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OS/2 Licensing
Neil Waldhauer:
I'm looking at how people use OS/2. I think people want to try something different, and I see a lot of copies that can be downloaded.
OS/2 is not abandonware. No version of OS/2 is “free”. ArcaOS is based on an IBM licensed OS/2. It's still for sale.
That said, you can freely download any number of OS/2 versions. If you are a licensed OS/2 user, you can legitimately use these downloaded versions.
These are the license classes I recognize
OS/2 Warp 41996 release, without Software AdvantageOS/2 Warp 41996 release including Software AdvantageMCPone of the Merlin Convenience pack releases, 1, 2, 2RMCPwith Arca Noae softwareeCSeComStation release, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2R, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2 betaeCSwith Arca Noae SoftwareArcaOSversions 5.0.x, 5.1ArcaOSwith Software Subscription
While running under VirtualBox, Warp4 needs TCP/IP 4.3 from Software Choice to implement Shared Folders
While running under VirtualBox, Warp4 and MCP both need Arca Noae Software to implement Power Off
Warp 3 probably has the same restrictions as Warp 4
Earlier versions of OS/2 probably cannot run TCP/IP 4.3
Andrew Stephenson:
I hope this helps...
A while back, I suggested OS/2 (and probably most OSes) has Developers and Users, putting myself firmly in the latter class. Since then, I have begun to suspect I should have at least two machines.
One would run normal AOS, currently 5.1 here, and do AOS-type work, including internet (assuming Them As Fix Things can settle the Browser Saga so I need not use my Dell m/c running Win-10).
The other would be the equivalent of the trusty old office typewriter, for writing work, the WP being WordStar-7c. When I ran eCS-2.1, WS-7c ran well. Not so with AOS-5.1's DOS session, which requires me not to invoke certain commands (or the system crashes) and its Win-3.1 session (which is flaky with old reference tools like the Oxford Compendium). So it would be Nice if They could offer a package comprising eCS-2.1 with upgrades of its ability to handle today's disk formats and USB types. Communication with the AOS m/c, as required, would be through intermediate USB storage devices. The AOS m/c, at a pinch, could format those devices. For office work, that's all I need.
What are my chances?
Roderick Klein:
--- Quote from: Andrew Stephenson on December 30, 2024, 03:23:42 pm ---I hope this helps...
A while back, I suggested OS/2 (and probably most OSes) has Developers and Users, putting myself firmly in the latter class. Since then, I have begun to suspect I should have at least two machines.
One would run normal AOS, currently 5.1 here, and do AOS-type work, including internet (assuming Them As Fix Things can settle the Browser Saga so I need not use my Dell m/c running Win-10).
The other would be the equivalent of the trusty old office typewriter, for writing work, the WP being WordStar-7c. When I ran eCS-2.1, WS-7c ran well. Not so with AOS-5.1's DOS session, which requires me not to invoke certain commands (or the system crashes) and its Win-3.1 session (which is flaky with old reference tools like the Oxford Compendium). So it would be Nice if They could offer a package comprising eCS-2.1 with upgrades of its ability to handle today's disk formats and USB types. Communication with the AOS m/c, as required, would be through intermediate USB storage devices. The AOS m/c, at a pinch, could format those devices. For office work, that's all I need.
What are my chances?
--- End quote ---
Did you open a ticket for this issue with WS-7C. I worked on eCS 2.1 at Mensys with Joachim. Boy that was a job to get 2.0 and 2.1 gone. I am also on the beta tester list for ArcaOS 5.1.0.
But what I typed before for other people there are not many changes to the code for VDM session. Some VDM drivers where updated as there was no choice.
But please open a ticket with Arca Noae if it can be reproduced the issue.
What do you un a UEFI based ArcaOS or a system with ArcaOS and BIOS boot. Without these details its hard to make any proper judgment if its ArcaOS or eCS 2.1.
generate on an CMD exe command the a testlog generic with this command and attach it to your ticket. Maybe we can make a further analysis to help you out.
Best wishes for 2025.
Roderick Klein
president OS/2 VOICE
Dave Yeo:
ArcaNoae can't sell eCS as much of it is copyrighted by Mensys or their successor. Look at https://www.arcanoae.com/shop/os2-ecs-drivers-software-subscription-personal-renewal/ for upgrading your eCS and which drivers you can update.
Martin Iturbide:
Hello
I personally think that "IBM OS/2" is abandonware. But the issue here is that everybody takes the definition of abandonware as they like.
Wikipedia says:
--- Quote ---"Abandonware is a product, typically software, ignored by its owner and manufacturer, which can no longer be found for sale, and for which no official support is available and cannot be bought."
--- End quote ---
For me IBM OS/2 is abandonware, ArcaOS is not. Mostly because IBM OS/2 is no longer for sell from IBM and IBM does not offer support for it.
But does it means we can do anything we like with the "Abandonware"? For me it is "No".
Abandonware it is not Public Domain and it is still copyrighted by it's author even if he does not want to enforce that copyright at the moment.
But, also according to wikipedia "Currently, US copyright law does not recognize the term or concept of "abandonware"
So, even if we say that "IBM OS/2" is abandonware, by law it is not, because it is not defined. So, I guess Neil is right ;D
Regards
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