From: sip1@ellis.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc,comp.os.os2.apps,news.answers
Subject: OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions Rel. 2.0f
Date: 26 Sep 92 17:42:34 GMT
Expires: Sat, 31 Oct 1992 23:59:59 GMT
Reply-To: sip1@midway.uchicago.edu
Followup-To: comp.os.os2.misc
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Supersedes: <1992Aug29.191934.19331@midway.uchicago.edu>

Archive-name: os2-faq/user
Version: 2.0f

OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List: User's Edition
Release 2.0f; September 26, 1992
Compiled by Timothy F. Sipples

For changes/suggestions/additions please mail sip1@ellis.uchicago.edu or 
T. Sipples, Ctr. for Population Econ., Univ. of Chicago, Chicago, IL, 
60637, U.S.A.  This List may be freely distributed.  Mention of a 
product does not constitute an endorsement.  Customers outside the U.S. 
should not necessarily rely on 800 telephone numbers, part numbers, or 
upgrade policies contained in this List.  Electronic mail addresses are 
in Internet form; use addressing appropriate to your mail system.

Release Notes:  The FAQ List is now distributed in a REXXShip encoded 
Zip archive.  Both the plain ASCII and Rich Text Format (RTF) versions 
of the FAQ List are included.  The RTF version includes revision 
markings.  Two new questions have been added.

Questions addressed herein:

(1)	What is OS/2?
(2)	What are the differences between versions?
(3)	What is Extended Services?
(4)	How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?
(5)	Where can I buy OS/2?
(6)	How much does OS/2 2.0 cost?
(7)	What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0?  Do I need a PS/2?
(8)	What applications are available for OS/2?
(9)	Where can I obtain OS/2 shareware and freeware?
(10)	I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0.  What should I do?
(11)	Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?
(12)	Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?
(13)	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?
(14)	I can't install OS/2 from Drive B.  What's wrong?
(15)	Is there a Norton Utilities for OS/2?
(16)	Sometimes OS/2 2.0 will freeze when I run an application.  What do
	I do?
(17)	How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions?
(18)	Why should I use HPFS?  What does it offer me?  Does it work with
	DOS?
(19)	I'm a Unix wizard.  How do I make OS/2 resemble Unix?
(20)	I prefer Windows.  How do I make OS/2 2.0 resemble Windows (or
	OS/2 1.3)?
(21)	I would like to set up an OS/2 BBS.  What is available?
(22)	Can I use COM3 and COM4 in OS/2 2.0?
(23)	How do I start a background process from the OS/2 command line?
(24)	What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get
	them?
(25)	How do I add new Adobe Type Manager typefaces?
(26)	How do I tweak OS/2 2.0 for maximum performance?
(27)	What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?
(28)	Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.0?
(29)	Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?
(30)	What do I need for OS/2 multimedia applications?
(31)	How do I measure OS/2 performance and memory usage?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)	What is OS/2?

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

It was designed from the ground up with preemptive multitasking and 
multithreading in mind.  It also protects applications from one another 
(a single misbehaved program will not typically disrupt the entire 
system), supports all addressable physical RAM, and supplies virtual 
memory to applications as requested, breaking DOS's 640K barrier.

As shipped, it does not support multiuser operation, although third 
parties have grafted multiuser capabilities onto the base operating 
system.  Remote-OS (The Software Lifeline, 407-994-4466), OS2YOU 
(shareware; see Question 9), Citrix (Citrix Systems, 305-755-0559), and 
PolyMod2 (MemSoft) are four such products.

------------------------------

(2)	What are the differences between versions?

IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 (CSD Level 02000, see Question 24) will run only on 
machines with an 80386SX processor or better.  IBM is developing OS/2 
(and its Intel and non-Intel-based successors) independently but is 
involving third party PC manufacturers in its testing.  Improvements 
include an object-oriented Workplace Shell (WPS); a multiple operating 
system boot mechanism; better DOS and Windows support (see Question 4); 
new 32-bit programming interfaces; support for more than 16 MB of 
physical RAM (on systems with appropriate BIOS support); and more third 
party device drivers.  OS/2 1.x applications, unmodified, still run 
under OS/2 2.0.

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), 
providing scalable typefaces for screen and printer.  Procedures 
Language/2 (REXX), a powerful batch-oriented programming language, 
became a part of Standard Edition with this release.  (A few OEMs are 
shipping Microsoft OS/2 Version 1.3, but Microsoft has all but abandoned 
OS/2 development.)

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

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.

OS/2 Version 1.0, introduced in 1987, was the first release of OS/2.  
Task switching was accomplished using a character-based shell and 
limited DOS compatibility was provided.

------------------------------

(3)	What is Extended Services?

Prior to Version 2.0, IBM offered two separate packages with each 
release of OS/2: Standard Edition and Extended Edition.  Extended 
Edition included extra, bundled software products: the Communications 
Manager (for communication with IBM mainframes, minicomputers, and other 
hosts), Database Manager (a full, network aware, relational database), 
and LAN Requester.

IBM has now unbundled the Extended Edition features, dropped LAN 
Requester from the package (now available separately, with IBM's LAN 
Server), updated it for OS/2 2.0, and renamed it Extended Services 1.0.  
ES, by itself, no longer includes the base operating system as Extended 
Edition once did.

This new arrangement makes it easier to update the base operating system 
with CSDs (see Question 24).  And now ES 1.0 will run under OS/2 1.3 
Standard Edition as well as OS/2 2.0.  Also, ES 1.0, like OS/2 2.0 
itself, is designed to operate on both IBM and non-IBM systems (see 
Question 7).

------------------------------

(4)	How good is OS/2 2.0's DOS and Windows compatibility?

OS/2 1.x justifiably earned a reputation for poor DOS compatibility.  
Since it was hampered by the 80286, it could not run more than one DOS 
application at a time.

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

OS/2 2.0 provides a complete DOS emulation equivalent to DOS 5.0.  The 
operating system can provide each DOS application with up to 32 MB of 
EMS 4.0 (expanded memory), 16 MB of XMS 2.0 (extended memory), and/or 
512 MB of DPMI 0.9 (DOS Protected Mode Interface extended memory), all 
from its pool of physical and/or virtual memory (meaning you do not have 
to have as much RAM in your system as your applications request).  These 
limits are in addition to the up to 730K free conventional memory 
supplied to each DOS application, even after mouse and network drivers 
are loaded.  As in DOS 5.0, DOS code and device drivers may be loaded 
into high memory.  A 386 memory manager like QEMM is not needed -- these 
features are provided by OS/2 2.0 directly.

The DOS emulation allows customization of device driver sets -- each DOS 
application shares a systemwide CONFIG.SYS and the equivalent of its own 
CONFIG.SYS.  Also, there is a systemwide AUTOEXEC.BAT file; batch 
commands particular to each DOS application can be invoked using 
separate, application-specific batch files.  And many DOS Settings are 
provided to fine tune each DOS/Windows application's behavior (e.g. 
IDLE_SENSITIVITY).  Most of the popular DOS/Windows applications on your 
hard disk will be migrated automatically when you install OS/2 2.0.

In addition, OS/2 2.0 will boot one or more specific versions of DOS in 
separate sessions, to assist in running particularly difficult 
applications (e.g. DOS networks, MSCDEX).  So, for example, it is 
possible to multitask DOS 3.3, DOS 4.0, DOS 5.0, emulated DOS, and 
Desqview running atop DOS, all in separate sessions, either windowed or 
full screen, all with the same and/or separate device drivers, TSRs, 
environment variables, etc.  DOS boot images may be stored on a hard 
disk.  These procedures are described in the online Command Reference 
(under VMDISK) and in the Installation Guide, Appendix E.

Standard graphics modes (generally up to the resolution of the desktop; 
see Question 11) are supported in DOS windows, as are selectable text 
mode fonts.  Cut/paste to/from windowed DOS applications is supported 
(to/from other DOS, OS/2, and Windows applications), including graphics 
cut/paste.  Theoretically, OS/2 2.0 will run up to 240 simultaneous 
DOS/Windows sessions; the practical maximum depends on system resources.

OS/2 2.0 will, in fact, run virtually all DOS applications in existence, 
including notorious ones such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, Wing 
Commander, Maple, MatLab (Ver. 3.5k or later), and others.  Those that 
do not run generally fall into the following categories:

(a)  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;

(b)  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.  Fortunately OS/2 2.0 has a built-in 
UnDelete feature which is more robust than Norton's approach.  (Consult 
the online Command Reference for information on how to enable UNDELETE);

(c)  Timing sensitive DOS applications.  Certain DOS programs that 
generate digitized sound through the PC's internal speaker may have 
distorted sound.  High speed, real time data collection may be 
compromised.  These problems can often be minimized or even eliminated 
using OS/2 2.0's DOS Settings.

(d)  Certain DOS programming debuggers.  DOS applications running under 
OS/2 2.0 are not permitted to access debug registers DR0-DR7 from a DOS 
session.  Also, DOS debuggers will not be able to set hardware 
breakpoints, and all read/write operations to debug registers in virtual 
8086 mode will be ignored.

Generally DOS backup programs will work under OS/2 2.0, but they may not 
capture some OS/2 data (especially extended attributes) on the hard disk 
without the assistance of utilities such as EABK201 (available from 
shareware/freeware sources; see Question 9).  OS/2 backup tools are 
available, notably IBM's PMTape and PS2Tape (for IBM and Irwin tape 
systems), Sytos Plus (Sytron, 508-898-0100), EZTape (Irwin, 313-930-
9000), Intelligent Backup (Sterling, 916-635-5535), FileSafe (Mountain, 
408-438-2665), KeepTrack Plus (Finot, 800-748-6480), NovaBack (NovaStor, 
818-707-9900), and MaynStream (Maynard, 407-263-3500).  The OS/2 BACKUP 
utility is best used from an OS/2 diskette boot (see Question 13).  DOS-
based disk caching software is not required since OS/2 includes a built-
in, highly configurable, efficient disk cache.

DOS programs running under OS/2 2.0 are extremely fast.  A single DOS 
application (no other applications open) running full screen under OS/2 
2.0 typically achieves 95-97% of the performance it would have under 
native DOS.  If the DOS application performs any disk I/O it can 
actually operate up to three times faster than it would if running under 
native DOS.

If pure DOS is absolutely required, OS/2 2.0 includes a utility called 
the Boot Manager.  The Boot Manager can provide a listing of all the 
operating systems available on the system and will allow selection of 
any one at startup, with a default after timeout.  The OS/2 1.x DualBoot 
method is still available as well.  Consult the Installation Guide for 
instructions on how to use Boot Manager or DualBoot.  Note that OS/2 2.0 
need not be installed on Drive C -- it can reside on other volumes.

Compatibility with Windows, a popular DOS extender, is provided by Win-
OS/2, an environment based on Microsoft's Windows source code.  It runs 
Windows 2.x and 3.0 real mode and standard mode applications under OS/2 
2.0, either on a full screen Windows desktop (with the familiar Program 
Manager and one or more Windows applications) or "seamlessly," alongside 
OS/2 applications on the WPS desktop.  "Seamless" operation is available 
in VGA resolution with OS/2 2.0 as it ships; see Question 11 for 
information on third party drivers.

CVTICO or ICON, both available from shareware/freeware sources (see 
Question 9), will convert Windows icons for use by the OS/2 Icon Editor 
and/or OS/2-specific programs.  (No conversion is necessary if the icons 
are to be used with Windows programs running under OS/2 2.0.)

OS/2 2.0 directly provides Windows enhanced mode features save one: 
services included in WINMEM32.DLL.  Windows applications which utilize 
this DLL (e.g. Mathematica 2.0, Omnipage Professional 1.0) will not run 
under OS/2 2.0.  Fortunately the number of WINMEM32 applications is few, 
and apparently the vendors of such applications will be shipping OS/2 
2.0 compatible updates.

Windows applications are well integrated into the overall OS/2 WPS 
environment with DDE and Clipboard hooks, and OLE 1.0 is supported among 
Windows applications.  ATM for Win-OS/2 comes with OS/2 2.0 (see 
Question 25).  Windows screen (for a full screen desktop) and printer 
device drivers will work under Win-OS/2.  Such notorious Windows 
applications as Word, Norton Desktop (save portions described above), 
Toolbook, and After Dark work fine under Win-OS/2.  Even the Windows 
Multimedia Extensions (and programs which utilize them) operate under 
Win-OS/2.  (For information on the OS/2 2.0 multimedia extensions see 
Question 30.)

Win-OS/2 departs from Microsoft Windows in that it allows more than one 
Windows desktop and can preemptively (rather than cooperatively) 
multitask Windows applications in separate, robust, protected sessions.  
Also, while many Windows 3.1 enhancements are functionally incorporated 
into Win-OS/2, Win-OS/2 is not technically Windows 3.1 compatible.  IBM 
has demonstrated 3.1-level Win-OS/2, and it is widely rumored that a 
free 3.1-level update will be available this autumn.  Fortunately there 
are few (if any) Windows 3.1-specific applications.  Win-OS/2 will run 
the Windows 3.0 applets, but it does not include them.  Instead, true 
OS/2 2.0 spreadsheet, database, communications, time 
planning/scheduling, and other applets are provided.

Some Windows applications require OLE DLLs or custom settings in 
WIN.INI.  If such a Windows application has been installed under the DOS 
version of Windows, Win-OS/2 may not be able to find the appropriate 
files or configuration.  Try reinstalling the Windows application under 
Win-OS/2.

------------------------------

(5)	Where can I buy OS/2?

IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is available from most software dealers (including 
Elek-Tek, 708-677-7660; and Corporate Software, 800-677-4000) and 
directly from IBM (800-3-IBM-OS2, 800-465-1234 in Canada).  In the U.K. 
call the OS/2 User Group (0285-655888) to order.  OS/2 2.0 on 3.5 inch 
diskettes is part no. 84F7586.  For 5.25 inch diskettes, 10G2991.  Media 
are high density.  For compact disc, 10G2992.  IBM OS/2 Version 1.3 is 
still available and may be ordered through many IBM dealers.

IBM is trying to make OS/2 2.0 available everywhere DOS is purchased.  
If your dealer does not stock OS/2 2.0, take your business elsewhere 
(and explain why).  IBM bundles OS/2 2.0 with some PS/1 and all 386SX 
(and above) PS/2 systems; Dell will preload OS/2 2.0 on request.

Microsoft versions of OS/2 1.x are available only through OEMs (e.g. 
Compaq, Dell) or by purchasing Microsoft's LAN Manager 2.1 or SQL Server 
products.  Microsoft has all but ceased OS/2 development, working 
instead on Windows and the future, high-end NT (formerly OS/2 3.0).

------------------------------

(6)	How much does OS/2 2.0 cost?

IBM OS/2 2.0 retails for $195.  However, in the U.S. introductory 
pricing is available through October 31, 1992, by calling IBM's order 
line (800-3-IBM-OS2).  Upgrades are $79 from any version of Windows, $99 
from any version of DOS, and $149 without an upgrade.  (Call for details 
on upgrades from OS/2 1.x.)  Similar promotions are in effect in Canada 
and other countries.  Special pricing is available for multiple OS/2 
licenses.  Educational discounts are available but may not apply to the 
introductory prices.  (IBM's educational inquiries line in the U.S. is 
800-222-7257.)

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 
Question 7).

------------------------------

(7)	What hardware do I need to run IBM OS/2 2.0?  Do I need a PS/2?

You need any PC compatible, PS/1, or PS/2 with at least an 80386SX CPU, 
4 MB (6 MB or more strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard 
disk (with 15-30 MB free), a supported video adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, 
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, ES, and/or extra system loads 
(i.e. an extraordinary number of large applications running 
simultaneously).  When calculating hard disk space requirements, 
subtract space occupied by files already on the hard disk which are 
functionally included in OS/2 2.0 and may be deleted, e.g. DOS, a 386 
memory manager, Windows, Adobe Type Manager with base typefaces, etc.

The 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.

On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters 
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly 
all MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, and 
IBM SCSI adapters.  (True OS/2 2.0 drivers for some SCSI adapters, e.g. 
Trantor and Procom, are available directly from the adapter 
manufacturer.)  In addition, "generic" INT13 support is provided for all 
other hard disk adapters.  This "generic" support even embraces such 
devices as Iomega's Bernoulli and SyQuest's removeable media products 
(but for best results contact Iomega or SyQuest for an OS/2 2.0 driver).  
CD-ROM support (for IBM CD-ROM drives; Toshiba models 3301T, TXM3301, 
and 3301B; Sony model CDU541; and NEC model CDR84; when attached to IBM, 
Future Domain, or Adaptec SCSI adapters) is included as well.  For 
others the DOS device drivers, when installed using a specific DOS 
session, will still provide CD-ROM services to DOS/Windows programs.  
See Question 12 for information on printer and plotter support.

Version 2.0 is explicitly supported on PC compatibles.  IBM is offering 
a money back compatibility guarantee in the U.S.  Should OS/2 2.0 fail 
to work on your compatible within the first 90 days of use, and should 
IBM be unable to fix the problem, your purchase price will be refunded.  
To date over 260 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.

------------------------------

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

In addition to the thousands of applications available for DOS and 
Windows, there are a couple thousand OS/2-specific applications 
representing almost every category imaginable.

The DOS/Windows applications with 16-bit OS/2-specific counterparts 
include Lotus 1-2-3, Freelance, Notes, cc:Mail; Microsoft Word, Excel, 
Multiplan, Mail; Aldus Pagemaker; Ventura Publisher; Corel Draw; 
WordPerfect; DisplayWrite; DeScribe; Micrografx Designer; AutoCAD; 
Oracle; RBase; SAS; SPSS; HyperAccess/5; DynaComm; Pro-YAM; Borland 
Sidekick, Paradox, Brief; Wingz; QEdit; 4DOS; and many others.  In some 
cases DOS and OS/2 versions ship together (e.g. Microsoft Word 5.5, 
Lotus 1-2-3 3.0, Wingz).

OS/2 2.0 provides an attractive, 32-bit, Workplace Shell environment for 
new applications; many do not have DOS/Windows predecessors.  This new 
class of 32-bit applications will include Lotus 1-2-3, Freelance, 
cc:Mail, Notes, AmiPro; WordPerfect 6.0; N/Joy; DeScribe; Publisher's 
Paintbrush; PFS:Works; CorelDraw; HyperAccess; BitFAX; FAX/PM; all 
Micrographx applications; and many more.  Over 1200 new 32-bit OS/2 2.0 
applications are slated for release in the next year.

OS/2-specific versions of popular utilities include ZIP/UNZIP, ARC, LH2, 
Zoo 2.1, many GNU tools, tens of different file finders, desktop clocks, 
calculators, and many more.  Programming languages include Assembler, 
C++, COBOL, Pascal, C, Fortran, BASIC, REXX (included with every copy of 
OS/2 2.0), Smalltalk, Modula-2, LISP, Forth, and still more, from 
vendors such as Borland, Clarion, Watcom, Symantec (through its Zortech 
subsidiary), IBM, Microway, and many more.  Two ports of the 32-bit GNU 
C/C++ 2.2.2 compiler, GCC/2 and EMX/GCC, are available from 
shareware/freeware sources (see Question 9).  Fortran to C (f2c) and 
Pascal to C (p2c) translators are also available.  (See the Programmer's 
Edition of this List for more information.)

The IBM NSC BBS (404-835-6600) provides an online product database of 
OS/2-specific software.  A directory of OS/2 applications, IBM document 
number G362-0029-02, is published by Graphics Plus (800-READ-OS2).  TINF 
is an applications directory (for use with the OS/2 VIEW facility) 
available from shareware/freeware sources listed below.

------------------------------

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

Many BBSes, including 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), IBM Germany (049-711-785-7777), IBM 
Denmark (45-42-88-72-22), IBM Belgium (61-2-241-2466), OS/2 UK (0454-
633197), and OS/2 Australia (61-2-241-2466) hold large OS/2 libraries.  
(The monthly Worldwide OS/2 BBS Listing, available from these BBSes, 
lists others.)  The IBM NSC BBS has some shareware/freeware as well, 
along with CSDs (see Question 24) and the PS/2 Assistant (an invaluable 
resource for locating almost any sort of information on OS/2).  For 
information on IBM's new OS/2 BBS call 800-547-1283.  IBM Canada 
maintains several support BBSes (416-946-4255, 514-938-3022, 604-664-
6464, and 416-946-4244).

The Usenet conference comp.binaries.os2 carries OS/2 software.  And 
several sites are available via anonymous ftp.  (No ftp?  Send a single 
line message with the word HELP to bitftp@pucc.bitnet or 
ftpmail@decwrl.dec.com to learn about ftp mail servers.)  They include 
(with Internet node numbers and subdirectories):

ftp-os2.nmsu.edu           128.123.35.151   pub/os2
mtsg.ubc.ca                137.82.27.1      os2:
access.usask.ca            128.233.3.1      pub/archives/os2
luga.latrobe.edu.au        131.172.2.2      pub/os2
funic.funet.fi             128.214.6.100    pub/os2
ftp.urz.uni-heidelberg.de  129.206.100.126  pub/os2
software.watson.ibm.com    129.34.139.5     pub/os2
novell.com                 130.57.4.1       pub/os2

The last site should not be accessed weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 
p.m. Pacific Time.  The ftp-os2.nmsu.edu and novell.com libraries are 
available on CD-ROM from Walnut Creek (510-947-5996).

Other sources include CompuServe ("GO IBMOS2") and an archive server 
(send a single line message with the word HELP to 
listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be for more information, or use ftp).

IBM has been releasing freely distributable employee written software 
(e.g. Visual REXX) and OS/2 patches to these sites.

------------------------------

(10)	I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.0.  What should I do?

First consult the Installation Guide and other materials accompanying 
OS/2 2.0.  Make sure your PC meets the system requirements in Question 
7.

And if the following instructions do not help, fall back on IBM's toll 
free technical support (800-237-5511 in the U.S.) and/or consult IBM's 
Tips and Techniques file, available from sources listed in Question 9.

Certain PC compatibles have difficulty accepting OS/2 2.0 (CSD level 
02000 only; see Question 24), particularly AT bus systems with RLL, MFM, 
ESDI, or certain SCSI adapters (e.g. AMI SCSI adapters).  The problem 
usually appears in the form of FDISK errors, extremely slow copying to 
the hard disk, or a whining/grating noise emanating from the hard disk.  
A replacement IBM1S506.ADD file, available from sources listed in 
Question 9, alleviates the problem.

When installing, the Logitech Mouse selection should be chosen only if 
you have a Mouse Systems PC Mouse (or compatible, e.g. certain Genius 
models) or a Logitech C7 or C9 serial mouse.  (If you have another 
Logitech pointing device, it is likely Microsoft compatible when powered 
up, so select the appropriate Microsoft driver, e.g. "Serial Pointing 
Device.")  If you are using a Logitech C7 or C9 serial mouse and have 
been using native DOS, be sure to issue the command MOUSE PC (or MOUSE 2 
PC if your mouse is attached to COM2) before booting into or installing 
OS/2.  Alternatively, turn off the system (to reset the mouse) before 
booting or installing OS/2.

Some PCs have trouble printing under OS/2 2.0.  This problem can often 
be traced to an interrupt conflict, or a substandard cable or printer 
adapter.  LPT1 uses IRQ 7, and LPT2, if installed, uses IRQ 5.  
Interrupts should not be shared on AT bus machines.  The SoundBlaster, 
for example, comes set to IRQ 7.  Reset it to an unused interrupt.

Make sure adapters with onboard ROMs are not conflicting with other 
adapters.  For example, many SuperVGA adapters use large chunks of upper 
memory, and many hard disk adapters have onboard ROMs which can be 
mapped into the same areas.  Adapters must not share address space or 
interrupts.  Check your product manuals for more help.

Be sure adequate free disk space is available before installing, 
including space for a swap file.  Drives compressed using Stacker or 
similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless 
access to these drives from OS/2 is not needed).  An OS/2 2.0 version of 
Stacker is forthcoming, and Proportional Software's DCF/2, a Stacker-
like utility, is now available (800-666-4672).

Do not select HPFS when installing if your machine has 6 MB of RAM or 
less, or diminished performance will likely result.  Change the 
IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS to REM IFS=... if necessary.

Automatic migration of your DOS CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files is not 
recommended.  If you have Windows 3.1 installed on your system do not 
migrate your Windows desktop.

Be sure your CMOS setup parameters are set correctly, especially those 
relating to floppy drives.  RAM should be given sufficient wait states 
and precharge cycles.  Test with cache memory and/or shadow RAM 
disabled.  The AT bus should run at 8 MHz.

If you are using the IBMINT13.I13 driver to access an MFM, RLL, or ESDI 
hard drive, and the hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders, be certain 
your hard disk adapter's sector translation mode is enabled.

Some Quantum LPS105AT IDE hard disks require a free ROM update (to Ver. 
2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2.

If your AMI keyboard BIOS is below Rev. F you may need an update.  
Contact Washburn & Assoc. (716-248-3627).

Check to make sure keyboard DIP switches are set correctly.  For 
example, if the keyboard is attached to a system with an AT bus it 
should typically be switched to "AT" mode.

"Autoswitching" on non-IBM EGA adapters should be disabled (usually with 
a DIP switch or jumper setting).  In rare cases it may be necessary to 
switch third party VGA/SuperVGA adapters into 8-bit mode and/or disable 
"autosense."  See Question 11 for more SuperVGA advice.

OS/2 is particularly sensitive to bad RAM or cache memory (often 
reflected in TRAP 2 error messages).  Use a thorough RAM testing 
utility, and try not to mix 9 chip and 3 chip SIMMs/SIPPs.

The HP DeskJet and DeskJet Plus printers work, without loss of 
functionality, using the DeskJet 500 (Epson laser printer) driver.  An 
OS/2 DeskJet 500C color driver is reportedly due soon.

Allow several minutes for OS/2 2.0 to build your desktop (and display 
icons) at the end of installation -- take the Tutorial offered to you in 
the meantime.  Select Shutdown and reboot once after installation 
completes to ensure that DOS/Windows applications will operate properly.  
Avail yourself of the "Start Here" icon, the other online help, and the 
README file located in the root directory.  They will help in getting 
started with the WPS and in properly configuring your system.

When installing over a beta version of OS/2 (except OS/2 2.0 level 
6.177H, the Limited Availability release) be sure to reformat.

To install the Upgrade Version of OS/2 2.0, DOS or OS/2 must already 
reside on the hard disk.  If Diskette 1 is not write protected then the 
installation program will record a file indicating that upgrade terms 
have been satisfied and, in the future, will not require DOS or OS/2 on 
the hard disk to install.

OS/2 uses the same diskette format as DOS, so use DISKCOPY to backup the 
installation diskettes and verify that none have been corrupted.

Owners of IBM PS/2s should make sure that any applicable ECAs 
(engineering changes) have been performed and that the most recent 
Reference Diskette is in use.  Reference Diskettes are available from 
the IBM NSC BBS.

Try disconnecting any tape backup device if "Cannot find COUNTRY.SYS" 
messages are encountered when booting OS/2.

Contact IBM for a fix to install OS/2 2.0 on certain Zeos notebooks.

An Always IN-2000 SCSI adapter with BIOS 3.06A or 3.20 requires an 
updated version from the manufacturer.  A companion 8-pin serial PROM 
chip may also need to be updated.  Contact Always at 818-597-9595.  Also 
ask about non-IBMINT13.I13 driver support.

The TI TM4000 notebook may require a BIOS update to run OS/2 2.0; call 
817-771-5856 for help.

------------------------------

(11)	Will OS/2 2.0 work with my SuperVGA adapter?

If you have a SuperVGA adapter, OS/2 2.0 should initially be installed 
using the standard VGA driver.  Then consult the README file OS/2 copies 
to your root directory for more information on SuperVGA support.

OS/2 2.0 comes with basic mode switching capabilities to handle 
applications which utilize SuperVGA modes.  If OS/2 2.0 detects a 
SuperVGA adapter it will list two SuperVGA support files, VSVGA.SYS and 
BVHSVGA.DLL, in your CONFIG.SYS file.  (A replacement VSVGA.SYS file, 
dated April 20, 1992, or later, fixes Tseng 4000 and TRAP E problems.  A 
replacement BVHSVGA.DLL file, dated April 21, 1992, or later, fixes 
installation problems involving Western Digital/Paradise PVGA1D chipset 
adapters.  Both are available from sources listed in Question 9.)

To enable this mode switching support, available for most SuperVGA 
adapters, you must start a DOS full screen session, issue the command 
SVGA ON, EXIT, Shutdown, and reboot.  (In the same DOS full screen 
session and prior to SVGA ON you may run utilities which customize 
refresh rates.  The new refresh rates will take effect after you reboot.  
You may also wish to run such a utility from AUTOEXEC.BAT.)  SVGA ON 
creates a text file called \OS2\SVGADATA.PMI which describes your 
SuperVGA adapter to the system.  Then you may install high resolution 
drivers.

Aside from DOS applications (which may require their own drivers), OS/2 
2.0 requires up to three high resolution support files:

\OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL                 Workplace Shell display driver
\OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\VGA.DRV      Win-OS/2 full screen driver
\OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM\SWINVGA.DRV  Win-OS/2 "seamless" driver

You may replace any one of these individually for high resolution 
operation in each given mode, but be sure to keep a backup copy of the 
original file(s).  The "seamless" Win-OS/2 and WPS desktop driver files 
must match (in terms of resolution and number of colors) if you wish to 
run Windows programs "seamlessly."  Any suitable Windows SuperVGA driver 
will work as a Win-OS/2 full screen driver, but be sure to use the 
EXPAND utility (as described in README) when installing.

OS/2 1.3 SuperVGA drivers often serve, with some limitations, as WPS 
desktop drivers.  Use the command DDINSTAL to replace DISPLAY.DLL.  
Setting IOPL=YES in CONFIG.SYS may be required with a SuperVGA adapter.

As of this writing Trident, Orchid and STB (Tseng 4000 chipset), and ATI 
(due to third party efforts) are the only SuperVGA vendors with OS/2 2.0 
high resolution drivers, although several other manufacturers have 
promised drivers.  When available they will be provided through sources 
listed in Question 9.

Some SuperVGA adapters cause problems with DOS/Win-OS/2 sessions.  Try 
turning VIDEO_ROM_EMULATION off, HW_ROM_TO_RAM on, and/or DOS_RMSIZE to 
624 in DOS Settings.

If you have an ATI Ultra, Vantage, or other 8514/A hardware compatible 
adapter, install OS/2 using the 8514/A driver.

IBM was unable to test all SuperVGA adapters, so if you are experiencing 
problems report them through IBM's toll free support (800-237-5511 in 
the U.S.) and to the adapter manufacturer.

If SuperVGA continues to cause problems the stock VGA driver may be used 
(preventing DOS/Windows applications from using SuperVGA modes, 
however).  In CONFIG.SYS change DEVICE=...VSVGA.SYS to ...VVGA.SYS and 
SET VIO_VGA...(BVHVGA,BVHSVGA) to ...(BVHVGA).

OS/2 2.0's installation program has difficulty with certain Oak video 
adapters.  Temporarily replace the video adapter to install OS/2, or 
contact IBM for a patch.

------------------------------

(12)	Will OS/2 2.0 work with my printer?

OS/2 2.0 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets, DeskJets (see 
Question 10), and PaintJets; IBM ExecJets, Proprinters, Quickwriters, 
Quietwriters, Pageprinters, and Laserprinters; Epson dot matrix and 
laser printers; Postscript devices; and other printers (e.g. Panasonic) 
compatible with these families.  A variety of IBM and HP plotters is 
also supported.

DOS/Windows printer drivers continue to work for DOS/Windows 
applications.  OS/2 2.0 includes a large assortment of Windows printer 
drivers for Win-OS/2.  If necessary install Windows printer drivers 
using the Win-OS/2 Control Panel.  OS/2 2.0 and OS/2 1.3 printer drivers 
are interchangeable, by and large.

If your printer is not compatible with one of the drivers supplied with 
OS/2, check with the printer manufacturer first then with sources listed 
in Question 9.  If you own an IBM printer, check with the Lexmark BBS 
(606-232-5653).

------------------------------

(13)	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?

With IBM OS/2 2.0, insert the Installation Diskette, Shutdown (if 
necessary), and reboot.  When prompted insert Diskette 1 and press 
ENTER.  When prompted, press ESC.  You will be given an OS/2 command 
line prompt.  From there you can make necessary changes to your hard 
disk -- an OS/2 character mode text editor on diskette is handy for such 
changes.  (Make sure you backup CONFIG.SYS before making any changes so 
that you can easily revert to the old version should things go wrong.)

You may use this diskette boot method to run CHKDSK on your FAT or HPFS 
volumes.  After you reach the command line, insert Diskette 2.  Do not 
log to another drive.  Type CHKDSK X: /F to repair most kinds of damage 
to your hard disk, replacing X with the appropriate drive letter.  (If 
you are checking a HPFS disk, use /F:3.)  OS/2 CHKDSK will also mark 
your hard disk as accessible, if possible, should OS/2 "lock it out" for 
some reason.

"Errors" may be reported by CHKDSK if OS/2 was booted from the hard 
disk.  These "errors" are normal.  Since the hard drive is in use by 
OS/2 itself (and files are open) CHKDSK is unable to accurately report 
errors.

The best way to avoid the need to perform CHKDSK is to always select 
Refresh then Shutdown.  Click on the Workplace Shell desktop background 
using mouse button two to bring up the appropriate menu.  Also, avoid 
manipulating OS/2-related files when using native DOS.  Finally, enable 
autochecking for all your hard disk volumes.  For HPFS volumes use the 
/AUTOCHECK parameter in the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS.  For 
FAT volumes use the AC parameter in the DISKCACHE line of your 
CONFIG.SYS.  See the online Command Reference for details.

------------------------------

(14)	I can't install OS/2 2.0 from Drive B.  What's wrong?

IBM OS/2 2.0 can only be installed from Drive A, like DOS (unless your 
BIOS supports booting from Drive B), or across a network (see "Remote 
Installation and Maintenance," IBM Pub. No. GG24-3780-00).  If you have 
the wrong disk size go back to your dealer and obtain the correct media.  
Otherwise you could go inside your machine and swap floppy drive cable 
connectors, use your system's setup utility to set the new CMOS 
parameters, and then install OS/2 from the "new" Drive A.  Sometimes the 
floppy drive cable connectors will not be the same.  If so you can 
obtain an adapter plug.

You may also use IBM's new twin "bootstrap" diskette images, available 
from sources listed in Question 9, to boot from a 5.25 inch Drive A and 
install using 3.5 inch OS/2 diskettes inserted into Drive B.

------------------------------

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

Not yet, although Norton Desktop, Norton Utilities, and Norton Commander 
all work under OS/2 2.0's DOS/Windows sessions (with limitations noted 
in Question 4).  But the GammaTech Utilities should fill the role.  
Contact their publisher at 405-359-1219.  Note that OS/2 2.0 has a 
built-in UnDelete utility (see the README file or online help), and HPFS 
is resistant to fragmentation (see Question 18).

------------------------------

(16)	Sometimes OS/2 2.0 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.)  
Note that the WPS 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 Question 29.  
To restore the desktop to "factory defaults," use ALT-F1 when OS/2 2.0 
starts.  See the README file in your OS/2 root directory for details.

------------------------------

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

If your question is not answered in this List, post a note to the 
appropriate Usenet conference: comp.os.os2.apps carries discussions 
related to finding or using any application running under OS/2, 
comp.os.os2.networking looks at networking issues, comp.os.os2.advocacy 
deals with opinions and speculation, comp.os.os2.programmer addresses 
anything related to OS/2 programming, and comp.os.os2.misc is for any 
other OS/2-related discussion.  These groups are watched closely by OS/2 
experts from IBM.  Also, comp.lang.rexx discusses REXX programming.  A 
LISTSERVer distributes its own OS/2 conference by mail; send a single 
line message with the word HELP to listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be for full 
instructions; or send the same message to listserv@frors12.circe.fr for 
information on an unedited mailing list.

Your local FidoNet BBS may carry OS/2 echo conferences and/or OS2NET.  
If not, ask your system operator to join them.  CompuServe ("GO IBMOS2") 
and Prodigy are also excellent resources.

The IBM NSC BBS's message areas, product database, and PS/2 Assistant 
file(s) are invaluable resources.  Information on the new OS/2 BBS is 
included in the OS/2 2.0 package.  In the U.S. IBM has toll free 
technical support (800-237-5511), an OS/2 Hotline (general information, 
orders, upgrades, 800-3-IBM-OS2), the HelpWare Center (800-PS2-2227), a 
software order line (800-IBM-CALL), an automated FAX information service 
(800-IBM-4FAX), and an educational inquiries line (800-222-7257).  In 
Canada call IBM Personal Systems Software at 800-465-1234.  OS/2 2.0 
developers should contact the IBM Developer Assistance Program (407-982-
6408); membership is free, and a programmer's CD-ROM is available.  IBM 
offers classes worldwide to help in using and programming OS/2 2.0; call 
your local IBM branch office (or the OS/2 Hotline) for more information.

OS/2 has its own magazines as well.  To subscribe to OS/2 Developer 
Magazine call 800-WANT-OS2.  For information on OS/2 Monthly send mail 
to JDS Publishing at 72550.2440@compuserve.com or call 800-365-2642.  To 
subscribe to Inside OS/2 write The Cobb Group, P.O. Box 35160, 
Louisville, KY, 40232.

OS/2 2.0 books include:

Deitel and Kogan, "The Design of OS/2," ISBN 0-201-54889-5;
Minasi, "Inside OS/2 2.0," ISBN 1-56205-045-1;
"Using OS/2 2.0," IBM No. G362-0007-00;
"OS/2 Complete," ISBN 1-55755-157-X;
"Stepping Up to OS/2 V2," ISBN 1-55755-160-X;
IBM's popular "Redbooks," IBM No. GBOF-2254;

and many titles from Van Nostrand-Reinhold (800-296-2665).  (To order 
IBM publications phone your local IBM office and ask for the Librarian 
or call 800-7654-IBM.)

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 2.0.

------------------------------

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

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

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

------------------------------

(19)	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 sources listed in Question 9.  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 (508-
358-5715 or mail 3890321@mcimail.com).  The Thompson Toolkit, a Bourne-
like shell, is published by Thompson Automation (206-224-1639).  
Thompson offers a version of awk as well.  MKS (519-884-2251 or mail 
pat@mks.com) publishes a number of standard Unix utilities for OS/2.  
Argosoft (510-795-7921) publishes ARGO/UX, a BSD 4.3 Unix compatible 
environment.  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 2.0.

------------------------------

(20)	I prefer Windows.  How do I make OS/2 2.0 resemble Windows (or
	OS/2 1.3)?

Spend some time with the WPS first.  If you still prefer Windows-like 
behavior, follow the instructions beginning on p. 29 in the "Migrating 
to the OS/2 Workplace Shell" booklet.

------------------------------

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

OS/2 is an excellent environment for BBS operation (even using 
DOS/Windows software), including large multiline facilities.  Related 
software will enable FidoNet capabilities, gateways to Usenet/UUCP, 
nodelist processing, additional file transfer protocols, and more.

Five popular OS/2-specific BBSes are Maximus and Simplex (available from 
sources listed in Question 9), Omega Point/2 (BBS 404-564-1961), Magnum 
(818-706-9800, BBS 818-706-9805), and Multi-Net (503-883-8099, BBS 503-
883-8197).

------------------------------

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

COM3 and COM4 are supported on PS/2s without any additional effort.  On 
(E)ISA machines, some additions are required to CONFIG.SYS.  Using a 
text editor, include "(port number, base address, interrupt number)" 
parameters next to the COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS filenames.  One example:
	DEVICE=C:\OS2\COM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,2)
	DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\VCOM.SYS (3,3E8,5) (4,2E8,2)
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.  For example, if (physical) port two is not installed 
but port three or port four is installed start numbering using (2,...) 
in the DEVICE lines.  If these efforts fail, try IBM's patched COM 
drivers (available from sources listed in Question 9).

Note that AT bus COM ports cannot be used at the same time if they share 
interrupts because of bus design limitations (cf. "Under the Hood: How 
Interrupts Work," Byte, February, 1992).  PolyCom, a replacement driver 
available from sources listed in Question 9, supports up to eight ports 
with the right hardware.

"Smart" (coprocessor controlled) multiport communication adapters should 
be used when installing more than four ports.  Such an adapter will work 
with OS/2 if the manufacturer has written an appropriate driver.  
Examples include IBM's ARTIC products, Digiboard (213-645-1082) and 
Stargate (800-782-7428) adapters.

------------------------------

(23)	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, available from sources listed in Question 9.

------------------------------

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

CSDs are Corrective Service Diskettes, or bug fixes, 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 
1.3 up to Version 2.0.  Note also that each national language (e.g. 
French, U.K. English) uses a distinct CSD.

CSDs may be ordered by anyone with an IBM customer number (usually large 
sites) directly from IBM (800-237-5511).  OS/2 users without customer 
numbers should ask authorized IBM dealers to order CSDs at that number 
or through IBMLink.  CSDs may also be downloaded from the IBM NSC BBS, 
CompuServe ("GO IBMOS2"), or from sources listed in Question 9.  And 
CSDs may be ordered through IBM's new OS/2 BBS.

The latest, current OS/2 2.0 CSD level will be listed in this List and 
in the PS/2 Assistant files.

------------------------------

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

OS/2 2.0 comes with built-in ATM for OS/2 and Win-OS/2.  A basic set of 
typefaces comes with OS/2 2.0 and is installed for use under OS/2's ATM.  
To install these same typefaces for use under Win-OS/2's ATM, go to the 
Win-OS/2 ATM Control Panel and install the typefaces from the last 
Printer Diskette.

Each typeface should come with three separate files with PFB, AFM, and 
PFM extensions.  To install a typeface for use under Win-OS/2, use the 
ATM Control Panel.  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 sources listed in Question 9.  For information on 
obtaining AFM files for Adobe commercial typefaces send a single line 
message with the word HELP to ps-file-server@adobe.com.

With the exception of the basic set of typefaces that comes with OS/2 
2.0, 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.

------------------------------

(26)	How do I tweak OS/2 2.0 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.  (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 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.  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 minimum 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.  In addition, the 
Print Manager should be disabled (OS/2 provides a systemwide spooler).  
From the Win-OS/2 desktop close the Print Manager, uncheck the "Use 
Print Manager" box from the Win-OS/2 Control Panel -> Printers section, 
then, using a text editor, edit the \OS2\MDOS\WINOS2\SYSTEM.INI file, 
removing the ",!printman" entry from the MAVDMApps line.  (This last 
step will keep a warning dialog box from appearing each time you start 
the Win-OS/2 desktop.)  Consider disabling the Public setting in the 
Clipboard.  If available, set VIDEO_8514A_XGA_IOTRAP to off and 
VIDEO_SWITCH_NOTIFICATION to on (unless mouse control is lost).

------------------------------

(27)	What networking products are available for OS/2 2.0?

In addition to DOS/Windows products, OS/2-specific TCP/IP support is 
available from IBM (800-IBM-CALL), Essex Systems (508-532-5511), FTP 
Software (send mail to info@ftp.com), and others.  (A freeware SLIP 
implementation, KA9Q, is available via anonymous ftp from 
giskard.uthscsa.edu.)  NetWare Requester for OS/2 is available from 
Novell (800-873-2831); NetWare Server has been demonstrated by IBM.  IBM 
offers both NetWare and LAN Server 2.0 (Basic and Advanced) with LAN 
requesters.  Microsoft sells LAN Manager 2.1a (which comes bundled with 
OS/2 1.3).  An OS/2 2.0 LAN Manager Requester, part no. 96F8359, is 
available from IBM; Microsoft offers a similar requester.  DEC sells 
Pathworks for OS/2.  A Banyan Vines OS/2 2.0 requester is due shortly, 
and the current DOS requester works in a specific DOS session.

------------------------------

(28)	Should I worry about viruses when running OS/2 2.0?

At present there are no OS/2-specific viruses.  However, DOS/Windows 
viruses can conceivably infect an OS/2 2.0 system.  DOS/Windows 
antivirus tools are just as useful in preventing such infection.  Also, 
IBM has an antivirus package which runs under OS/2 directly (without 
DOS/Windows emulation), and others are on the way.

But OS/2 2.0 is likely to be much more resistant to viruses because of 
its design.  Viruses running in one virtual DOS/Windows session are 
likely to be confined to that session.  Low level disk access is 
curtailed under OS/2 2.0, thus preventing most virus infection at that 
level.  And when a DOS/Windows virus does trigger, it is far less likely 
to disrupt the entire system.

OS/2 2.0 is by no means virus proof -- no system is.  But it should 
prove more resistant to virus infection.

------------------------------

(29)	Are there any clever tricks that apply to OS/2 2.0?

If you have installed the optional bitmaps, try clicking on the WPS 
desktop background once with mouse button one and pressing CTRL-ALT-
SHIFT-O.

If you have a color monitor, try editing your CONFIG.SYS file so that
	SET PROMPT=$e[32;40m$e[1m[$P]$e[0m
to obtain a more colorful OS/2 command line prompt.  You can do the same 
for your DOS sessions if you edit PROMPT in AUTOEXEC.BAT, assuming you 
have ANSI.SYS loaded.

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, use DOSKEY (see the online Command Reference) in AUTOEXEC.BAT.  
DOSKEY also enables command history.  (Shutdown and reboot for changes 
to CONFIG.SYS to take effect.)

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

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.

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.

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

If you wish to dispense with the WPS (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.

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.

A clever way to manipulate files that are locked when the WPS is running 
(e.g. display drivers) is to add the line CALL=CMD.EXE at the end of 
CONFIG.SYS.  Then Shutdown and reboot.  The system will restart with an 
OS/2 command line prompt.  Type EXIT to proceed into the WPS.  Using 
CALL is also a convenient way to configure OS/2's serial ports using the 
MODE command.  For example:
	CALL=C:\OS2\MODE.COM COM2:38400,N,8,1,,,,,,,RTS=HS,BUFFER=AUTO
configures COM2 for high speed RTS handshaking and buffered I/O.

To shutdown without a mouse, press CTRL-ESC, select the Desktop, then 
press the spacebar (to deselect any icons, if necessary), SHIFT-F10, and 
select Shutdown.

If your video driver does not support "seamless" Windows, try running 
the Win-OS/2 Program Manager in a DOS window.

Selective Install should be used with caution when changing mouse or 
display drivers.  Verify that proper changes have been made to 
CONFIG.SYS.

------------------------------

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

Information on IBM's OS/2 multimedia extensions (MMPM/2) and tools, 
multimedia hardware, and IBM multimedia titles (e.g. Illuminated 
Manuscript) is available through IBM's Multimedia Office (800-426-9402 
ext. 150).  Drivers for the SoundBlaster are available in beta form 
(currently) through sources listed in Question 9.  VideoLogic's (617-
494-0530) DVA-4000 supports video capture and video display in windows.

------------------------------

(31)	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.

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 subject to erroneous 
results.

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

-- 
Timothy F. Sipples      | The OS/2 FREQ. ASKED QUESTIONS LIST is avail. from
sip1@ellis.uchicago.edu | 128.123.35.151, anonymous ftp, in /pub/os2/all/faq.
Dept. of Econ., Univ.   | Or from LISTSERV@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP").
of Chicago, 60637       | Family Values Means a Job
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc