From: baustin@billapc.UUCP (Bill Austin)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.advocacy
Subject: Re: Just what exactly does os2 require?
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 92 05:16:17 -0500
Organization: Ground Zero Group, Columbus, OH 43227

In <1gcncpINN8fr@escargot.xx.rmit.OZ.AU> s914534@minyos.xx.rmit.OZ.AU (UT) writes:
>Hello, I'm really interested in purchasing os2 - however, I don't know what
>sort of hardware is required for it to be usable. I have a 386-40 with a 105 MB
>hard drive. How much of my system will it use?

I'm using a 386-40 w/8M of memory, 255M of HD (170+85), and a Diamond SpeedStar 24x
You shouldn't have TOO much trouble.  If you are using at least 6 meg you will
be happy.  I installed with only 4M and it 'worked' and I was impressed, but the
honeymoon wore out real quick when the swap file grew too big and things slowed down.
I upgraded to 8 meg (all I could afford just then) and since things are MUCH MUCH
improved.  So I'd say 6-8 meg are more accurate suggested memory sizes.  
Most people CAN use 4M, but most people don't want to.
The 105M HD will do ok depending on how many and how many larger applications 
you have.  
Stacker for OS/2 should be coming along someday, and DCF/2 is also coming soon.
Both are on the fly compression programs.. down the road if you get into a 
crush, they are likely cheaper than another couple hundred meg of HD.
I installed (back at 4M of mem time) on an 85M drive.. Still had enough room to
keep DR-Dos 6 and most of its utils around, and all of my required apps and still
have room to do day-to-day work.  It was a tad cramped.  20-40 extra megs of
drive space would have cured me, but I went off and splurged <G> and got a new
170M drive instead.  (i.e. 255=170+85)
So, unless you are already really pushed for drive space... then a full install
will set you back about 32..44 meg of drive space, including swap file.
Once you get tired of the bundled games (I haven't.. I kinda like them and have
the space to burn right this moment) and some of the other applets that you 
might or might not want around.. you can trim quite a bit back.  I've seen fully
functional OS/2's as low as 18 meg (minus Dos and Windows support..  personally
I need DOS, and since its not that much more once you have the dos.. the winos2
support)

You bios shouldn't be TOO old, but my 5-5-91 (AMI) bios works fine.
Memory is (IMO) more important than CPU speed, the 386-40 has plenty of
zip for OS/2 right now.
Trident and Tseng ET-4000 cards are well supported.  My newer Diamond Speedstar
24x is a hell of a card, but as with any 'currently' driverless card is stuck
in stock VGA 640x480x16.. which is livable only when you know drivers WILL be
available someday.  I've considered going back to my Trident 8900b for awhile.
The Trident 8900b/c or generic ET-4000's are good safety nets for ANYONE
waiting for drivers for their 'better' cards.  (tridents w/1m can be had for
about $70, ET-4000's for just a little more mail order)

I think you will like OS/2, but no-one can suggest that everyone that CAN run
OS/2, or everyone that trys OS/2 WILL like it.  
Even if you only have the 4M of memory minimum.  I'd at least give it a try.
Good Luck, 
baustin
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.advocacy