Joe's OS/2 Tips - Number 7: Difference between revisions

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A] OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta (6.479).
* OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta (6.479).
B] More DOS_SETTINGS.
* More DOS_SETTINGS.
C] CONFIG.SYS Thingos.
CONFIG.SYS Thingos.
D] Removing Un-Delete able objects.
Removing Un-Delete able objects.


Introduction.
==Introduction==
    Well, what can I say, IBM seems to have decided not to release
Well, what can I say, IBM seems to have decided not to release
WinOS2 ver 3.1 as originally planned, and will release it along with
WinOS2 ver 3.1 as originally planned, and will release it along with
OS/2 ver 2.1, on the 16th of March (that is if there are no serious
OS/2 ver 2.1, on the 16th of March (that is if there are no serious
problems in the betas, before then).
problems in the betas, before then).


The Flame of the Month
==The Flame of the Month==
 
IBM Australia requires a MAJOR Brain transplant, in that it seems to
    IBM Australia requires a MAJOR Brain transplant, in that it seems to
believe that OS/2 will succeed with out their help.  In that there is
believe that OS/2 will succeed with out their help.  In that there is
very, very limited advertising, limited DAP support in relation to Beta
very, very limited advertising, limited DAP support in relation to Beta
Line 28: Line 27:
noticed, even if the average user can't run it.
noticed, even if the average user can't run it.


==================================================================
== OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta==
 
As usual, IBM has increased the space requirements of OS/2.  The
              OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta
 
    As usual, IBM has increased the space requirements of OS/2.  The
reasons are as follows from the New Features List, found in the new
reasons are as follows from the New Features List, found in the new
Readme file.
Readme file.


  The following new functions have been added
The following new functions have been added since OS/2 2.0 was delivered:
  since OS/2 2.0 was delivered:
*Support for Microsoft** Windows** V. 3.1 applications (WIN-OS/2* V. 3.1 replaces WIN-OS/2 Version 3.0)
 
*Window-session support for popular Windows V. 3.1 and Presentation Manager* 256-color Super Video Graphics Adapters (SVGAs)
  o  Support for Microsoft** Windows** V. 3.1
*Support for additional popular printers
      applications (WIN-OS/2* V. 3.1 replaces
*Support for additional popular small computer system interface-based (SCSI-based) CD-ROM drives
      WIN-OS/2 Version 3.0)
*A fax program which allows you to send and receive a 1-page fax from your computer
  o  Window-session support for popular Windows
*Support for the Advanced Power Management (APM) specification
      V. 3.1 and Presentation Manager* 256-color
*Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) enabling for I/O devices
      Super Video Graphics Adapters (SVGAs)
*Enhanced enabling code for pen-based systems
  o  Support for additional popular printers
*Enhanced enabling code for multimedia applications
  o  Support for additional popular small
*Support for OS/2 as an AS/400* client (with a PCSupport program)
      computer system interface-based
      (SCSI-based) CD-ROM drives
  o  A fax program which allows you to send and
      receive a 1-page fax from your computer
  o  Support for the Advanced Power Management
      (APM) specification
  o  Personal Computer Memory Card International
      Association (PCMCIA) enabling for I/O
      devices
  o  Enhanced enabling code for pen-based
      systems
  o  Enhanced enabling code for multimedia
      applications
  o  Support for OS/2 as an AS/400* client (with
      a PCSupport program)


The following (Hand-typed, so excuse any Part number typos) is a list of
The following (Hand-typed, so excuse any Part number typos) is a list of SCSI cards, CD-ROM drives and SVGA drivers now supported directly by OS/2.
SCSI cards, CD-ROM drives and SVGA drivers now supported directly by
OS/2.


CD-ROMS
;CD-ROMS
ManuFacturer    CD-ROM Models
ManuFacturer    CD-ROM Models


Line 78: Line 57:
Toshiba        XN-3201,XM-3301
Toshiba        XN-3201,XM-3301


SCSI Cards
;SCSI Cards
Manufacturer    SCSI Adapter or Interface
Manufacturer    SCSI Adapter or Interface


Line 95: Line 74:
                 PS/2 SCSI Adapter with cache
                 PS/2 SCSI Adapter with cache


Video Cards
;Video Cards


ATI Technology VGAWonder
ATI Technology VGAWonder
Line 109: Line 88:
VGA
VGA


Sound Cards (if it's bundled with MMPM)
;Sound Cards (if it's bundled with MMPM)


Creative Labs range
Creative Labs range
Line 117: Line 96:
MORE on the way.
MORE on the way.


Network Cards
;Network Cards
There are several Ethernet and token ring adapter drivers on the
There are several Ethernet and token ring adapter drivers on the
installation disks, I don't know what these do, as I haven't got a LAN.
installation disks, I don't know what these do, as I haven't got a LAN.


  As you can see this is a pretty impressive list of new device support!
As you can see this is a pretty impressive list of new device support!
And IBM states they will have more in the release!  Dare I say it, IBM
And IBM states they will have more in the release!  Dare I say it, IBM
is really doing things right (except for IBM Australia).
is really doing things right (except for IBM Australia).


  There appears to be little in the way of nasty bugs, except for the
There appears to be little in the way of nasty bugs, except for the
print spooler, which was caused by unfinished code.  Plus the usual
print spooler, which was caused by unfinished code.  Plus the usual
Swapper.dat problem.
Swapper.dat problem.


  HOT TIP
;HOT TIP
      On installing a new level of OS/2, boot from a floppy and delete
On installing a new level of OS/2, boot from a floppy and delete
      the SWAPPER.DAT file, as I suspect that OS/2 doesn't do this and
the SWAPPER.DAT file, as I suspect that OS/2 doesn't do this and
      tries to utilise the SWAPPER.DAT file and finds invalid code. This
tries to utilise the SWAPPER.DAT file and finds invalid code. This
      has occurred to me on several betas, so I believe that they don't
has occurred to me on several betas, so I believe that they don't
      actually init the SWAPPER.DAT file, but instead reuse it.
actually init the SWAPPER.DAT file, but instead reuse it.
 
==================================================================
 
                  More DOS_SETTINGS


DOS_AUTOEXEC
==More DOS_SETTINGS==
HW_NOSOUND
;DOS_AUTOEXEC
HW_ROM_TO_RAM
;HW_NOSOUND
HW_TIMER
;HW_ROM_TO_RAM
;HW_TIMER


    DOS_AUTOEXEC
;DOS_AUTOEXEC
       Instead of running your Standard OS/2 Autoexec.bat, you can
       Instead of running your Standard OS/2 Autoexec.bat, you can
       specify which Batch file is automatically loaded for that
       specify which Batch file is automatically loaded for that
Line 151: Line 127:
       for particular applications.
       for particular applications.


    HW_NOSOUND
;HW_NOSOUND
       As it sound, will disallow MOST sounds from the PC speaker, made
       As it sound, will disallow MOST sounds from the PC speaker, made
       by dos programs.  I say most, because there are some games
       by dos programs.  I say most, because there are some games
Line 157: Line 133:
       and direct addressing.
       and direct addressing.


    HW_ROM_TO_RAM
;HW_ROM_TO_RAM
       Transposes your ROMs into RAM, for faster response.  Ideally used
       Transposes your ROMs into RAM, for faster response.  Ideally used
       on a system where you can configure your Shadow RAM off, and the
       on a system where you can configure your Shadow RAM off, and the
Line 163: Line 139:
       normal programs (more than I can say about my old box).
       normal programs (more than I can say about my old box).


    HW_TIMER
;HW_TIMER
       OS/2 Emulates the Hardware timer's ticking, and hence may cause
       OS/2 Emulates the Hardware timer's ticking, and hence may cause
       hassles with sensitive DOS programs that rely on the hardware
       hassles with sensitive DOS programs that rely on the hardware
Line 169: Line 145:
       this turned ON.
       this turned ON.


==================================================================
==More Config.sys Thingos==
 
      More Config.sys Thingos


There are several SYS files that aren't really essential if you don't
There are several SYS files that aren't really essential if you don't
require them.
require them.
 
VWIN.SYS        For Windows. YucK!
VWIN.SYS        For Windows. YucK!
VCOM.SYS        For DOS coms
VCOM.SYS        For DOS coms


Some interesting drivers
Some interesting drivers
VNPX.SYS        Emulates a Maths Co processor.


VNPX.SYS        Emulates a Maths Co processor.
;Special Recommendation.
 
Ray Gwinn's SIO coms driver is an essential is a must for any serious OS/2 coms user.  It's much faster than the COM.SYS, that comes with OS/2, and is by far the best coms driver I have used to date under OS/2.
Special Recommendation.
Ray has also made a VSIO.SYS to replace the VCOM.SYS, which according to many sources has fixed DOS comms problem.  I have included the latest beta in with these tips, for people who haven't had the chance to grab a copy.
 
  Ray Gwinn's SIO coms driver is an essential is a must for any serious
OS/2 coms user.  It's much faster than the COM.SYS, that comes with
OS/2, and is by far the best coms driver I have used to date under OS/2.
Ray has also made a VSIO.SYS to replace the VCOM.SYS, which according to
many sources has fixed DOS comms problem.  I have included the latest
beta in with these tips, for people who haven't had the chance to grab a
copy.


==================================================================
==Removing Un-deletable Objects from the WPS==
Have you ever come across a Folder Icon which refuses to be deleted?


      Removing Un-deletable Objects from the WPS
If so, use the following method to remove it.


    Have you ever come across a Folder Icon which refuses to be deleted?
Say the ill behaved folder is called NAUGHTY, and resides inside of the Folder "OS2 Tools".
 
    If so, use the following method to remove it.
 
    Say the ill behaved folder is called NAUGHTY, and resides inside of
    the Folder "OS2 Tools".
 
    And your OS/2 system resides on a HPFS partition.


And your OS/2 system resides on a HPFS partition.
     Step 1.
     Step 1.
       Start an OS/2 Command Line session.
       Start an OS/2 Command Line session.
Line 238: Line 199:
     Step 13.
     Step 13.
       Press the Right Mouse button and select Refresh
       Press the Right Mouse button and select Refresh
==================================================================
The End
Continuing with the Idea of Team OS/2, I have included a list of all the
OS/2 applications I have available for request in this tips issue.  This
will give you something to look through, plus if you are a sysop of any of
the listed networks, you can frequent these files.


If you wish to contact me, about various topics I have covered, or if
==The End==
you have suggestions, the easy method is via a message in one of the
Continuing with the Idea of Team OS/2, I have included a list of all the OS/2 applications I have available for request in this tips issue.  This will give you something to look through, plus if you are a sysop of any of the listed networks, you can frequent these files.
following mail networks, in their OS/2 area.


WORLDNET            61:6700/1
If you wish to contact me, about various topics I have covered, or if you have suggestions, the easy method is via a message in one of the following mail networks, in their OS/2 area.
INTLNET              58:1100/300
FIDONET              3:640/830


WORLDNET            61:6700/1
INTLNET              58:1100/300
FIDONET              3:640/830
Or via SNAIL MAIL
Or via SNAIL MAIL
 
Joe's OS/2 Tips
Joe's OS/2 Tips
540 Johnson Road
540 Johnson Road
Forestdale, QLD, Australia, 4118.
Forestdale, QLD, Australia, 4118.
 
 
Or via the BBS
Or via the BBS
 
+61-7-800-3521
+61-7-800-3521
Hours 0600-215 Australian Eastern Standard Time
Hours 0600-215 Australian Eastern Standard Time
1200-14.4k baud rates.
1200-14.4k baud rates.
 
Or Via VOICE
Or Via VOICE
 
+61-7-800-4447
+61-7-800-4447
Most times I am around the phone, but the answering system will take care of you, otherwise.  Sorry, I can't afford to return an international call.
 
Most times I am around the phone, but the answering system will take
care of you, otherwise.  Sorry, I can't afford to return an international
call.

Revision as of 17:47, 22 May 2021

Joe's OS/2 Tips
  1. Number 1
  2. Number 2
  3. Number 3
  4. Number 4
    1. Catalog - 1992-10-03
  5. Number 5
    1. Catalog - 1992-11-29
  6. Number 6
    1. Catalog - 1993-01-01
  7. Number 7
    1. Catalog - 1993-02-07
  8. Number 8
  • OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta (6.479).
  • More DOS_SETTINGS.
  • CONFIG.SYS Thingos.
  • Removing Un-Delete able objects.

Introduction

Well, what can I say, IBM seems to have decided not to release WinOS2 ver 3.1 as originally planned, and will release it along with OS/2 ver 2.1, on the 16th of March (that is if there are no serious problems in the betas, before then).

The Flame of the Month

IBM Australia requires a MAJOR Brain transplant, in that it seems to believe that OS/2 will succeed with out their help. In that there is very, very limited advertising, limited DAP support in relation to Beta drops, and other hassles. IBM Australia finally announced that they would give out the current beta, only a month after it had shipped on CD-ROM in the USA. Even then, they still didn't produce a CD-ROM version, but the same old floppy one. I think that IBM Management (Overseas) had better start re-arranging the Australian Management team, as they are simply standing to old traditions, in thinking that the only important things in IBM's domain (in Australia) are Mainframes. Ok Enough said, we can only hope for a change, before NT comes along, otherwise when MS starts to REALLY advertise NT, here, it will be noticed, even if the average user can't run it.

OS/2 ver 2.1 Beta

As usual, IBM has increased the space requirements of OS/2. The reasons are as follows from the New Features List, found in the new Readme file.

The following new functions have been added since OS/2 2.0 was delivered:

  • Support for Microsoft** Windows** V. 3.1 applications (WIN-OS/2* V. 3.1 replaces WIN-OS/2 Version 3.0)
  • Window-session support for popular Windows V. 3.1 and Presentation Manager* 256-color Super Video Graphics Adapters (SVGAs)
  • Support for additional popular printers
  • Support for additional popular small computer system interface-based (SCSI-based) CD-ROM drives
  • A fax program which allows you to send and receive a 1-page fax from your computer
  • Support for the Advanced Power Management (APM) specification
  • Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) enabling for I/O devices
  • Enhanced enabling code for pen-based systems
  • Enhanced enabling code for multimedia applications
  • Support for OS/2 as an AS/400* client (with a PCSupport program)

The following (Hand-typed, so excuse any Part number typos) is a list of SCSI cards, CD-ROM drives and SVGA drivers now supported directly by OS/2.

CD-ROMS

ManuFacturer CD-ROM Models

Hitachi CDR-1650S, CDR-1750S, CDR-3650, CDR-3750 IBM CD-ROM I, CD-ROM II NEC CDR-36,CDR-37,CDR-72,CDR-73,CDR-74,CDR-82,CDR-83,CDR-84 Panasonic CR-501, LK-MC501S Sony CDU-541,CDU-561,CDU-6111,CDU-6211,CDU-7211 Texel DM-3021,DM-3024,DM-5021,DM-5024 Toshiba XN-3201,XM-3301

SCSI Cards

Manufacturer SCSI Adapter or Interface

Adaptec AIC 6260

               AHA 1510,1512,1520,1522
               AHA 1540,1542,1544
               AHA 1640,1642,1644
               AHA 1740,1742,1744 (Standard & Enhanced modes)

DPT PM 2011,2012 Future Domain TMC-850,860,875,885

               TMS-1660,1670,1680
               MCS-600,700
               TMC-7000EX
               TMC-850IBM

IBM PS/2 SCSI Adapter

               PS/2 SCSI Adapter with cache
Video Cards

ATI Technology VGAWonder CGA 8514/A EGA XGA VRAM II IBM VGA 256c Generic SVGA Trident Tseng Labs 4000 (Diamond Speedstars DIP Settings 1,2,4 Must be OFF) VGA

Sound Cards (if it's bundled with MMPM)

Creative Labs range Roland Adlib IBM Audio cards MORE on the way.

Network Cards

There are several Ethernet and token ring adapter drivers on the installation disks, I don't know what these do, as I haven't got a LAN.

As you can see this is a pretty impressive list of new device support! And IBM states they will have more in the release! Dare I say it, IBM is really doing things right (except for IBM Australia).

There appears to be little in the way of nasty bugs, except for the print spooler, which was caused by unfinished code. Plus the usual Swapper.dat problem.

HOT TIP

On installing a new level of OS/2, boot from a floppy and delete the SWAPPER.DAT file, as I suspect that OS/2 doesn't do this and tries to utilise the SWAPPER.DAT file and finds invalid code. This has occurred to me on several betas, so I believe that they don't actually init the SWAPPER.DAT file, but instead reuse it.

More DOS_SETTINGS

DOS_AUTOEXEC
HW_NOSOUND
HW_ROM_TO_RAM
HW_TIMER
DOS_AUTOEXEC
      Instead of running your Standard OS/2 Autoexec.bat, you can
      specify which Batch file is automatically loaded for that
      session.  Handy if you have a massive environmental requirements
      for particular applications.
HW_NOSOUND
      As it sound, will disallow MOST sounds from the PC speaker, made
      by dos programs.  I say most, because there are some games
      around which can by-pass this, maybe something to do with BIOS
      and direct addressing.
HW_ROM_TO_RAM
      Transposes your ROMs into RAM, for faster response.  Ideally used
      on a system where you can configure your Shadow RAM off, and the
      BIOS will allow the memory used by Shadow RAM to be accessed by
      normal programs (more than I can say about my old box).
HW_TIMER
      OS/2 Emulates the Hardware timer's ticking, and hence may cause
      hassles with sensitive DOS programs that rely on the hardware
      version.  EG Games like Wing Commander 2 go a lot better with
      this turned ON.

More Config.sys Thingos

There are several SYS files that aren't really essential if you don't require them.

VWIN.SYS        For Windows. YucK!
VCOM.SYS        For DOS coms

Some interesting drivers

VNPX.SYS        Emulates a Maths Co processor.
Special Recommendation.

Ray Gwinn's SIO coms driver is an essential is a must for any serious OS/2 coms user. It's much faster than the COM.SYS, that comes with OS/2, and is by far the best coms driver I have used to date under OS/2. Ray has also made a VSIO.SYS to replace the VCOM.SYS, which according to many sources has fixed DOS comms problem. I have included the latest beta in with these tips, for people who haven't had the chance to grab a copy.

Removing Un-deletable Objects from the WPS

Have you ever come across a Folder Icon which refuses to be deleted?

If so, use the following method to remove it.

Say the ill behaved folder is called NAUGHTY, and resides inside of the Folder "OS2 Tools".

And your OS/2 system resides on a HPFS partition.

   Step 1.
      Start an OS/2 Command Line session.
   Step 2.
      CD "OS!2 2.0 Desktop"
   Step 3.
      CD "OS2 Tools"
   Step 4.
      DIR
      And you should see at least NAUGHTY listed as a Sub-Directory.
   Step 5.
      CD Naughty
   Step 6.
      Attrib -r -h -s *.*
   Step 7.
      Del *.*
      This removes any hidden, System or read only files.
   Step 8.
      If there are any sub directories, enter the sub directories and follow
      the above steps 6-8.
   Step 9.
      RD
      Remove any LISTed sub-directories from Naughty
   Step 10.
      CD..
      so that you have on your prompt something like
      [X:\OS!2 2.0 Desktop\OS2 Tools]
   Step 11.
      RD Naughty.
   Step 12.
      EXIT
   Step 13.
      Press the Right Mouse button and select Refresh

The End

Continuing with the Idea of Team OS/2, I have included a list of all the OS/2 applications I have available for request in this tips issue. This will give you something to look through, plus if you are a sysop of any of the listed networks, you can frequent these files.

If you wish to contact me, about various topics I have covered, or if you have suggestions, the easy method is via a message in one of the following mail networks, in their OS/2 area.

WORLDNET             61:6700/1
INTLNET              58:1100/300
FIDONET              3:640/830

Or via SNAIL MAIL

Joe's OS/2 Tips
540 Johnson Road
Forestdale, QLD, Australia, 4118.

Or via the BBS

+61-7-800-3521
Hours 0600-215 Australian Eastern Standard Time
1200-14.4k baud rates.

Or Via VOICE

+61-7-800-4447

Most times I am around the phone, but the answering system will take care of you, otherwise. Sorry, I can't afford to return an international call.