From: MsgPost.v1.00@mtask.omahug.org (MsgPost v1.00)
Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc
Subject: [3 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

does not work with all brands, but 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 220 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, Microsoft Word, Excel, Multiplan, Aldus
Pagemaker, Ventura Publisher, Corel Draw, WordPerfect, DisplayWrite,
DeScribe, Micrografx Designer, AutoCAD, Oracle, RBase, SAS, SPSS,
HyperAccess/5, DynaComm, Pro-YAM, Borland Sidekick, Paradox, Wingz,
Brief, 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, 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, Jensen and Partners International, Watcom,
Symantec (through its Zortech subsidiary), IBM, Microway, and many more.
Two ports of the 32-bit GNU C 2.1 compiler (one including the GNU
debugger, the other including C++) are available from shareware/freeware
sources (see Question 9).  A Fortran to C translator, f2c, is 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 BBS (703-
385-4325), Bay Area OS/2 BBS (510-657-7948), Gateway/2 (314-554-9313),
and Greater Chicago Online (708-895-4042), hold large OS/2 libraries.
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 (604-664-6466, 416-946-4255, and 514-938-3022 at 2400 bps;
604-664-6464 and 416-946-4244 at 9600 bps).

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).

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

(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 shareware/freeware sources (see
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.

IBM suggests a simple workaround.  First, DISKCOPY Diskette 1 of your
OS/2 2.0 package.  Set aside your original Diskette 1 and use the copy
from now on as if it were the original.  Using a text editor, modify the
CONFIG.SYS file on Diskette 1 (the copy), replacing the line:
	BASEDEV=IBM1S506.ADD
with
	REM BASEDEV=IBM1S506.ADD.
Boot the Installation Diskette, and proceed through the installation
procedure through the first few diskettes, then reinsert the
Installation Diskette as directed.  Then after files have been copied
from the Installation Diskette the system prompts you to remove the
diskette and press ENTER to reboot.  Do so, but immediately reinsert the
Installation Diskette as soon as the screen clears.  Follow instructions
(insert Diskette 1 and press ENTER when prompted), then press ESC when
prompted.  At the OS/2 command line, type:
	RENAME C:\OS2\IBM1S506.ADD IBM1S506.XXX
	COPY C:\OS2\IBMINT13.I13 C:\OS2\IBM1S506.ADD
replacing C: with the appropriate drive if you are installing elsewhere.
Remove Diskette 1, then press CTRL-ALT-DEL to reboot to finish
installation.

The mouse selection menu provided when installing is a bit confusing.
Usually you should accept the default the system selects for you.  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
card, 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 this area as well.  Adapters must cooperate in their use of
memory and interrupts and 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 is not needed).  OS/2 2.0 is not presently
compatible with Stacker or similar DOS utilities.  However, an OS/2 2.0
version of Stacker is forthcoming, and Proportional Software's DCF/2, a
Stacker-like utility, is now available by calling 800-666-4672.

Do not select HPFS when installing if your machine has 6 MB of RAM or
less.  Doing so will likely result in diminished performance.  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.  Disable all shadow RAM for best performance
(unless compatibility problems arise).  RAM should be given sufficient
wait states and precharge cycles.  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 (Version
2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2.

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

Some keyboards have DIP switches.  Check to make sure the 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

Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc