🚀 go-pugleaf

    How do you run BASIC under OS/2 2.0?
    The programs, \os2\mdos\basic and \os2\mdos\basica, blow up in
both the OS and DOS full screen processes if I try to run them.  This
is perhaps understandable, given that those programs expect BASIC to
be supported in the BIOS, as it's said to be on IBM hardware, which
I don't have (although you'd think the programs would be smart enough
to report the missing support!).
    But I have an old copy of GWBASIC lying around that runs fine
under all variants of DOS.  When I invoke it in full screen DOS under
OS/2, I get the cute reprimand,
        You can not SHELL to BASIC
as if I were calling in artillery! -- followed by the DOS prompt.
    I've used BASIC for years for quickie programs, such as mortgage
reduction, backyard measurements, etc.  Reusing it would seem to be
a lot quicker than learning REXX, which may or may not be suitable
for the same uses.  Must I take OS/2 down and boot from DOS?  Where
is IBM's vaunted compatibility?

Regards, rLs