From: MsgPost.v1.00@mtask.omahug.org (MsgPost v1.00)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc
Subject: [2 of 6] OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions Rel. 2.0e
Date: 02 Sep 92 07:53:02 CST
Reply-To: msgpost.v1.00@mtask.omahug.org
Organization: Multitasking Systems, Kansas City
Followup-To: comp.os.os2.misc

Commander, Maple, MatLab (Version 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 the 80386
control registers.  Since such applications are also all but
incompatible with Windows, most vendors have program 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, for example.  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 the 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 of the 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 faster than it would if running under native DOS.  It
is not unheard of for disk intensive DOS applications to run twice or
even three times as fast under OS/2 2.0.

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 configure your system 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.  Adobe Type Manager 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 for Windows, Norton Desktop (save portions
described above), Toolbook, and screen savers such as 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 Multimedia Presentation Manager/2, the OS/2 2.0 multimedia
extensions, call 800-426-9402 ext. 150.)

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 the enhancements incorporated into Windows 3.1 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
fall.  Aside from the Windows 3.1 applets there are no Windows 3.1-
specific applications available.  (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 also has plans to bundle OS/2 2.0 with new PS/1,
PS/2, and non-IBM systems.

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 (i.e.
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 is included as well.  At present the OS/2 CD-ROM driver