User's Guide to OS/2 Warp Version 3

Document Number S83G-8300-00

Edition Notice
First Edition (October 1994)

The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any country where such provisions are inconsistent with local law: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you. This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication. IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time. It is possible that this publication may contain reference to, or information about, IBM products (machines and programs), programming, or services that are not announced in your country. Such references or information must not be construed to mean that IBM intends to announce such IBM products, programming, or services in your country. Requests for technical information about IBM products should be made to your IBM authorized reseller or IBM marketing representative.

Contributors

 * Authors
 * Linda S. Rogers
 * Lisa DeMeo
 * Karla Stagray


 * Contributing Authors
 * Su Hill
 * Val Enright
 * David Spicer
 * Marion Lindsey
 * Lana Meadows
 * Kathy Hancock


 * Editors
 * Elizabeth Jean
 * Tracey Marcelo
 * Roger Didio


 * Design
 * Brian Black
 * Jeff Lewis


 * National Language Support
 * Joseph Hunt
 * Mike Cress
 * Gene Ignatowski


 * Publications Manager
 * John D. Lloyd


 * Managing Editor
 * Dan Baker


 * Publishing Assistant Editor
 * Linda S. Rogers


 * Editorial Assistant
 * Victor Laird


 * Production Coordinator
 * Elyse Anchell


 * Tools Support
 * Gene Ignatowski
 * Rick Goldsmith


 * Usability Testing
 * Lynn VanDyke
 * Carol Righi
 * Alan Rose
 * John Tyler

Welcome
Hello and welcome to OS/2. You're about to begin using your computer in an exciting new way-as a productivity aid that helps you get your work done quickly and easily. This book is for anyone who uses OS/2, whether you're just beginning, are familiar with computers, or have lots of technical expertise. It contains all the information you need to install and use OS/2 effectively, from the basics to "know-how" information to expert tips and technical details.
 * "Part 1: Installing OS/2" contains system preparation tasks and installation instructions.
 * "Part 2: Exploring OS/2" offers a self-paced, interactive guided tour of the Desktop.
 * "Part 3: Using OS/2" provides step-by-step instructions for using each object on the Desktop.
 * "Part 4: Troubleshooting" includes technical tips and techniques for resolving problems and keeping your system running smoothly.
 * "Part 5: Advanced Installation" is for technical users who want to customize their installation.
 * Appendix A describes techniques for using a mouse or a keyboard.

You'll find this book easy to use if you look for these simple conventions:
 * Boldface type indicates the name of an item you need to select.
 * Italics type indicates new terms, book titles, or variable information that must be replaced by an actual value.
 * Monospace type indicates an example (such as a fictitious path or file name) or text that is displayed on the screen.
 * UPPERCASE type indicates a file name, command name, or acronym.

So why not get started right away? Here are some easy paths to follow, depending on what you want to accomplish:
 * To install OS/2, go to Part 1.
 * If you're new to OS/2 or just want to explore, go to Part 2.
 * To access the extensive online information, go to Part 2.
 * To learn how to use OS/2, go to Part 3.

About OS/2 Version 3
OS/2* Version 3 is an advanced, 32-bit operating system that runs on 4MB systems and provides excellent response time to both 16-bit and 32-bit applications. OS/2 Version 3 is easier to install and to use and has better performance than previous versions of the OS/2 operating system.

Installation Improvements in OS/2 Version 3
OS/2 Version 3 includes an Easy Installation choice. You can choose Easy Installation to install OS/2 from diskette or CD-ROM. Easy Installation lets the system choose which options to install. After you select Easy Installation, you don't have to make any more installation decisions. In addition, OS/2 Version 3 has the following installation improvements:
 * It takes less time and fewer diskettes to complete an installation.
 * The system automatically installs the Dual Boot feature when you install over DOS.
 * You can install more than one printer during the initial installation.
 * Multimedia installation is a part of the OS/2 installation.

Performance
Performance improvements make OS/2 Version 3 faster at displaying objects on the Desktop, moving from one window to another, and displaying information in the Master Help Index and Glossary.

New Features
OS/2 Version 3 has the following new features that make the system easier to use:
 * The LaunchPad provides a quick and easy way to get to commands and objects that you use often.
 * The Using OS/2 tutorial is a vastly improved and expanded learning tool that provides basic, step-by-step information, including a Practice push button that takes you to the Desktop to try the task for yourself, as well as expert tips and special hints for Microsoft** Windows** users.
 * Comet Cursor is a trail that follows your mouse pointer to help you see it on portable computer screens.
 * The Pickup and Drop choices on the pop-up menu for an object let you use other Desktop functions while dragging and dropping objects.
 * The Desktop page of the Desktop Settings notebook lets you arrange your Desktop the way you like it and have the system restore that Desktop each time you restart your system.
 * The Archive page of Desktop Settings, together with the Recovery Choices screen, lets you save different versions of your system files and choose which version you want to use to restart your system.
 * Undo Arrange now accompanies the Arrange feature available from the pop-up menu for an object.
 * A redesigned Desktop now has new three-dimensional icons and animated icons.
 * Two color palettes are available - Solid Color Palette and Mixed Color Palette. The Solid Color Palette was designed for use with systems that have VGA display support. The Mixed Color Palette was designed for use with systems that have SVGA display support. The paint roller has been changed to a paint bucket as an additional enhancement.
 * An enhanced Scheme Palette with many new schemes to choose from.
 * Newly designed mouse pointer options include the ability to change the look and size of the mouse pointer.
 * The new Fastload option improves application loading time.
 * Enhanced PCMCIA support enables you to switch devices and automatically reconfigures your system while you continue to work.