UFO: Chapter 1
What is OS/2 WARP?
Welcome to the world of OS/2! IBM OS/2 Warp 4.0 is an inexpensive, full-featured, operating system for PC's using the Intel 486 and compatible (or better) CPU's. In addition to running native OS/2 applications ( both 16 and 32 bit), OS/2 4.0 can run 16 bit DOS and Windows 3.1 applications.
It is a very powerful operating system, supporting long filenames ( using the High Performance File System ), the built-in REXX scripting language, Adobe Type Manager and TrueType fonts, a 32-bit flat memory model, preemptive multitasking, excelllent networking and Internet support, multithreading, advanced multimedia including software motion video, and robust communications, for example), yet its Workplace Shell user interface makes it remarkably easy to use (and amazingly flexible). Other features include support for emerging technologies such as Java, OpenGL, ObjectREXX, NetREXX, and OpenDoc.
Warp 4.0 also contains the IBM Voice Type Navigation and Dictation system, allowing the user to control and interact with the computer using a microphone, and voice commands. The Bonus Pack that comes with Warp 4.0 includes several useful applications, such as a spreadsheet, word processor, database, and personal information manager. The network support built in provides access to the Internet ( via modem or Network card), as well as support for IBM Lan Server, Novell Netware, and Windows NT based networks. It also includes Peer-Peer Networking with other PC's running Warp Connect, or Windows for Workgroups/Windows 95.
- IBM's description of their own OS/2 WARP (Dead Link)
- OS/2 WARP's Features and Functions (Dead Link)