Optional Parameters section of the program object settings.  If you 
do wish to pass parameters, but you want the extraneous information that 
the Workplace Shell passes to the object to be ignored, try putting && REM 
% in the Optional Parameters section.  

[Continue with Part 4 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.]
Thread Navigation

This is a paginated view of messages in the thread with full content displayed inline.

Messages are displayed in chronological order, with the original post highlighted in green.

Use pagination controls to navigate through all messages in large threads.

Back to All Threads