From: sip1@ellis.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples)
Subject: OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions Rel. 2.0i (1 of 2)
Followup-To: comp.os.os2.misc
Supersedes: <1992Dec2.033606.17639@midway.uchicago.edu>
Reply-To: sip1@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization: University of Chicago Computing Organizations
Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1993 06:06:00 GMT
Expires: Mon, 15 Mar 1993 23:59:59 GMT

Archive-name: os2-faq/user/part1
Version: 2.0i

OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List: User's Edition
Release 2.0i; January 9, 1993
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 List continues to expand.  In this release I have tried to provide 
more specifics.  For example, note the new addition to the question 
dealing with SuperVGA support.

Readers should be aware that a Rich Text Format (RTF) version should 
accompany this List if you have retrieved it from a BBS or archive 
(usually as a ZIP file).  The RTF version includes revision markings, so 
you can tell at a glance what has changed since the last release.  If 
you did not receive the RTF version, please ask your system operator to 
try to obtain the correct package from now on.  (Please contact me if 
you would like to volunteer to redistribute the FAQ List to BIX, GEnie, 
or other major networks.  You should be able to receive Internet mail.  
BIX, MCI Mail, America Online, GEnie, and addresses for most other major 
networks are acceptable, since gateways exist.  Note that I cannot 
entertain requests for subscriptions to a "mailing list.")  An INF 
version (for use with OS/2's VIEW command) of the FAQ List may be 
released in the future (to replace the RTF version) so you will want to 
make sure you are getting the whole package.

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

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

(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 8), Citrix (Citrix Systems, 305-755-0559), and 
PolyMod2 (MemSoft) are four such products.  PC/DACS (Pyramid, 203-257-
4223) offers security (for multiple users, one at a time, in a lab 
setting for example).

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

(2)	What are the differences between versions?

IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 (CSD Level 06055, see Question 23) 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 all systems with appropriate BIOS support; memory above 
16 MB on those systems which must rely on 24-bit DMA for disk access, 
e.g. AT bus systems with Adaptec 154x SCSI adapters, is used as swap 
space); 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 23).  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 6).

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

(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), Master Help Index, and in the Installation Guide 
(Appendix E).

Standard graphics modes (generally up to the resolution of the desktop; 
see Question 10) 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 EABackup (available from 
sources listed in Question 8).  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), DMS/Intelligent 
Backup (Sterling, 916-635-5535), FileSafe (Mountain, 408-438-2665), 
KeepTrack Plus (Finot, 800-748-6480), NovaBack (NovaStor, 818-707-9900), 
OBackup (from sources listed in Question 8), BackMaster (MSR, 409-560-
5970), and MaynStream (Maynard, 407-263-3500).  The OS/2 BACKUP utility 
is best used from an OS/2 diskette boot (see Question 12).  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 several 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, Tseng 4000 SuperVGA, and XGA resolutions with OS/2 2.0 as it 
ships; see Question 10 for information on third party drivers.

Several icon conversion utilities, available from sources listed in 
Question 8, can 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 24).  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 29.)

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 a 3.1-level update should be 
available in early 1993.  Fortunately there are few 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, and how much does it cost?

In the U.S. IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 is available from most software dealers 
(including Corporate Software, 800-677-4000) and directly from IBM (800-
3-IBM-OS2, or 800-222-7257 for educational inquiries).  Upgrades are $99 
from any version of DOS ($149 without an upgrade).  Discounts are 
available for multiple licenses and educational purchases.  (Call for 
details on upgrades from OS/2 1.x.  In Canada call 800-465-1234 to 
order.  In the U.K. call the OS/2 User Group at 0285-655888 or IBM at 
0800-181182.  In other countries, contact any IBM dealer.)

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, all but one 
ValuePoint, and all 386SX (and above) PS/2 systems; Dell will preload 
OS/2 2.0 on request.

IBM offers two money back guarantees in the U.S.: a 30-day, no questions 
asked, money back guarantee, and a 90-day compatibility guarantee (see 
Question 6).

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

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

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

You need any PC compatible with at least an 80386SX CPU, 4 MB (6 MB or 
more strongly recommended) of RAM, a 60 MB or larger hard disk (with 15-
30 MB free), a supported video adapter (CGA, EGA, VGA, Tseng 4000 
SuperVGA, 8514/A, XGA, or third party driver) with appropriate display, 
and a high density 3.5 or 5.25 inch floppy drive for installation.  A 
mouse or other pointing device is strongly recommended.  Allow extra RAM 
and hard disk space for OS/2-based networking, 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.  Certain dual 
monitor configurations are supported; consult IBM for advice.

On (E)ISA bus machines, OS/2 specifically supports hard drive adapters 
which conform to the Western Digital chipset interface standard (nearly 
all MFM, RLL, IDE, and ESDI adapters) and Adaptec, Future Domain, and 
IBM SCSI adapters.  (True OS/2 2.0 drivers for most SCSI adapters, e.g. 
Trantor, DPT, Rancho, Procomp, Corel Systems, BusLogic, Mylex, CE 
Infosys, Ciprico, and others are available directly from the adapter 
manufacturers.  A driver for the Always IN-2000 adapter is available by 
calling 818-597-1400.)  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; Hitachi models CDR-1650S, CDR-
1750S, CDR-3650, and CDR-3750; NEC models CDR-36, CDR-37, CDR-72, CDR-
73, CDR-74, CDR-82, CDR-83, and CDR-84; Panasonic models CR-501 and LK-
MC501S; Texel models DM-3021, DM-3024, DM-5021, and DM-5024; Toshiba 
models 3301T, TXM3301, 3301B, and XM-3201; and Sony models CDU-541, CDU-
561, CDU-6111, CDU-6211, and CDU-7211; only when attached to IBM, Future 
Domain, Adaptec, or other SCSI adapters with native OS/2 2.0 support) is 
available from sources listed in Question 8, and others (e.g. Mitsumi) 
will follow.  This support includes single session Kodak Photo CD 
services for those drives which support the standard.  (Storage Devices 
and other companies offer OS/2 CD-ROM drivers for their products.  Corel 
Systems offers a set of drivers for many more CD-ROM drives and 
adapters.)  The DOS device drivers, when installed using a specific DOS 
session, will still provide CD-ROM services to DOS/Windows programs for 
the remainder.  See Question 11 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 400 non-IBM models have been tested in IBM's own labs.

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

(7)	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 (or does) 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; RBase; Advanced Revelation; Norton 
Commander; and many more.  Over 1000 new 32-bit OS/2 2.0 applications 
have been released to date.

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++ compiler, GCC/2 and EMX/GCC, are available from sources listed in 
Question 8.  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 the sources listed below.

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

(8)	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), OS/2 San Diego (619-558-9475), OS/2 Las 
Vegas (702-433-5535), IBM Germany (049-711-785-7777), IBM Denmark (45-
42-88-72-22), OS/2 UK (0454-633197), IBM UK (0256-336655), IBM Norway 
(47-2-999450), 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 23) 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.)  Some are (with 
Internet node numbers and subdirectories):

ftp-os2.nmsu.edu              128.123.35.151   pub/os2
software.watson.ibm.com       129.34.139.5     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
pdsoft.lancs.ac.uk            148.88.64.2      micros/ibmpc/os2
ftp.uni-stuttgart.de          129.69.1.12      soft/os2
src.doc.ic.ac.uk              146.169.2.1      computing/systems/os2

The ftp-os2.nmsu.edu library is available on CD-ROM from Walnut Creek 
(510-947-5996).

Other sources include CompuServe ("FIND OS/2") and archive servers (send 
a single line message with the word HELP to listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be 
or mail-server@rus.uni-stuttgart.de 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.

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

(9)	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 
6.

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 8.

Certain PC compatibles have difficulty accepting OS/2 2.0 (CSD level 
02000 only; see Question 23), particularly AT bus systems with RLL, MFM, 
or ESDI 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 8, 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, a substandard cable, an interfering 
software security "dongle," or a faulty 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 segments 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 (303-484-2665).

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 
if necessary.  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 10 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.

A driver for HP DeskJet printers, including color models, is available 
for download from sources listed in Question 8.

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 Welcome folder (if 
applicable), 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 (CSD level 02000 only) 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.

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

(10)	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 
C0000005 errors involving Western Digital/Paradise chipset adapters.  
Both are available from sources listed in Question 8.)

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.

(For OS/2 2.0 CSD level 06055 or later, \OS2\DLL\DISPLAY.DLL should not 
be replaced, using DDINSTAL or otherwise.  Instead, create a separate 
directory (e.g. \DISPLAY) and copy the vendor supplied DLL file to 
\DISPLAY\DISPLAY.DLL.  In CONFIG.SYS, place the \DISPLAY pathname, 
including drive letter, before \OS2\DLL in the LIBPATH line.  The 
exception to this procedure is Tseng 4000 SuperVGA.  To install any of 
the available 256 color Tseng 4000 SuperVGA drivers, use OS/2 System -> 
System Setup -> Selective Install.  Check the Primary Display box, 
reselect SuperVGA, then proceed.)

Drivers for the following SuperVGA adapters (or adapters based on these 
chipsets) are available (A=all modes supported; B=most or some modes 
supported; C=one mode supported; S=supports "seamless" Win-OS/2 in at 
least one mode; X=experimental or beta).  In most cases the drivers are 
available from the sources listed in Question 8.

Trident series                                     B S
Tseng Labs ET4000                                  B S
Compaq QVision                                     B
Genoa 7000                                         B
ATI VGA Wonder series                              B S X
ATI Ultra and Vantage series                       B
Lava Computer (416-674-5942 or FAX 416-674-8262)   B S
Orchid Farenheit 1280 (S3)                         B
Paradise/Western Digital                           B S X
Video7/Headland VRAM II                            B S X
Cirrus Logic                                       C (B?)
Actix Systems (408-986-1625)                       ?
Number Nine (617-674-0009)                         ?
Portacom (415-390-8507)                            ?
"Generic" 800x600 16 color (VGA800-1)              C

In addition, several vendors, notably Ahead (510-623-0900) and Radius 
(???-???-????), are readying XGA-2 compatible display adapters for 
market.

Consult adapter vendors for up-to-date information on driver 
availability.

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).  This procedure may be 
required for first generation SuperVGA adapters based on Trident 8800 
and Tseng 3000 chipsets, for example.

OS/2 2.0's installation program (CSD level 02000 only) has difficulty 
with certain Oak video adapters.  Temporarily replace the video adapter 
to install OS/2, or contact IBM for a patch.

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

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

OS/2 2.0 includes support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJets, DeskJets (see 
Question 9), and PaintJets; IBM/Lexmark ExecJets, InkJets, 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 quite often.

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 8.  If you own an IBM printer, check with the Lexmark BBS 
(606-232-5653).

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

(12)	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 if you have the time.)  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 

[Continued in Part 2]

-- 
Timothy F. Sipples      | Read the OS/2 FAQ List 2.0h, available from
sip1@ellis.uchicago.edu | 128.123.35.151, anonymous ftp, in /pub/os2/all/info
Dept. of Econ., Univ.   | /faq, or from LISTSERV@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP")
of Chicago, 60637       | [Read the List, THEN post to ONE OS/2 newsgroup.]
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc