User's Guide to OS/2 Warp Version 3 - Part 3

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Reprint Courtesy of International Business Machines Corporation, © International Business Machines Corporation

Part 3 - Using OS/2

Customizing Your System

The System Setup object contains objects that help you customize your system. To open System Setup:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.

or:

  1. Point to an empty area on the Desktop.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select System Setup.

Color Palette

The Color Palette is used to customize the colors on your screen. You can change the color of the following parts of the Workplace Shell*:

  • Desktop
  • Titles of the objects on the Desktop and in folders
  • Different parts of the windows, such as push buttons, scroll bars, and the background.

There are two colors palettes, one is a Solid Color Palette for low resolution displays and one is a Mixed Color Palette for high resolution displays. The Solid Color Palette contains 16 solid colors and the Mixed Color palette contains 256 mixed colors. Use the OS/2 Tutorial for an interactive demonstration of how to use the Color Palettes. The following steps can be used for both the Solid and the Mixed Color Palettes.

Changing Screen Colors

To globally change the color of an item (for example, change the color of the background in every window):

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Color Palette.
  4. Make sure that the item you want to change is visible.
  5. Point to a color on the color palette.
  6. Press and hold Alt.
  7. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  8. Drag the color to the item you want to change. The mouse pointer changes to a paint bucket.
  9. Release mouse button 2.
  10. Release Alt. The color of all instances of the item changes to the new color.
  11. Point to the title-bar icon.
  12. Double-click.

To change the color of a specific item (for example, change the color of the vertical scroll bar in this window only):

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Color Palette.
  4. Make sure that the item you want to change is visible.
  5. Point to a color on the color palette.
  6. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  7. Drag the color to the item you want to change.
  8. Release mouse button 2. The color of the item changes to the new color.
  9. Point to the title-bar icon.
  10. Double-click.

Changing the Color of Object Titles

To change the color of the titles of objects:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Color Palette.
  4. Make sure an object title is visible in the folder. (You cannot change an individual title color. Changing one title color changes every title color in the folder.)
  5. Point to a color on the Color Palette.
  6. Press and hold Ctrl.
  7. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  8. Drag the color to a title in the folder.
  9. Release mouse button 2.
  10. Release Ctrl. The color of every title in the folder changes to the new color.

Changing the Colors on the Color Palette

You can change the colors available on the Color Palette:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Color Palette.
  4. Select the color on the Color Palette that you want to change.
  5. Select Edit color. A window appears in which you can make adjustments to or change the color. For more information about the choices available in this window, select the Help push button.
  6. When the correct color appears in the box on the color bar in the window, point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click. The Color Palette window is displayed with the new color.

Country

When you installed OS/2, you determined settings like date, time, numbers, and currency of a specific country. The Country settings notebook lets you change these settings. You can select a specific country and have all the formats changed automatically, or you can make individual format selections. To change country formats:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Select Country.
    Tip Using the Selective Install object in the System Setup folder, you can
    reconfigure the operating system to support another national language
    without having to reinstall the entire operating system (see Selective
    Install).

For country-dependent information, refer to the COUNTRY statement in the online Command Reference.

Device Driver Install

Many devices that you attach to a computer, such as a CD-ROM drive, mouse, display, and printer come with a device driver diskette. The device driver diskette (sometimes called a device support diskette) contains the code needed by the computer to recognize and operate the device. The Device Driver Install object is used to install any device driver except those for printers and plotters. To install a device driver for a printer or plotter, see Installing a Printer. To install a device driver (other than one for a printer or plotter):

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Device Driver Install.
  4. Insert the device driver diskette.
  5. Select Install.
  6. Select the device driver to install from the list.
  7. Select OK.

For additional information, refer to the documentation that came with the device. Note: Do not use the Device Driver Install object to install device drivers found on the OS/2 Installation diskettes.

Font Palette

The Font Palette allows you to:

  • Change the typeface of any text in the Workplace Shell interface
  • Change sample typefaces currently available on the Font Palette
  • Add new fonts to your system
  • Delete existing fonts from your system

A font is a collection of characters and symbols of a particular size and style used to produce text on displays and printers. When you install OS/2, the IBM Core Fonts are automatically installed, unless you specify otherwise. The IBM Core Fonts can be used by your display and IBM LaserPrinter, HP** LaserJet**, and PostScript** printers. The IBM Core Fonts consist of a set of 13 Adobe** Type 1 fonts that work with the Adobe Type Manager** (ATM). The table that follows lists the IBM Core Fonts.

IBM Core Fonts
FAMILY NAME TYPEFACE
Times New Roman** Times New Roman
Times New Roman Bold
Times New Roman Bold Italic
Times New Roman Italic
Helvetica** Helvetica
Helvetica Bold
Helvetica Bold Italic
Helvetica Italic
Courier Courier
Courier Bold
Courier Bold Italic
Courier Italic
Symbol Set Symbol Set

The Adobe Type Manager is an integral part of the OS/2 operating system and works with existing OS/2 and Windows application programs to produce the sharpest possible fonts on the screen and on the printed page. Because it incorporates PostScript outline font technology, the ATM program eliminates jagged fonts so that your screen can display high-quality typefaces of any size or style. The ATM program also enables even inexpensive printers to print PostScript language fonts that are crisp and smooth. Note: If you want to use the fonts for both OS/2 and Windows applications, you must install the font files using both the Font Palette and the ATM Control Panel.

Changing Fonts

The Font Palette window displays sample typefaces of eight of the fonts installed on your system. You can use these samples to change any text in the Workplace Shell interface. To change the typeface of text:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Font Palette.
  4. Point to the sample typeface you want to use.
  5. Press and hold mouse button 2. The mouse pointer changes to a pencil.
  6. Drag the sample typeface to the object whose text font you want to change.
    If you drag a sample typeface to an object on the Desktop, the text of all the objects on the Desktop changes to that typeface. If you drag a sample typeface to an open object, such as a folder, the typeface will change only for the objects within the folder.
  7. Release mouse button 2.

Selecting Sample Typefaces for the Font Palette

To change which sample typefaces appear on the Font Palette:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Font Palette.
  4. Select the sample typeface you want to change.
  5. Select Edit font.  The Edit Font window appears.
  6. Select the down arrow for the Name field.
  7. Select a new typeface from the list.
  8. Select the Style and Size if desired.
  9. Select the appropriate Emphasis if desired.
 10. Point to the title-bar icon.
 11. Double-click.

Adding Fonts to Your System

There are thousands of additional font styles in the Adobe Type 1 font-file format that are available for use with the OS/2 operating system. These fonts require two files for each typeface. These files have an AFM and PFB file-name extension. The Font Palette converts the AFM file to an OFM file when it installs the new font. Note: If the set of fonts you want to install is supplied on multiple diskettes, you might need to copy the files into a temporary directory, because the font installation process requires that both files for a given typeface be available at the same time. To add more fonts to your system:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Font Palette.
  4. Select Edit font.  The Edit Font window appears.
  5. Select Add.
  6. Follow the instructions on the Add Font window; then select Add.
  7. Select the names of the font files that you want to install on your
     system.
  8. Select Add.
  9. Point to the title-bar icon.
 10. Double-click.

See Selecting Sample Typefaces for the Font Palette if you want to add one of the new typefaces to the Font Palette samples.

Removing Fonts from Your System

To remove a font from your system:

1. Open OS/2 System.
2. Open System Setup.
3. Open Font Palette.
4. Select Edit font.  The Edit Font window appears.
5. Select Delete.
6. Select the names of the font files that you want to delete from your system.
7. Select Delete.
8. When the files have been deleted, point to the title-bar icon.
9. Double-click.

Note: Removing a font deletes the corresponding files from your hard disk unless they are needed by the Windows Adobe Type Manager. For more information about the Windows Adobe Type Manager, see the online Windows Programs in OS/2 book located in the Information folder.

Keyboard

The Keyboard object is used to adjust the blink rate of the cursor, change the speed at which a key repeats when held down, and customize the keyboard to make it easier to use for those with special needs. To customize the keyboard:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Keyboard.
  4. Select the tab for the setting you want to change.
  5. Point to the title-bar icon.
  6. Double-click.

Note: If the keyboard speed is set in Windows, when that WIN-OS/2 session is started, the keyboard speed for the entire system is reset and remains reset even after that WIN-OS/2 session is closed.

Select the Special Needs tab to change the settings to meet your special requirements. For example, you can make keys "sticky" so that you can press and release a series of keys (for example, Ctrl+Alt+Del) sequentially but have the keys operate as if the keys were pressed and released at the same time.

To enable sticky keys:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Keyboard.
  4. Select Special Needs.
  5. Select the Settings activation On radio button.
  6. For each key you want to act as a sticky key, press Shift three times;
     then press the key you want to stay stuck down.
  7. Repeat the previous step for each key that you want to operate as a sticky
     key.
  8. Point to the title-bar icon.
  9. Double-click.

To deactivate sticky keys, press and release each sticky key once.

Add Programs 71/2

Some programs do not place a program object in a folder or on the Desktop during their installation. Without the object, you cannot use the Workplace Shell to start the program. To correct this situation, you can use the Add Programs object. Add Programs uses a database to identify possible programs, set the correct DOS settings, and select an appropriate program object for the newly added OS/2, DOS, and Windows programs. You can create your own database to be used with Add Programs. For more information, see the OS/2 Tutorial, the help information provided with Add Programs or the Master Help Index. To add programs to the Desktop:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Add Programs.  The Add Programs to the Desktop window appears.
  4. Select Add new programs
  5. Select Ok.  A message is displayed when the process is complete.
  6. Select Ok.

The Add Programs program creates a DOS Programs folder, a Windows Programs folder, and a Windows Groups folder. Some Windows groups contain DOS programs. After you add them to the Desktop, these DOS program objects are placed in the WIN-OS/2 Groups folder and also in a DOS folder if you added DOS programs.

    Tip If your computer had a previous version of the OS/2 operating system,
    you might see a folder on your Desktop with the same name as one of your
    old groups.  This folder contains program objects that represent your old
    programs; however, Add Programs also puts these programs and program
    objects in new folders (DOS Programs or Windows Programs folders).
    Use the program objects in these new folders rather than the old group name
    folders because the preselected settings will work best for the performance
    of your program.

Mouse 72/2

The Mouse object is used to change the behavior of your mouse. You can:

  • Control the speed of the mouse pointer
  • Change the look of the pointer
  • Change the length, size and color of the pointer tail
  • Change the mouse for left-hand use
  • Customize the Alt, Shift, and Ctrl key combinations
  • Change the length and look of the mouse pointer tail

Note: You can change the speed of your mouse for your Windows sessions using the Windows Control Panel. Use the OS/2 Tutorial for an interactive demonstration of how to customize mouse settings.

To change the mouse settings:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Mouse.

Use the Timings page to change the speed at which actions occur when you use the mouse. Use the Setup page to customize the mouse for left-hand use or right-hand use. If you change the setting, the button settings on the Mappings page are automatically updated; however, you also can use the Mappings page to customize them individually. Use the Comet Cursor page to change the length and look of the mouse pointer's tail.

Tip Using the Selective Install object in the System Setup folder, you can reconfigure the operating system to support another pointing device without having to reinstall the entire operating system (see Selective Install).

Scheme Palette 73/2+

The Scheme Palette contains many different predefined color schemes. Each scheme has a preset color for the following:

  • Desktop
  • Titles of the objects on the Desktop and in folders
  • Different parts of the windows such as push buttons, scroll bars, and the background.

You can use these schemes as they are, or you can change their colors. In addition, you can also use the Scheme Palette to change the width of the borders around the windows, and the font used.

Changing Color Schemes 74/3

To use a predefined scheme to change the colors of one folder or window:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Scheme Palette.
  4. Make sure that the folder or window you want to change is visible.
  5. Point to a scheme on the palette.
  6. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  7. Drag the color scheme to the window.
  8. Release mouse button 2. The window colors change to the new scheme.

Globally Changing Color Schemes 75/3

To use one of the predefined schemes to change the colors for all the folders that do not have their colors individually set:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Scheme Palette.
  4. Point to a scheme on the palette.
  5. Press and hold Alt.
  6. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  7. Drag the color scheme to the Desktop.
  8. Release mouse button 2.
  9. Release Alt. The colors change to the new scheme.

Changing the Colors on the Scheme Palette 76/3

To change the colors within a scheme on the Scheme Palette:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Scheme Palette.
  4. Select the scheme on the Scheme Palette that you want to change.
  5. Select Edit Scheme.
  6. Select the part of the window (in the Window area field) whose color you want to change.
  7. Select Edit Color. A window appears in which you can make adjustments to or change the color. (For more information about the choices available in this window, select the Help push button.)
  8. Adjust the color until the correct color appears in the box on the color bar in the window.
  9. Point to the title-bar icon.
  10. Double-click. The selected window part changes to the new color on the Scheme Palette.
  11. When all the color changes have been made, point to the title-bar icon.
  12. Double-click.

Tip You can point to an area on the sample palette and click mouse button 2 to select the part of the window to be changed, instead of using the Window area field to select it. This reduces the amount of scrolling needed to find the correct window part.

Changing the Fonts in a Scheme 77/3

To change the font of text within the scheme:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Scheme Palette.
  4. Select the scheme on the Scheme Palette that you want to change.
  5. Select Edit Scheme.
  6. Select the part of the window (in the Window area field) whose font you
     want to change.
  7. Select Edit Font.
  8. Select the name, style, size, and emphasis that you want to use.
  9. Point to the title-bar icon.
 10. Double-click.  The font of the selected window part changes on the Scheme
     Palette.  For more information about fonts, see Font Palette.
    Tip To display a colorful picture (bit map) on the background of your
    folder windows or the Desktop folder:
      1. Display the pop-up menu for a folder.
      2. Select Settings.
      3. Select the Background tab.
      4. Select the Image radio button in the Background type field.
      5. Select the arrow to the right of the Image File field.
      6. Select a file with a .BMP file-name extension.
    The image appears in the background of your folder.

Sound 78/2

The Sound object is used by an application to generate a warning beep. The beep can be turned off. You can indicate whether a beep should be heard when a warning message is displayed or an invalid key is pressed. To customize the sound settings:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Sound.

Note: If you install OS/2 Multimedia additional sound options are available.

For more information, see the online Multimedia book.

Spooler 79/2+

The Spooler stores jobs that are waiting for an available printer or port. OS/2 includes a spooler for printouts you request in OS/2, DOS, and Windows sessions (an instance of a command prompt or started program). When you print, the system creates a spool file which is held in place in the SPOOL directory. The SPOOL directory is created by the system during installation. You can use the Spooler object to change the location of the spooler path and to disable or enable the spooler.

Enabling the Spooler 80/3

To enable the spooler:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Spooler.
  4. Point to the title-bar icon.
  5. Click mouse button 2.
  6. Select Disable spooler
  7. Point to the title-bar icon.
  8. Double-click. (Spooling takes effect immediately.  You do not need to
     restart your system.)

Changing the Spooler Path 81/3

Use this procedure if you print often, or if you print large jobs and need a separate storage area, such as a large disk, for spool files. Be sure to wait until all your jobs finish printing, or delete any pending jobs.

To change the spooler path:

  1. Select all the printer objects.
  2. Select Hold from the pop-up menu of each printer object.
  3. Open OS/2 System.
  4. Open System Setup.
  5. Open Spooler. By default, the Spooler Settings notebook appears.
  6. Select Spool path.
  7. In the Spool path field, type the new path.
  8. Point to the title-bar icon.
  9. Double-click.

Changing the Print Priority 82/3

You can set the print priority higher or lower to adjust the speed at which spooled print jobs are printed.

To set the print priority:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Spooler. By default, the Spooler Settings notebook appears.
  4. Select the Print priority page.
  5. Move the slider arm to select priority.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Disabling the Spooler 83/3

You might want to disable the spooler to print jobs that have a high-security risk. Disabling the spooler prevents others from viewing your print jobs in a printer-object window. However, you cannot disable spooling to a network printer on a network server.

To disable the spooler:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Spooler.
  4. Point to the title-bar icon.
  5. Click mouse button 2.
  6. Select Enable spooler.
  7. Restart your system.

When the Spooler is disabled, your print jobs go directly to a printer. However, a printout might contain material from different jobs mixed together.

System 84/2+

The System object is used to change system defaults. You can select how you want a window that is already open to be displayed and where you want windows that you have minimized to be displayed. This notebook is also used to specify confirmation messages and to turn off the product information window. For more information about each tab, select the help push button provided on each page.

Confirming Delete Actions 85/3

To specify if you want a confirmation message displayed each time you delete an object or a folder:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Confirmations tab.
  5. Place a check mark next to each item you want a confirmation message for.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Directing Keyboard and Mouse Activity 86/3

To enable or disable the direction of any keyboard and mouse activity during the startup of any Presentation Manager program.

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Input tab.
  5. Place a check mark next to Enable type ahead or Disable type ahead. (The default is Enable type ahead.)
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Resolving Title Conflicts 87/3

To specify how the system is to respond to title conflicts if you create, copy, or move an object into a folder that already has an object with the same name:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Title tab.
  5. Select the choice that best describe how you want the system to respond when a title conflict appears.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Changing System Defaults 88/3

To change the system defaults for a window:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Window tab.
  5. Select the choices that best describe how you want the windows to behave.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Printing a Screen 89/3

To be able to print the information in an open window:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Print Screen tab.
  5. Select Enable.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

To print the open window:

  1. Select the open window.
  2. Press Print Screen.

Displaying Logos 90/3

To specify if you want a logo to be displayed and how long to display it:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Logo tab.
  5. Select the choices that best describes how you want the system to handle product information and logos.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Changing Screen Resolution 91/3

To change the screen resolution for an XGA display adapter:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Screen tab.
  5. Select the resolution you want to use.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Note: The Screen tab will not appear if you are using the VGA, 8514, or SVGA driver.

Tip After changing screen resolutions from a higher resolution to a lower resolution, some applications might open windows that are partially off the screen. If this occurs:

  1. Press Alt+Spacebar.
  2. Select Move.
  3. Use the mouse or the arrow keys to move the window.
  4. Click mouse button 1 or press Enter.

or:

  1. Point to an empty area on the Desktop.
  2. Click mouse buttons 1 and 2 at the same time.
  3. Point to the name of the program.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select Tile or Cascade. The window will now appear on the screen.

System Clock 92/2

The System Clock object is used to set the system date and time or to set an alarm. You can display the clock in either analog or digital mode.

To set the system clock:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Select System Clock.
  4. Display the pop-up menu for System Clock.
  5. Select Settings.
  6. Select the tab for the setting you want to change.
  7. Select View; change to the View page if necessary. (To view a different View page, use an arrow at the lower-right corner of the window.)
  8. Point to the title-bar icon.
  9. Double-click.

WIN-OS/2 Setup 93/2

The WIN-OS/2 Setup object is used to select a public or private clipboard or dynamic data exchange (DDE). The clipboard and DDE are features that allow data exchange between programs. You also can use this object to preselect WIN-OS/2 settings for all Windows programs before you start them. Use the Fast load setting to automatically start a WIN-OS/2 session when you start OS/2. If you change a setting, the change affects only subsequent Windows programs that are started. Programs that are currently running are not affected.

If you are using Windows programs that can share information using the clipboard or Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) feature, then you can change the way these features work in all WIN-OS/2 sessions.

Note: Be sure you check with the instructions that came with your program to determine if these features are supported.

The clipboard is an area that temporarily holds data. Data is placed in the clipboard by selecting cut or copy from a menu. You can cut (move) or copy data from one document and paste it into another document, even if the other document is in a different program. For example, you can place a spreadsheet from one program into a document from another program.

The DDE feature enables the exchange of data between programs. Any change made to information in one file is applied to the same information in an associated file. In the example above, if changes are made to the original spreadsheet, corresponding changes are made to the spreadsheet in the document. If changes are made to the spreadsheet in the document, corresponding changes are made to the original spreadsheet.

The clipboard and DDE can be set to Public or Private. When DDE is set to Public, information can be shared with OS/2 and WIN-OS/2 sessions. Information cannot be shared with DOS sessions. When the clipboard or DDE is set to Private, sharing data between sessions is restricted. This means that only information for those programs running in that single session can be shared.

When OS/2 is installed, the clipboard and DDE are set to Public. Windows programs that have the clipboard or DDE feature are set up during installation of the OS/2 operating system to use a Public setting for all WIN-OS/2 sessions. You can use the WIN-OS/2 Setup object to set these features to private. You can further customize the way you use these features by using the Settings notebook of the program object.

Note: Changing the clipboard and DDE features to Private will not affect the performance of your Windows programs.

To change the clipboard or DDE feature to Private:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open WIN-OS/2 Setup.
  4. Select Data Exchange.
  5. Select Private for Dynamic Data Exchange or Clipboard.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Note: If you change the settings for the clipboard or DDE while a program is running in a WIN-OS/2 session, the settings for the program will take effect immediately.

For related information about the clipboard, DDE, WIN-OS/2, and Windows Programs, see the Windows Programs in OS/2 located in the online Information folder or the Master Help Index.

Power 94/2+

The Power object manages and tracks power consumption in battery-powered computers that support the Advanced Power Management (APM) standard. The APM standard defines the way the hardware and software work together to reduce power consumption and help extend battery life. If your computer supports the APM standard, the Power object might be automatically installed during the OS/2 installation process. If it was not installed, you can install it by using Selective Install and selecting Advanced Power Management. For information about Selective Install, see Selective Install.

Note: This power management feature is not available if your computer does not have APM BIOS or a device driver that emulates APM BIOS.

OS/2 APM support relies on the power status information returned from the BIOS on your computer. You might notice incorrect battery life or status within the Power icon on your computer. If this occurs, rely on the LEDs on your computer for accurate power status information.

Turning the APM setting to Off also turns off the BIOS power management. If you want to turn off APM, but not the BIOS power management, place REM before the APM device driver statement in your CONFIG.SYS file, and then restart your system to invoke the change.

For example:

REM DEVICE=C:\OS2\APM.SYS

Power Object 95/3

To open the Power object:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Power.

To display the Power pop-up menu:

  1. Point to the Power object.
  2. Click mouse button 1 or 2.

Power Settings 96/3

To set power management support:

  1. Display the Power object pop-up menu.
  2. Select Settings. The Power - Settings notebook appears.
  3. Select Power.
  4. Set Power management to On or Off. If set to On, power consumption will be reduced and power status will be tracked. If set to Off, the suspend mode, power status, and battery status features are disabled.
  5. Set Confirm on power state changes if you want to confirm requests to go to suspend mode. (See Suspend Mode.)

To set the default status view of the status window:

  1. Display the Power object pop-up menu.
  2. Select Settings. The Power - Settings notebook appears.
  3. Select View.
  4. Select Full status or Battery only for Default status view.
  5. Set Refresh (of the status window) to On or Off.
  6. If you set Refresh to On, select the number of minutes (from 1 to 30) for Refresh rate. The system will automatically update the status window at the intervals you specified.

You can also update the status window by selecting Refresh Now from the Power object pop-up menu.

Power Status 97/3

To display the power status:

  1. Display the Power object pop-up menu.
  2. Select the arrow to the right of Open.
  3. Select Full status or Battery status. A full-status Power window or a power-gauge Power window is displayed, depending on your selection.

Note: You cannot change the size of the Power window.

A full-status Power window displays the following information:

  • Battery life. This information is displayed as a power gauge that shows the power level of the battery compared to the capacity of the battery. When the power gauge indicator is completely shaded, the battery is at full power. The shaded area of the gauge moves up or down as the battery power level increases or decreases. When the power gauge indicator is dimmed, there is no battery in the computer or the computer cannot provide battery information.
  • Power source for the computer. If the system cannot determine the power source, no power source information is displayed.
  • Battery state, which is the charge state of the battery. Battery state information is displayed as follows:
High        Battery charge is OK; continue using your computer.
Low         Recharge the battery or switch to another power source
            such as another battery or AC power.
Critical    Battery charge is depleted.  Recharge the battery or
            switch to another power source immediately to avoid a
            system failure or data loss.
Charging    System is restoring the battery charge.
Unknown     System cannot determine the battery state or there is no
            battery in your computer.

Suspend Mode 98/3

To set the suspend mode:

  1. Display the Power object pop-up menu.
  2. Select Suspend.

When suspend mode is activated, battery power is conserved by dimming the display and turning off devices that are not in use. If Confirm on power status changes is set in the Power - Settings notebook, a message is displayed that asks you if you want to continue before switching to suspend mode.

Note: Different computers have different procedures for exiting suspend mode and resuming operation. Refer to the documentation that came with your computer for information about its suspend mode features.

After you exit suspend mode, you will notice a startup delay before you can resume operation of your system. This delay might be a few seconds, depending on your system.

Selective Install 99/2+

The Selective Install object is used to add features that you did not include when you originally installed the operating system. You also can use the Selective Install object to change the mouse, display adapter, or country information for your system.

Note: You will need the OS/2 installation diskettes for each of the procedures that follow.

Adding Options after Installation 100/3

To add options after installation:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Selective Install.
  4. Select from the System Configuration window any of the choices that you want to change or add.
  5. Select OK.
  6. Place a check mark to the left of any feature you want to add. (For more information about a feature, press F1.) If a More push button is displayed to the right of a feature, select it to see additional choices.

Adding Online Documentation after Installation 101/3

To add online documentation after installation:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Selective Install.
  4. Select OK when the System Configuration window is displayed.
  5. Select the check box to the left of Documentation.
  6. Select More to the right of Documentation.
  7. Select the check box to the left of any documentation units to deselect the ones you do not want to add.
  8. Select OK.
  9. Select Install.
  10. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Changing Display Adapter Support 102/3

To change the display adapter support after installation:

1. Open OS/2 System.
2. Open System Setup.
3. Open Selective Install.
4. Select Primary Display or Secondary Display from the System Configuration
   window.
5. Select the display adapter that you want from the list provided.
6. Select OK.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Adding PCMCIA Support after Installation 103/3

To add PCMCIA** support after installation:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Selective Install.
  4. Select OK when the System Configuration window is displayed.
  5. Select the check box to the left of PCMCIA Support to display the Select
     PCMCIA system window.
  6. Select the appropriate system (this should either be a direct match with
     your target install system or a known compatible system).
  7. Select OK.
  8. Select Install.
  9. Follow the instructions on the screen.

PCMCIA 104/2+

OS/2 provides software support for Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) hardware. PCMCIA is the standard for PC card adapters associated with portable computers. A PC card is a small form-factor adapter about the size and shape of a credit card. You can use PC cards with laptops, notebooks, tablets, and other portable computer systems that are equipped with a PCMCIA slot.

Installing PCMCIA 105/3

PCMCIA can be automatically installed during OS/2 installation or it can be installed through Selective Install after OS/2 installation. To install PCMCIA support after installation, see Adding PCMCIA Support after Installation.

PCMCIA Components 106/3

PCMCIA consists of the following services and client device drivers (CDDs):

  • Card services - Provide an industry-standard interface layer between the Client device driver (CDD) and hardware-specific socket services.
  • Socket services - Provide an industry-standard interface layer across hardware platforms for specific chip-set support.
  • Resource Client - A special-purpose CDD that provides Card Services, detailing the resources in use and available at start up.
  • Modem Card Manager - A generic CDD that provides a Card Manager level of support for PCMCIA modem cards.

Plug and Play for PCMCIA 107/3+

Plug and Play for PCMCIA is an OS/2 application that displays PC card information, socket status, assigned resources, and card type. There are two basic types of PC cards:

  • Memory cards, which contain specific types of memory devices
  • Input/output (I/O) cards, which contain devices such as modems and disks

Both card types are assigned system resources, which are used to communicate with the card's devices.

Plug and Play for PCMCIA also allows you to start applications automatically when their objects (icons) are registered to a PC card type.

To open the Plug and Play for PCMCIA object:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Plug and Play for PCMCIA.

Socket and Card Information 108/4

The Plug and Play for PCMCIA window displays the following information:

No.           Socket number.
Card Type     Card-type icon and text.
Card Status   Card-status icon and text.

Card Types 109/4

o  Booted
o  Communication - for the following card types:
          3270          5250
          Ethernet      LAN
          SDLC          Token Ring
o  Hard Disk
o  I/O - for multi-function, parallel, and SCSI card types.
o  Memory
o  Modem, Serial

Card Status 110/4

o  Empty
o  Inserted
o  Ready
o  Not Ready
o  Inserted for Memory

Memory Card - Details View 111/4

To receive additional information about an inserted memory card:

  1. Select the memory card.
  2. Press Enter.

The Memory Card - Details View appears with the following information:

Card information
Vendor name and card description data retrieved from card.
Write protect
Yes or no.
Battery
Good, low, or dead.
Region
Region of card memory for memory devices such as SRAM.

I/O Card - Details View 112/4

To receive additional information about an inserted I/O-type card:

  1. Select the appropriate card.
  2. Press Enter.

The I/O Card - Details View appears with the following information:

Card information     Vendor name and card description data retrieved from card.
Assigned resources   System resources used by this PC card:
     IRQ    Interrupt request level.
     I/O    Input/output ports.

Options 113/3+

The Options menu bar choice has two selections, Customize and Register Object. The Customize option allows you to turn a beep on and off, display the Plug and Play for PCMCIA window when a PC card is used, and keep Plug and Play for PCMCIA visible when other applications are running in the foreground. The Register Object option allows you to register objects to be launched (started or opened) when a specific type of PC card is used. (It is not necessary to have a card inserted when registering objects.) If more than one object is registered to the same card type or the manual option is selected, the Object Launcher window is displayed where you can select which registered object to launch.

Note: Objects can be launched only after Plug and Play for PCMCIA is opened.

Customize 114/4

To use the Customize window:

  1. Select Options.
  2. Select Customize.
  3. To display the Plug and Play for PCMCIA window whenever a PC card is
     inserted, removed, ready, or not ready, select the appropriate check box
     under Display window.
  4. To hear a beep whenever a PC card is inserted, removed, ready, or not
     ready, select the appropriate check box under Beep.
  5. To keep the Plug and Play for PCMCIA icon or window in the foreground
     (visible) when running another application, select Yes.
  6. To return to the original default settings, select Defaults.
Note:  Plug and Play for PCMCIA must be open for your selections to become
active.

Register Object 115/4

To register an object:

  1. Select Options.
  2. Select Register Object.
  3. Click on the down arrow to the right of the Select a card type field to
     display a list of available card types.
  4. Select the desired card type.
  5. Drag a copy of each object that you want to register to this card type to
     the Object List field.  The name of the object appears in the list.  (If
     you have registered more than one object for this card type, see also
     Object Launcher.)
  6. Select Automatically or Manually to indicate how you would like the object
     to be launched.  (If you have selected Manually, see also Object
     Launcher.)
  7. Select any of the choices under When card is to indicate when you would
     like to launch the object.
     Note:  The Ready and Not ready choices work only with I/O card types.
  8. To return to the original default settings, select Defaults.

To deregister an object:

  1. Select the object to be removed from the Object List.
  2. Select Remove.
     Note:  Selecting Remove does not affect the original object.

Object Launcher 116/3

The Object Launcher is displayed when Plug and Play for PCMCIA is open and one or both of the following occurs:

  o  More than one object is registered for the inserted PC card type.
  o  Manually is selected under Launch Choices.

To launch an object:

  1. Select the object to launch.
  2. Select Launch.

Selective Uninstall 117/2

The Selective Uninstall program allows you to remove operating system files, programs, and device drivers from your hard disk. You might want to uninstall files to free hard disk space for other programs. Warning: Do not remove operating system files, programs, or device drivers from your hard disk unless you have backed up the operating system (as it was originally installed). Use the BACKUP.EXE program from the utility diskettes you created with "Create Utility Diskettes" program to back up your system. After system files, programs, or device drivers are removed, they are unavailable for future use. You can recover files, programs, or device drivers that you delete (as they were originally installed) only by using the RESTORE.EXE file from the Utility Diskettes you created.

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Locate the Selective Uninstall object inside the System Setup folder.
  4. Open Selective Uninstall.  The Selective Uninstall window appears.

For information about Selective Uninstall, press F1. Or, place the mouse pointer on the Help push button and click once. To close the Help window, press Esc.

  1. To make a selection, press the Tab key until your choice is highlighted;
     then press the Spacebar. A check mark (/) appears in the box next to your
     choice.  Or, place the mouse pointer on the check box beside a choice and
     click once.
  2. The More push button next to some choices indicates that a secondary
     window containing more choices associated with your selection is
     available. After you select a choice, the More push button is highlighted.
     Select More to display a list of items you can choose to remove.
     Warning: When you select More, all items in the associated choices l   ist
     are checked. Make sure you remove the check marks from those items that
     you do not want to delete from your hard disk.
     For information about the items in the window, press F1.  Or, place the
     mouse pointer on the Help push button and click once.
  3. Follow the instructions on the screen to remove operating system features
     from your hard disk.
    Adobe Type Manager
    Your hard disk contains the Adobe Type Manager program.  The program runs
    in the WIN-OS/2 environment.  Adobe Type Manager uses PostScript[**]
    outline font technology to produce the sharpest possible type on the screen
    and on the printed page.
    If you intend to use Adobe Type Manager, do not choose to uninstall Fonts.
    For more information about using Adobe Type Manager, see the online Windows
    Programs in OS/2 located in the Information folder on the desktop.

Create Utility Diskettes 118/2

The OS/2 operating system comes installed on your hard disk. Your computer has a program that creates diskettes called Utility Diskettes. Create these diskettes to help you correct problems if you cannot start your computer from the hard disk. The Utility Diskettes also allow you to start the procedure that backs up the operating system to diskettes. Backup diskettes allow you to restore OS/2 to your hard disk in the event of a computer problem. To complete this procedure, you will need three blank, high-density (2MB) diskettes for a 1.44MB drive, or one extended-density (4MB) diskette for a 2.88MB drive.

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open Create Utility Diskettes. The Create Utility Diskettes window
     appears.
     For information about Create Utility Diskettes, press F1.  Or, place the
     mouse pointer on the Help push button and click once.  To close the Help
     window, press Esc.
  4. Select the drive where the Utility Diskettes will be created.  If you
     select drive A, insert a blank diskette into drive A.
  5. Type C.  Or, place the mouse pointer on the Create push button and click
     once.  Follow the instructions on the screen to prepare Utility Diskettes.
     Label the first diskette you create Utility Diskette 1, the second
     diskette Utility Diskette 2, and the third diskette Utility Diskette 3.
     Store the diskettes in a safe place.

Starting Objects Automatically

The Startup folder contains objects that you want to automatically start every time the system starts. This chapter describes how to use the Startup folder to start objects. It also describes how to customize your system startup by placing variables in your CONFIG.SYS file.

Starting Programs Automatically

You can start programs automatically at system startup using a Startup folder, a STARTUP.CMD file, or both. Use the OS/2 Tutorial for an interactive demonstration of how to use the Startup folder.

Startup Folder

You can place objects of frequently used programs and batch files in a Startup folder so that every time you start your computer, the programs and batch files will start. The objects in the Startup folder are started when the Desktop folder is opened at system startup. You cannot specify the order in which the objects in the folder are started. You should place a shadow of the program objects in the Startup folder instead of the original object. This ensures that any changes made to the original object are applied to the object in the Startup folder. To create a shadow of an object and place it in the Startup folder:

  1. Point to the object.
  2. Press and hold Ctrl+Shift.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the object to the Startup folder.
  5. Release mouse button 2.
  6. Release the Ctrl and Shift keys.

STARTUP.CMD File

A STARTUP.CMD file is similar to the Startup folder in that it is used to automatically start programs and batch files at system startup. If a STARTUP.CMD file is present, it will be run prior to the starting of the Desktop. For more information about creating and running a STARTUP.CMD file, refer to the online Command Reference.

Preventing Automatic Startup

Programs located in the Startup folder or programs running at the time the computer was shut down will automatically start when the computer is restarted. To prevent these programs from starting:

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart the computer.
  2. When you see the Desktop animation (similar to an exploding box), press
     and hold Ctrl+Shift+F1.
  3. Hold the keys for approximately 15 seconds, or until the Desktop appears.
     (If the hard disk light stops flashing during this time, your computer
     might be suspended.  Release the keys quickly, and then resume holding the
     keys until the Desktop objects appear.)

Customizing Your CONFIG.SYS for Startup

You can customize the way your Workplace Shell starts by changing the system variables at either a command prompt or in the CONFIG.SYS file. Precede each of the variables with the SET command. The system variables for the Workplace Shell are:

AUTOSTART            Determines the parts of the Workplace Shell that are
                     automatically started.  Eliminating any of the options
                     from the statement restricts the user from accessing
                     portions of the Shell.  For example:
                     SET AUTOSTART=FOLDERS, PROGRAMS, TASKLIST, CONNECTIONS
     FOLDERS           Allows a user to open additional folders after startup.
     PROGRAMS          Allows a user to open additional programs after startup.
     TASKLIST          Allows a user to open the Window List.
     CONNECTIONS       Recreates the network connections established during the
                       last log on.
     LAUNCHPAD         Creates a new LaunchPad on the Desktop.
OS2_SHELL            Sets the command processor for OS/2 sessions.  For
                     example:
                     SET OS2_SHELL=C:\OS2\CMD.EXE
RESTARTOBJECTS       Sets the objects that will be automatically started by the
                     Workplace Shell.  For example:
                     SET RESTARTOBJECTS=STARTUPFOLDERSONLY
     YES Starts all the objects that were running at the time of shutdown and
     all objects in the Startup folder.  This is the default.
     NO Does not start any of the applications that were running at the time of
     shutdown and does not start the objects in the Startup folder.
     STARTUPFOLDERSONLY Starts only those objects in the Startup folder.
     REBOOTONLY Starts objects only when the Workplace Shell is started by
     pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del or turning on the computer.
RUNWORKPLACE         Sets the interface that is started by the OS/2 operating
                     system. PMSHELL.EXE is the program for the Workplace Shell
                     interface.  For example:
                     SET RUNWORKPLACE=C:\OS2\PMSHELL.EXE
SYSTEM_INI           Determines the INI file to be used by the Workplace Shell
                     for system information about such items as default colors
                     and printer drivers. For example:
                     SET SYSTEM_INI=C:\OS2\OS2SYS.INI
USER_INI             Determines the INI file to be used by the Workplace Shell
                     for system information about such items as program
                     defaults, display options, and file options.  For example:
                     SET USER_INI=C:\OS2\OS2.INI

For more information about customizing the user interface, refer to the online Command Reference.

The DISKCACHE statement in the CONFIG.SYS file is set up so that it automatically runs the CHKDSK program upon startup if the system shuts down improperly. The CHKDSK program analyzes and fixes disk problems caused by the improper shutdown.

If you add hard disk drives or partitions after the installation of the OS/2 operating system, you should edit the CONFIG.SYS file and update the AC:x parameter to reflect the new additions. AC: starts the auto-check feature on the specified drives when the system shuts down improperly. The value x represents the letters of the disks or partitions on the system that you want to check.

For example, if you want to check disks C and D and your existing DISKCACHE statement is:

DISKCACHE=64,LW

Add the AC: parameter to the statement as follows:

DISKCACHE=64,LW,AC:CD

For more information about the DISKCACHE statement, refer to the online Command Reference.

Using Disk Drives

This chapter describes how to use the Drives folder to access and use the different types of storage media installed in your computer. When opened, the Drives folder provides a view of all drive objects in the system. For example, the following drive types could be accessed from the Drives folder:

  • Diskette
  • Hard disk
  • CD-ROM
  • Tape backup
  • Optical disc
  • PCMCIA

To view the Drive objects:

1. Open OS/2 System.
2. Open Drives.

Note: Drive objects cannot be copied.

About Hard Disks and Diskettes

There are two kinds of disks:

Hard disk
A non-removable disk that is built into a hard-disk drive. Hard disks come in a variety of capacities and can hold large amounts of information. (Capacity is the maximum amount of information that a diskette or disk can hold.) Information can be stored on and erased from the disk over and over again. The computer can write to and read information from the hard disk much faster than it can from a diskette.
Diskette
A removable disk that can be inserted in and removed from a diskette drive. Diskettes come in a variety of capacities. Diskettes cannot hold as much information as a hard disk. Information can be stored on and erased from the diskette over and over again. The computer cannot write to or read information from a diskette as fast as it can from a hard disk. There are two sizes of diskettes, 5.25" and 3.5":
  • 5.25-inch diskettes are thin, flexible, and somewhat fragile. A 5.25-inch diskette has a write-protect notch located on the right side. You can place a write-protect tab over the notch to protect the information stored on the diskette.

To store information on or erase information from the diskette, you must remove the write-protect tab from the diskette.

  • 3.5-inch diskettes are protected by a hard plastic cover that makes them more durable. A 3.5-inch diskette can be write protected by sliding a built-in tab to reveal the write-protect opening.

To store information on or erase information from the diskette, you must slide the tab over the write-protect opening on the diskette.

Note: If a diskette does not have a write-protect notch or tab, the diskette is permanently write protected. Many software manufacturers use permanently write-protected diskettes to prevent the information on the diskettes from being accidentally changed or deleted.

The capacity of a diskette and a hard disk is measured in bytes. A diskette must be formatted at a capacity less than or equal to the capacity of the diskette drive in order for the diskette and the drive to be compatible. So even though a diskette is the correct size physically, its capacity might not be compatible with the diskette drive in the computer.

For example, a 3.5-inch diskette drive designed to work with 2.88MB diskettes can use 1.44MB diskettes, but a 1.44MB diskette drive cannot use a 2.88MB diskette. The following terms are used to describe the capacity of disks and the size of files:

Byte        Amount of space it takes to store a character.
Kilobyte    1024 bytes and is abbreviated as KB.
Megabyte    1024KB (approximately a million bytes) and is abbreviated as MB.
Gigabyte    1024MB (approximately a billion bytes) and is abbreviated as GB.

The following terms are equivalent:

1MB = 1024KB = 1048576 bytes

Each diskette drive and hard disk drive in a computer has a letter assigned to it. This letter is the name that both you and the computer use to identify the drive. For example, on many computers the diskette drive is called drive A and the hard disk drive is called drive C.

Accessing Hard Disks and Diskettes

You can use the Drives folder to access the information on your hard disk and diskette drives. This allows you to view disk information, display the files on the disks, and copy and move files. The files can be viewed as objects so they can easily be copied and moved with the mouse.

Tip For specific instructions on using the Drive A object, see Drive A.

Viewing Disk Information 128/3

To view the size of a disk:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Drives.
  3. Open the drive object you want information about.

Displaying Objects 129/3

The drive objects are used to display the contents of the drives on your computer. The contents of the drive can be displayed in three different views:

Icon view     Displays the contents of the disk as icons.  This is the default
              if the disk does not have folders (directories).
Tree view     Displays the contents of the disk in a tree.  This is the default
              if the disk has folders (directories).  A plus (+) sign to the
              left of a folder indicates that additional folders exist inside
              the folder.  By selecting the plus sign, you can see the other
              folders in the folder.  Pointing to a folder and double-clicking
              displays the contents of the folder in an icon view.
              Note:  When an additional folder is opened from a folder that is
              in tree view, if the default for the additional folder is also
              tree view, it is overridden and displayed in an icon view.  There
              is no need to open it again in tree view because it is already
              shown in the parent folder's tree view.
Details view  Displays the contents of the disk in a table with the following
              additional information:
  o  Icon
  o  Title
  o  Real name
  o  Size
  o  Last write date and time
  o  Last access date and time
  o  Creation date and time
  o  Flags
To display the contents of a drive as icons:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Drives.
  3. Point to the object that you want to display.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select the arrow to the right of Open.
  6. Select Icon view.
To display the contents of a drive in a tree view:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Drives.
  3. Point to the object that you want to display.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select the arrow to the right of Open.
  6. Select Tree view.
  7. If a plus (+) sign appears to the left of a folder, select it to expand
     the contents.
  8. To display the contents of a folder, point to the folder; then
     double-click.
To display details about the contents of a drive:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Drives.
  3. Point to the object that you want to display.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select the arrow to the right of Open.
  6. Select Details view.
  7. Select the scroll bars at the bottom and side of the window to scroll the
     information.

Copying Objects 130/3

Note: If you want to copy the object to a folder object or another drive object, the target object must be visible before you start the copy.

To copy an object from a drive to another location:
  1. Open the drive containing the object you want to copy.
  2. Point to the object you want to copy.
  3. Press and hold Ctrl.
  4. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  5. Drag the object to a folder, the Desktop, or another drive object.
  6. Release mouse button 2.
  7. Release Ctrl.

To copy an object from another location to a drive:

  1. Point to the object you want to copy.
  2. Press and hold Ctrl.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the object to the drive object.
  5. Release mouse button 2.
  6. Release Ctrl.

Moving Objects 131/3

There are times when you need to move an object (copy the object to a different location and delete it from the original location). Note: If you want to move the object to a folder object or another drive object, the target object must be visible before you start the move.

To move an object from a drive to another location:

  1. Open the drive containing the object you want to move.
  2. Point to the object you want to move.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the object to a folder, the Desktop, or another drive object.
  5. Release mouse button 2.

To move an object from another location to a drive:

  1. Point to the object you want to move.
  2. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  3. Drag the mouse to the drive object.
  4. Release mouse button 2.

Deleting Objects from a Drive 132/3

You can delete (erase) unwanted objects from a drive. To delete an object from a drive:

  1. Open the drive.
  2. Point to the object you want to delete.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the object to the Shredder.
  5. Release mouse button 2.

Formatting a Disk 133/2

You can format a disk. When a disk is formatted, it is checked for defects and prepared to accept data. During this process, all existing data is erased from the disk. Use the OS/2 Tutorial for an interactive demonstration of how to format a diskette. Note: Before you format a disk, make sure that it does not contain any information that is important.

To format a disk:
  1. Point to the disk you want to format.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Format disk.
  4. When the Format Disk window appears, type a Volume Label (name for the
     disk).
  5. Select the type of file system (FAT or HPFS) you want to use on the disk.
     (For more information about these file systems, see the Master Help
     Index).
  6. Select Format.
  7. When the format is complete, select OK.

Checking a Disk 134/2

You can check a disk for:

  o  Defects, which are errors in the file allocation table or directory on the
     disk.  If you select Write corrections to disk, any problems found will be
     fixed.
  o  Current usage, which is the amount of the disk used for directories, user
     files, and extended attributes.  It also indicates the amount of space
     that is reserved on the disk.
  o  File system type, which is the type of file system on the disk.
  o  Total disk space, which is the capacity of the disk in bytes.
  o  Total amount of disk space available, which is the amount of free space
     left on the disk.

Note: You cannot check a disk that is currently being used or is locked by another process (for example, the disk that OS/2 is running on).

To check a disk:
  1. Point to the drive that you want to check.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Check disk.
  4. Select Write corrections to disk.
  5. Select Check.  When the check is done, the Check Disk &dash. Results
     window is displayed.
  6. Select Cancel to remove the window.

Drive A 135/2+

The Drive A object provides quick access to the diskette drive in your computer referred to as A. You can use the Drive A object to:

  • Display the objects on a diskette
  • Display information about the objects on the diskette
  • Copy objects on a diskette to another location
  • Copy objects from another location to a diskette
  • Move objects on a diskette to another location
  • Move objects from another location to a diskette
  • Delete objects from a diskette
  • Format a diskette
  • Check a diskette for defects and fix it

Note: The Drive A object cannot be copied.

This chapter discusses only the Drive A object. For information about other drive objects and a discussion about disks and diskettes, see Using Disk Drives.

Displaying the Objects on a Diskette 136/3

To display the objects on a diskette:

  1. Place a diskette into diskette drive A.
  2. Open Drive A.

The Drive A window appears showing the contents of the diskette. The actual layout of the window that appears depends upon the contents of the diskette.

Tree view   Displays the objects on the diskette in a directory (tree)
            structure with folders representing the directories.  This view
            comes up when the objects on the diskette are placed in
            directories.
            To view the contents of a directory, point to a folder and
            double-click.
Icon view   Displays the objects on the diskette as pictures (icons).  This
            view comes up when all the objects on the diskette are in the root
            directory.

Displaying Information about the Objects on a Diskette 137/2

The tree and icon views give limited information about the objects on a diskette. However, the details view gives the following information about the objects on the diskette:

Title of the object   Name that appears below the icon that represents the
                      object.
Real name of object   Actual name of the object.
Size                  Amount of space in bytes that the object occupies.
Last write date       Date that the information in the object was last changed.
Last write time       Time of day that the information in the object was last
                      changed.
Last access date      Date that the information in the object was last viewed.
Last access time      Time of day that the information in the object was last
                      viewed.
Creation date         Date that the object was first created.
Creation time         Time that the object was first created.
Flags                 Characteristics of the file that allow it to be used in a
                      certain way.

To display detailed information about the objects on a diskette:

  1. Place a diskette into drive A.
  2. Open Drive A.
  3. Point to the title-bar icon.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select the arrow to the right of Open.
  6. Select Details view.

Copying Objects to or from a Diskette 138/2

There are times when you need to copy an object (duplicate the object and place it in a different location). Note: If you want to copy the object to a folder object or another drive object, the target object must be visible before you start the copy. To copy an object from a diskette in Drive A to another location:

  1. Place a diskette into drive A.
  2. Open Drive A.
  3. Point to the object you want to copy.
  4. Press and hold Ctrl.
  5. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  6. Drag the object to a folder, the Desktop, or another drive object.
  7. Release mouse button 2.
  8. Release Ctrl.
To copy an object from another location to a diskette in Drive A:
  1. Place the diskette you want to copy the object to into drive A.
  2. Point to the object you want to copy.
  3. Press and hold Ctrl.
  4. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  5. Drag the mouse to the Drive A object.
  6. Release mouse button 2.
  7. Release Ctrl.

Moving Objects to or from a Diskette 139/2

There are times when you need to move an object (copy the object to a different location and delete it from the original location). Note: If you want to move the object to a folder object or another drive object, the target object must be visible before you start the move. To move an object from the diskette in Drive A to another location:

  1. Place a diskette into drive A.
  2. Open Drive A.
  3. Point to the object you want to move.
  4. Press and hold Shift.
  5. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  6. Drag the object to a folder, the Desktop, or another drive object.
  7. Release mouse button 2.
  8. Release Shift.

Note: When moving an object from a diskette, the Shift key must be used with mouse button 2. To move an object from another location to the diskette in Drive A:

  1. Place the diskette you want to move the object to into drive A.
  2. Point to the object you want to move.
  3. Press and hold Shift.
  4. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  5. Drag the object to the Drive A object.
  6. Release mouse button 2.
  7. Release Shift.

Note: When moving an object to a diskette, the Shift key must be used with mouse button 2.

Deleting Objects from a Diskette 140/2

You can delete (erase) unwanted objects from a diskette. To delete an object from a diskette:

  1. Place the diskette you want to delete the object from into drive A.
  2. Open Drive A.
  3. Point to the object you want to delete.
  4. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  5. Drag the object to the Shredder.
  6. Release mouse button 2.

Formatting a Diskette 141/2

You can format a diskette using the Drive A object. When a diskette is formatted, it is checked for defects and prepared to accept data. During this process, all existing data is erased from the diskette. To format a diskette:

  1. Place the diskette you want to format into drive A.
  2. Point to Drive A.
  3. Click mouse button 2.
  4. Select Format disk.
  5. When the Format Disk window appears, type a Volume Label (name for the
     disk or diskette).
  6. Select Format.
  7. When the format is complete, select OK.

Checking a Diskette 142/2

You can check a diskette for:

  • Defects, which are errors in the file allocation table or directory on the diskette. If you select Write corrections to disk, any problems found will be fixed.
  • Current usage, which is the amount of the diskette used for directories, user files, and extended attributes. It also indicates the amount of space that is reserved on the diskette.
  • File system type, which is the type of file system on the diskette. (All diskettes are formatted for the FAT file system.)
  • Total disk space, which is the capacity of the diskette in bytes.
  • Total amount of disk space available, which is the amount of free space left on the diskette.

To check a diskette:

  1. Place the diskette to be checked into drive A.
  2. Point to Drive A.
  3. Click mouse button 2.
  4. Select Check disk.
  5. Select Write corrections to disk.
  6. Select Check.
  7. After a few seconds, the Check Disk - Results window is displayed. Select Cancel to remove the window.

Using Command Prompts 143/1+

The Command Prompts folder contains objects that open DOS, OS/2, and WIN-OS/2 sessions. A session is one instance of a command prompt or started program. Each session is separate from all other sessions that might be running on the computer. To open the Command Prompts object:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.

OS/2 Command Prompts 144/2

The OS/2 Full-Screen and OS/2 Window objects are used to access an OS/2 command prompt. At these command prompts, you can start programs and enter OS/2 commands. For a description of OS/2 commands that can be used at these prompts, see the OS/2 Command Reference in the Information folder. To start an OS/2 command prompt session:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open OS/2 Full Screen, OS/2 Window, or both.

When you close a session, the session and its related windows are automatically closed. Make sure that you save all important data in the session before you close it.

To close an OS/2 command prompt session:
  1. Type Exit.
  2. Press Enter.

You can switch (temporarily leave without closing) from an OS/2 command prompt session to another running program. When you switch sessions, your command prompt session is saved and then restored when you switch back.

To temporarily leave an OS/2 command prompt session:
  1. Press Ctrl+Esc.
  2. Point to a title on the Window List.
  3. Double-click.
or:
  1. Press Alt+Esc to switch to another open object.

DOS Command Prompts 145/2

The DOS Full-Screen and DOS Window objects are used to access a DOS command prompt. At these command prompts, you can start programs and enter DOS commands. For a description of DOS commands that can be used at these prompts, see the OS/2 Command Reference in the Information folder. To start a DOS command prompt session:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open DOS Full Screen, DOS Window, or both.

When you close a session, the session and its related windows are automatically closed. Make sure that you save all important data in the session before you close it.

To close a DOS command prompt session:
  1. Type Exit.
  2. Press Enter.

You can switch from a DOS command prompt session to another running program. When you switch sessions, your command prompt session is saved and then restored when you switch back.

To temporarily leave a DOS command prompt session:
  1. Press Ctrl+Esc.
  2. Point to a title on the Window List.
  3. Double-click.
or:
  1. Press Alt+Esc to display the Desktop.

DOS from Drive A 146/2+

The DOS from Drive A object is used to start a specific version (3.0 or later) of DOS from a diskette. By using a specific version of DOS, you can use programs that will not run under the DOS provided with OS/2. Before you can start a specific DOS version from a diskette, you must create the diskette used to start the DOS version. This diskette is commonly known as a DOS Startup diskette or DOS bootable diskette.

Creating a DOS Startup Diskette 147/3

Note: If you already have a DOS Startup diskette, go to step 6 to make sure the diskette is set up to work correctly with the DOS from Drive A object.

To create a DOS Startup diskette:
  1. Boot your system with a version of DOS.  You can use a:
       o  DOS installation diskette
       o  Hard disk that DOS has been installed on
       o  Diskette that DOS has been installed on
  2. Type FORMAT A: /S
  3. Place a blank diskette into drive A.
  4. Press Enter.  This transfers the system files to the diskette.
  5. When the format is complete, remove the diskette.
  6. Start OS/2 by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del.
  7. Select OS/2 System.
  8. Select Drives.
  9. Select Drive C.
 10. Open the OS/2 folder; then open the MDOS folder.
 11. Place the formatted diskette containing the system files into drive A.
 12. Copy the following data-file objects from Drive C to the Drive A object:
       o  FSFILTER.SYS
       o  FSACCESS.EXE You can copy as many additional DOS files to the
         diskette as you want.
 13. Open the Templates folder.
 14. Copy a Data File object to the Desktop.
 15. Point to the data-file object and double-click.  The OS/2 System Editor
     starts.
 16. Type the following information into the data file:
     DEVICE=FSFILTER.SYS
     DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\HIMEM.SYS
     DEVICE=C:\OS2\MDOS\EMM386.SYS
     DOS=HIGH,UMB
     DEVICEHIGH=C:\OS2\MDOS\ANSI.SYS
     FILES=20
     BUFFERS=20
 17. Point to the title-bar icon of the OS/2 System Editor; then double-click.
 18. Select Save as; then type A:\CONFIG.SYS and press Enter.
 19. Point to the data-file object again and double-click.
 20. Type the following information into the data file:
     ECHO OFF
     PROMPT $P$G
     SET COMSPEC=A:\COMMAND.COM
     C:\OS2\MDOS\MOUSE.COM
     PATH A:\
 21. Point to the title-bar icon of the OS/2 System Editor; then double-click.
 22. Select Save as; then type A:\AUTOEXEC.BAT and press Enter.

Starting DOS from Drive A 148/3

To start a DOS from Drive A session:

  1. Insert the DOS Startup diskette in drive A.
  2. Open OS/2 System.
  3. Open Command Prompts.
  4. Open DOS from Drive A.
To close a DOS from Drive A session:
  1. Press Ctrl+Esc.
  2. Point to DOS from Drive A in the Window List.
  3. Click mouse button 2.
  4. Click on Close.
You can switch from a DOS from Drive A session to another running program.
When you switch sessions, your command prompt session is saved and then
restored when you switch back.
To temporarily leave a DOS from Drive A session:
  1. Press Ctrl+Esc.
  2. Point to a title on the Window List.
  3. Double-click.
or:
  1. Press Alt+Esc to display the Desktop.

WIN-OS/2 Full Screen 149/2

The WIN-OS/2 Full-Screen object is used to run multiple Windows programs in a full-screen session. For more information about WIN-OS/2, see the online WIN-OS/2 Book located in the Information folder. To start a WIN-OS/2 Full-Screen session:

  1. open the object.
To close a WIN-OS/2 full-screen session:
  1. Point to the title-bar icon.
  2. Double-click.
To switch to the OS/2 Desktop:
  1. Point to the OS/2 Desktop object in the lower left corner of the screen.
  2. Double-click.

Starting Multiple Sessions 150/2

You can have multiple sessions of any object open. To open more than one session of an object:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Copy one of the objects (for example, DOS Window) by holding down the Ctrl
     key and mouse button 2 and dragging the object to the same or another
     folder.  Then release the mouse button and the Ctrl key.
  4. Open the object to start the session.
  5. Repeat the steps to create and open another session.
Or, if you need multiple copies of objects often, you can alter the settings of
the object so that it creates another session every time you open it.  Do the
following:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Point to the object.
  4. Click mouse button 2.
  5. Select Settings.
  6. Select the Window tab.
  7. Select the Create new window radio button.
  8. Close the notebook by double-clicking mouse button 1 on the title-bar
     icon.  Now, each time you select the object a new session starts.

Starting and Exiting BASICA and QBASIC 151/2

To start the BASICA or QBASIC programs: Note: BASICA will only run on IBM computers.

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open OS/2 Full Screen, OS/2 Window, DOS Full Screen, or DOS Window.
  4. Type BASICA or QBASIC at the command prompt; then press Enter.
To exit the BASICA program:
  1. Type SYSTEM.
  2. Press Enter.
To exit the QBASIC program:
  1. Select File.
  2. Select Exit.
  3. Select Enter.

Cleaning Up Your Desktop 152/1+

The Minimized Window Viewer is where open objects are stored when they are minimized. This keeps your desktop organized but still allows you to have multiple objects open and running. To open the Minimized Window Viewer:

  1. Point to Minimized Window Viewer.
  2. Double-click.

Displaying an Object in the Minimized Window Viewer 153/2

The objects in the Minimized Window Viewer are still open, but they are running in the background (cannot accept user input). To display an object found in the Minimized Window Viewer:

  1. Open the Minimized Window Viewer.
  2. Point to the object.
  3. Double-click.
or:
  1. Point to an empty area on the desktop.
  2. Click mouse buttons 1 and 2 at the same time.
  3. Point to the title of the object you want to display.
  4. Double-click.
Note:  There may be more titles in the Window List than objects in the
Minimized Window Viewer, because hidden windows are also displayed in the
Window List.

Minimizing an Object to the Desktop 154/2

Some frequently used objects might be easier to re-access if they are minimized to the desktop instead of the Minimized Window Viewer. To make an object minimize to the desktop:

  1. Point to the object you want to minimize to the desktop.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select the Window tab.
  5. Select Minimize button.  (If the choice is present.)
  6. Select Minimize window to desktop.
  7. Point to the title-bar icon.
  8. Double-click.

Minimizing an Object to the Minimized Window Viewer 155/2

Most objects by default are set up to minimize to the Minimized Window Viewer. However, some objects are not. To make an object minimize to the Minimized Window Viewer:

  1. Point to the object you want to minimize to the Minimized Window Viewer.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select the Window tab.
  5. Select Minimize button.  (If the choice is present.)
  6. Select Minimize window to viewer.
  7. Point to the title-bar icon.
  8. Double-click.

Using the Shredder 156/1+

The Shredder object provides a quick and easy way to delete objects. It is located on the LaunchPad . To delete an object:

  1. Point to the object.
  2. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  3. Drag the object to the Shredder.
  4. Release mouse button 2.
  5. Respond to confirmation messages (if applicable).

Customizing the Delete Confirmations 157/2

You can change the settings of your desktop to specify when confirmation messages appear, if any, when you delete an object. The following confirmation choices are available:

Confirm on folder delete  Displays a confirmation message whenever a folder
                          object is deleted using the Shredder object or a
                          pop-up menu.
Confirm on delete         Displays a confirmation message whenever an object is
                          deleted using the Shredder object or a pop-up menu.
    Important Disabling the confirmation messages increases your chances of
    accidentally deleting an object.
To change the settings:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open System Setup.
  3. Open System.
  4. Select the Confirmations tab.
  5. Make sure a check mark appears in each choice that you want to enable.  To
     add or remove a check mark, select the choice.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.

Preparing Your System to Recover Deleted Objects 158/2

Chances are that at some point you will accidentally delete an object that you need. You can recover a deleted object if the DELDIR environment variable is enabled in your CONFIG.SYS file prior to deleting the object. To enable DELDIR:

  1. Edit your C:\CONFIG.SYS file and remove the REM statement from the
     beginning of the DELDIR statement.
       a. Open OS/2 System.
       b. Open Drives.
       c. Open Drive C.  (If the OS/2 operating system is installed on a
          different drive, open that drive instead.)
       d. After the Drive C object opens, a tree view of its contents is
          displayed.  Open the Drive C entry in the tree.
       e. Open the C:\CONFIG.SYS file.
       f. Select Edit.
       g. Select Find.
       h. Type DELDIR (all caps) in the Find field.
       i. Select Find.  (If the DELDIR statement is not found, see the online
          Command Reference for instructions on how to add it.)
       j. Select the beginning of the DELDIR line.
       k. Delete REM from the beginning of the line using the Del key.
       l. Point to the title-bar icon.
       m. Double-click.
       n. Select Save.
       o. Select Type.
       p. Select Set.
  2. Shut down your system; then restart it.  Changes made to the CONFIG.SYS
     object are not initiated until the system is restarted.
The DELDIR statement specifies the size of the directory used to hold deleted
objects.  When the directory is full, the oldest files in the directory are
removed in order to make room for the new objects.
If you delete an object, recover it as soon as possible afterwards, or it might
be too late.  For more information about DELDIR, see the online Command
Reference.
Note:  To be able to recover objects deleted in a DOS session, repeat the
preceding procedure on the AUTOEXEC.BAT file.

Recovering Deleted Objects 159/2

You can recover a deleted or erased object using the UNDELETE command. Note: The DELDIR environment variable must be enabled prior to the deletion of the object. For more information about DELDIR, see Preparing Your System to Recover Deleted Objects.

To recover a deleted object:
  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open a DOS or OS/2 window.
  4. Type UNDELETE /L and press Enter to see a list of file names associated
     with the recently deleted objects.
  5. Write down the complete path and file name.  Include the drive letter,
     directory names, and the file name.  For example:
     C:\OS2\SAMPLE.TXT
  6. Type UNDELETE followed by the complete path and file name.  For example:
     UNDELETE C:\OS2\SAMPLE.TXT
  7. Press Enter.
The file associated with the deleted object has now been successfully
recovered.  For more information about UNDELETE, see the online Command
Reference.
To place the object back on the desktop:
  1. Open Drives.
  2. Open the drive that contains the recovered file (object).
  3. Find the object on the drive.
  4. Point to the object.
  5. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  6. Drag the object to the desktop.
  7. Release mouse button 2.

Using Templates 160/1+

A template is an object that you can use as a model to create additional objects. When you drag a template, you create another of the original object, as though you were peeling one of the objects off a stack. The new object has the same settings and contents as the templates in the stack.

Creating an Object from the Templates Folder 161/2+

You can create new objects by using the objects in the Templates folder. To open the Templates folder:

  1. Point to the Templates object on the Desktop.
  2. Double-click.

Creating a Folder Object 162/3

To use the Folder template to create a new folder:

  1. Open Templates.
  2. Point to the Folder template.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag a copy of the Folder template to the Desktop or to another folder.
  5. Release mouse button 2.  An empty folder is created.
  6. Rename the folder (for example, "My new folder").  For information about
     renaming, see the OS/2 Tutorial.
You can drag any objects you want (for example, program objects and data-file
objects) to the new folder.
    Tip The operating system will add new templates when you install programs
    that support them.  The MMPM/2 application supports templates for digital
    audio, MIDI, and digital video files.

Creating a Data-File Object 163/3

To use the Data File template to create a data-file object:

  1. Open Templates.
  2. Move the mouse pointer to the Data-File template.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the Data-File template to any folder (including the Desktop folder).
     A new data-file object is created.
  5. Open the data-file object to begin editing the file with the System
     Editor.
  6. When you are ready to save the file, select File; then select Save.
     Respond to the system prompts (for example, in the Save notification
     window, indicate if you want a file type such as plain text).
  7. Double-click mouse button 1 on the title-bar icon to close the window.
  8. Rename the object currently titled "Data File".  Refer to the OS/2
     Tutorial.
Note:  If you use Save as on the File menu instead of Save, another object is
created with the new name. "Data File" remains an empty file.
If you open a data-file object that is not associated with any other program,
it automatically opens in the OS/2 System Editor.  If you prefer, you can
associate the data-file object with one or more program objects (for more
information, see the Master Help Index).  For more information about using the
OS/2 System Editor, select Help on the menu.

Creating a Program Object 164/3

A program object starts a program or a session. If you install a new OS/2, DOS, or Windows program, you might need to run the Add Programs program in the System Setup folder to create a program object. This is the recommended method of creating a program object. You also can create a program object using the Templates folder.

  1. Open Templates.
  2. Move the mouse pointer to the Program template.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the Program template to a folder or to the Desktop.
  5. Customize the program object using the Settings notebook.  For example,
     select the session type, name the program object, or set up the
     associations.

Creating a Template of an Object 165/2

You can create a template of an object when you have an existing object (such as a form letter with a company letterhead) and you need another one. For example, you could make the form letter a template and then customize it for different customers. The new object will have the same settings (such as associations) and contents as the original. To create a template of an object:

  1. Display the pop-up menu for the object by pointing at the object and then
     clicking mouse button 2.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Select the General tab.
  4. Select the Template check box.
  5. Close the Settings notebook.
The object is now displayed as a template.
Drag a copy of the object from the template whenever you need a new copy.
Customize the new object to your preference.  For example, you can change the
name of the object and add a new icon (see the OS/2 Tutorial or the Master Help
Index).
If you want to move a stack of templates, rather than create an object from the
top template, press the Shift key while dragging the stack.

Creating Another Object 166/2

All objects that have a Create another choice in their pop-up menu have a cascaded menu that lists their templates. When you create a template of your own, it is added to the cascaded menu. The result of Create another is identical to creating an object from a template.

If you select Create another from the pop-up menu of an object, a new object

with the same default settings and data is created. If you select the arrow to the right of Create another, a cascaded menu is displayed. This menu contains a listing of all the template objects you created. You can select one of the choices to create another object from that template. For example, suppose you created a template and named it "Company letterhead." This template is listed as a choice on the cascaded menu. Whenever you need to create a similar letter, select Company letterhead. The new data-file object contains whatever was in the original "Company letterhead" and the same settings (such as associations). To create another object using a pop-up menu:

  1. Display the pop-up menu for the object by pointing at the object and then
     clicking mouse button 2.
  2. Select Create another if you want to use one of your templates, or select
     the arrow to the right of Create another and select a template choice.
Note:  The new object appears in the active folder; for example, if the object
is on the Desktop, the duplicate appears on the Desktop.

Setting Up Printers 167/1+

If you installed a printer when you installed OS/2, a printer object is on your Desktop. The printer object is used to print jobs (data files) and check their progress. If you want to add a printer object, see Installing a Printer. Note: The explanations and instructions in this chapter apply to printers and plotters. Each printer object represents a certain arrangement of hardware, software, and configurations, which simplifies the printing process. Printer objects can represent local printers and network printers. Local printers are connected to individual computers or individual workstations on a network. Network printers are connected to local area network (LAN) servers and can be used by workstations connected to the network. For more detailed information about printer and printing, see the OS/2 Tutorial and the online Printing in OS/2 book located in the Information folder.

Installing a Printer 168/2+

Even if you did not select a printer during the OS/2 installation, you still can add a printer to the system. There are several different procedures to choose from. From the following list, choose the procedure that best describes your situation, then follow the instructions to add the printer.

  o  Create a printer object but use a printer driver that is currently
     installed on the system.  See Creating a Printer Object.
  o  Create a printer object and install a new printer driver to use with it.
     See Creating a Printer Object and Installing a Printer Driver.
  o  Install a new printer driver but use an existing printer object. See
     Installing a Printer Driver Only.
  o  Change the printer driver being used with an existing printer object.  See
     Changing Printer Drivers.
  o  Install a Windows printer driver for use with WIN-OS/2. See Installing a
     Printer Driver for a WIN-OS/2 Session.
  o  Install an OEM (Other Equipment Manufacturer) printer driver for use with
     Windows. See Installing a Printer Driver from Another Manufacturer for a
     WIN-OS/2 Session.
Note:  When you create an OS/2 printer object, you might be prompted to create
an equivalent Windows printer object.  If you choose to create the Windows
printer object, you also are prompted to install a Windows printer driver.

Creating a Printer Object 169/3

This procedure involves adding a printer object and selecting a printer driver. Use this procedure if you have existing printer drivers installed on your system and you want this new printer object to use one of them. To create a printer object to use with an existing printer driver:

  1. Open Templates.
  2. Point to the Printer template.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the template to a folder or the Desktop.
  5. Release mouse button 2.  The Create a Printer window is displayed.
  6. Type a name for the printer in the Name field.
  7. Select the port to which the printer is connected.
  8. Select the printer driver that corresponds to your printer model.
  9. Select Create.
 10. Respond to the "Do you want to install an equivalent WIN-OS/2 printer
     configuration" question; then follow the instructions on the screen to
     complete the installation.
A new printer object is on your Desktop.  If you want to customize the settings
for this new printer object, see Setting Printer Properties.

Creating a Printer Object and Installing a Printer Driver 170/3

This procedure involves creating a printer object and installing a printer driver. Use this procedure if you want to create a printer object and install a new printer driver.

  1. Open Templates.
  2. Point to the Printer template.
  3. Press and hold mouse button 2.
  4. Drag the template to a folder or the Desktop.
  5. Release mouse button 2.
  6. Type a name for the printer in the Name field.
  7. Select the port to which the printer is connected.
  8. Select Install new printer driver.
  9. Use the instructions in the following list to install your printer driver:
       o  If your printer driver came with the OS/2 operating system, follow
          the instructions for Printer Driver Shipped with OS/2.
       o  If your printer driver did not come with the OS/2 operating system,
          follow the instructions for Other Printer Driver.
Printer Driver Shipped with OS/2
  1. Select one or more printer drivers in the list.
  2. Select Install.
  3. Ensure that the information in the Directory field is correct.
  4. Select OK.
  5. Select create to create the printer object.
Other Printer Driver
  1. Select Other OS/2 printer driver
  2. Insert the diskette containing the printer drivers in drive A or type the
     appropriate drive designation and path in the Directory field.
  3. Select Refresh.  Wait until the window fills with printer drivers.
  4. Select one or more drivers.  If the driver you need is not listed, insert
     another diskette or change the information in the Directory field and
     select Refresh again.
  5. Select Install.
  6. Select Create to create the printer object.
A new printer object is on your Desktop.  If you want to customize the settings
for this new printer object, see Setting Printer Properties.
    Tip Many printers have multiple printer drivers available.  For example,
    Hewlett Packard has several drivers for their LaserJet IIID printer. To
    ensure that you get the correct driver with the printer model you select,
    scroll the Printer Driver field to the right until you can see the name of
    the printer driver.

Installing a Printer Driver Only 171/3

Sometimes you have an existing printer object, but you do not have the correct printer driver on your system. This might happen if you add a different printer to your system. To install a new driver for an existing printer object:

  1. Point to the printer object.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select the Printer driver tab.
  5. Point to one of the printer driver objects.
  6. Click mouse button 2.
  7. Select Install.
  8. Use the instructions in the following list to install your printer driver:
       o  If your printer driver came with the OS/2 operating system, follow
          the instructions for Printer Driver Shipped with OS/2.
       o  If your printer driver did not come with the OS/2 operating system,
          follow the instructions for Other Printer Driver.
Printer Driver Shipped with OS/2
  1. Select one or more printer drivers in the list.
  2. Select Install.
  3. Ensure that the information in the Directory field is correct.
  4. Select OK.
Other Printer Driver
  1. Select Other OS/2 printer driver.
  2. Insert the diskette containing the printer drivers in drive A or type the
     appropriate drive designation and path in the Directory field.
  3. Select Refresh.
  4. Select one or more drivers.  If the driver you need is not listed, insert
     another diskette or change the information in the Directory field and
     select Refresh again.
  5. Select Install.
A new printer driver is installed.  If you want to customize the settings for
this new printer driver, see Setting Printer Properties.
    Tip Many printers have multiple printer drivers available.  For example,
    Hewlett Packard has several drivers for their LaserJet IIID printer. To
    ensure that you get the correct driver with the printer model you select,
    scroll the Printer Driver field to the right until you can see the printer
    driver name.

Changing Printer Drivers 172/3

You might already have both the printer object and the printer driver installed on your system, but you need to connect them. This might happen if you like to use different printer drivers with a printer object. To change to a different printer driver:

  1. Point to the printer object.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select the Printer driver tab.
  5. Select the printer driver.
  6. Point to the title-bar icon.
  7. Double-click.
The printer object is now set up to use a different printer driver. See Setting
Printer Properties for information about setting the properties to match the
capabilities of the new printer driver.

Installing a Printer Driver for a WIN-OS/2 Session 173/3

Windows programs print directly to the OS/2 spooler. Therefore, multiple print jobs can be spooled from one WIN-OS/2 session or multiple WIN-OS/2 sessions. To install a printer driver in Windows:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open WIN-OS/2 Full Screen.
  4. Open WIN-OS/2 Main.
  5. Open Control Panel.
  6. Open Printers.
  7. Select Add and then select a printer driver in the list.
  8. Select Install.
  9. Insert the diskette containing the printer drivers in drive A or type the
     appropriate drive designation and path in the Install Driver pop-up
     window.
 10. Select OK.
 11. Select Connect.
 12. Select LPT1.OS2, LPT2.OS2, or LPT3.OS2.
     Note:  You can select a COMx port, but no spooling to the OS/2 Print
     object will occur.  However, you will still be able to use the Print
     Manager in Windows.
 13. Select OK.
 14. Select the printer that you want to assign as the default.
 15. Select the Set as Default Printer pushbutton.
 16. Select Close.

Installing a Printer Driver from Another Manufacturer for a WIN-OS/2 Session 174/3

OS/2 has a wide variety of printer drivers available for use with Windows. However, there might be times when you want to use a driver supplied by another printer manufacturer. To add a Windows printer driver supplied by another printer manufacturer:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Command Prompts.
  3. Open WIN-OS/2 Full Screen
  4. Open WIN-OS/2 Main
  5. Open Control Panel.
  6. Open Printers.
  7. Select Add.
  8. Select Unlisted Printer from the beginning of the list of printers.
  9. Select Install.
 10. Insert the diskette containing the printer drivers in drive A or type the
     appropriate drive designation and path in the Install Driver pop-up
     window.
 11. Select OK.
 12. Select Connect.
 13. Select LPT1.OS2, LPT2.OS2, or LPT3.OS2.
 14. Select OK.
 15. Select the printer that you want to assign as the default.
 16. Select the Set as Default Printer pushbutton.
 17. Select Close.
    Tip If you also want to create an OS/2 printer object for use with the same
    driver, follow the instructions for Creating a Printer Object and make the
    following selections:
      o  Select the same port you selected for your printer, using the Windows
         Control Panel.
      o  Select the OS/2 printer driver, IBMNULL, as the default driver.
         (IBMNULL is installed during system installation.)

Setting Printer Properties 175/2

A printer driver has settings called printer properties. Printer properties describe the way your printer is physically set up. Examples of printer properties are:

  o  Type of paper feed (tractor or bin)
  o  Number and location of paper trays
  o  Forms defined for your printer
  o  Forms loaded in the paper feed or trays of your printer
  o  Font cartridges loaded on the printer
  o  Installed soft fonts
  o  Additional features installed, such as extended symbol sets and patterns
  o  Resolution
  o  Orientation
  o  Compression
Examples of plotter properties are:
  o  Number of carousels
  o  Active carousel
  o  Color type of each pen in a carousel
The number and kind of properties available depend upon the type of printer or
plotter you have.
To set the printer properties:
  1. Point to the printer object.
  2. Click mouse button 2.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. Select the Printer driver tab.
  5. Point to a printer driver.
  6. Click mouse button 2.
  7. Select Settings.
  8. Change the properties to match your printer setup.
  9. Point to the title-bar icon.
 10. Double-click.
Your printer object is now set up to print a job.  For information about how to
print a job, see the online Printing in OS/2 book located in the Information
Folder.

Using Productivity Tools and Games (12)

The Productivity folder provides programs that assist you in editing text and icons, searching for files or text and displaying system utilization., Each productivity program has a set of help menus to assist you with using the program. The Games folder provides you with games for your entertainment.

The Productivity Folder

To open a Productivity program:

  1. Open OS/2 System.
  2. Open Productivity.
  3. Open the program you want to use.

For information about using a program in the Productivity folder, press F1 after the program is opened.

Clipboard Viewer

Clipboard Viewer is a program that enables you to view the contents of the OS/2 clipboard. The system clipboard is used to share information between programs in the same session or in different sessions (for information about sessions, see Using Command Prompts). It temporarily holds data being passed from one program to another. You can copy or cut information to the clipboard from a program in one session and then paste the information from the clipboard to a program in a different session. For more information about the clipboard, refer to the online book Windows Programs in OS/2

Enhanced Editor

Enhanced Editor is an editor you can use to create and edit text files. It also enables you to work on multiple files at the same time. You can start the Enhanced Editor by opening its object or by typing EPM at the OS/2 command prompt and pressing Enter. The Enhanced Editor has a number of features and functions. These features and functions are thoroughly explained in the Quick Reference help file located under the Help menu bar choice of the Enhanced Editor.

Icon Editor

Icon Editor is a tool that enables you to create, edit, and convert image files.

These files include icons, bit maps, and pointers. An icon is a graphical representation of an object or a minimized program. A bit map is a special type of image made up of a series of dots. (The OS/2 logo is an example of a bit map.) A pointer is a small symbol on the screen that reflects the movement of the mouse.

OS/2 System Editor

The OS/2 System Editor is used to create and edit text files. You can use the System Editor to edit your CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT system files. The System Editor runs in a window. You can start several sessions of the System Editor so that you can edit several files at once. You can start the System Editor two ways:

  o  By selecting its object
  o  Opening a data file associated with the System Editor.  (All data files
     area associated with the System Editor by default.)
  o  By typing E (and pressing Enter) at an OS/2 command line If you want to
     edit a particular file, you follow the E with a space and then type the
     path and file name of the file.

Picture Viewer

Picture Viewer displays and prints metafile (.MET) and picture interchange format (.PIF) files. You also can view spooler (.SPL) files; however, the file must contain a picture in a standard OS/2 format.

Note: Picture Viewer does not support multiple-page metafiles. Picture Viewer lets you zoom in or zoom out of a picture after it is displayed. Move the mouse pointer to the portion of the picture you want to zoom in and then double-click mouse button 1.

Pulse

Pulse is a system monitor. Use Pulse to see a graphic representation of how different activities affect the system and how much processor power is still available for other programs. You can change the colors of the graphic, adjust the graph line, and freeze the screen image.

Seek and Scan Files

Seek and Scan Files is a program that quickly searches one or more disks for files or text. When a file match is found, it is displayed in a selection list.

Then you can open (or run) the selected file.

The Games Folder

The Games folder contains Klondike Solitaire, OS/2 Chess and Mahjongg.

To start a game:

1. Open OS/2 System.
2. Open Games.
3. Open the game you want to play.

For information about playing a game in the Games folder, press F1 after the game is opened.

Klondike Solitaire

Klondike Solitaire is a popular card game for one person. The object of this game is to find the aces and build on them in suit and in ascending order. You use the mouse to move the cards to their new location.

OS/2 Chess

With OS/2 Chess, you can play a game of chess against another person playing on the same computer or on a network workstation. You also can play against the computer. The object of the game is to checkmate your opponent's king.

Mahjongg

Mahjongg is a popular version of the ancient Chinese tile game. The object of this game is to remove all the tiles by matching all the pairs.

Using the Information

The Information folder contains information to aid you in using OS/2. To open the Information folder:

  1. Point to Information
  2. Double-click.

The Information folder contains all the online documents described in this chapter.

Using OS/2

The OS/2 Tutorial is an interactive and animated look at the OS/2 Workplace Shell interface. It explains how to use a mouse, work with objects and folders, use windows, and get help.

If you are new to OS/2, you should spend the 40 minutes (approximate) it takes to go through the tutorial. You will find that it is time well spent.

To start the OS/2 Tutorial:

  1. Open Information
  2. Open Tutorial

Command Reference

Before there were friendly operating system interfaces like the Workplace Shell, computer users communicated with a computer using a predefined set of instructions called commands. Users would type a command at a prompt, and the computer would perform the requested task. Some people still like to communicate with the computer in this way. For that reason, OS/2 supplies both DOS and OS/2 command prompts and the OS/2 Command Reference.

The Command Reference explains each OS/2 and DOS command, graphically shows the correct syntax of the command, and gives examples of when and how to use the command.

In addition, it explains the commands that can be used to create a batch file (a series of commands that are processed sequentially). Batch files are useful for automating the entering of commands that are used over and over again.

To open the OS/2 Command Reference:

  1. Open Information.
  2. Open Command Reference.

To open the OS/2 Command Reference and get information about a specific command:

  1. At an OS/2 command prompt, type HELP followed by the name of the command. For example: HELP COPY
  2. Press Enter. The Command Reference is opened to the COPY command page.

Using the Contents Window

The Contents window is the first window that appears when the Command Reference is opened. Notice that some of the topics in this window have a plus (+) sign beside them. The plus sign indicates that additional topics are available. To expand the Contents and view the additional topics:

  1. Select the + sign.

To collapse the topics in the Contents:

  1. Select the - sign.

To open a topic:

  1. Point to the title of the topic.
  2. Double-click.

Obtaining Additional Information

When a topic is opened, the information for the topic is displayed in a window. Highlighted words and phrases in the window indicate that additional information is hidden "beneath" the word or phrase. To view the additional information:

  1. Point to the highlighted word or phrase.
  2. Double-click.

To return to the previous window of information:

  1. Select Previous.

Searching for Information

There might be times when you are using the Command Reference when you have an idea of what you want, but you cannot remember where it is. The search function can help you find the information you need.

To search for a word or phrase in all the topics in the Command Reference:

  1. Select Search.
  2. Type the word or words you want to find. You can also use the ? and * wildcard characters in the search field.
  3. Make sure that All sections is selected; then select Search. A Search Results window appears containing a list of topics that have the word or phrase that you were trying to find. To open a topic, point to a topic and double-click.

Sometimes, you have a general idea where the information is. You can limit the search to those topics by marking the topics.

To mark a topic:

  1. Press and hold Ctrl.
  2. Select the topics that you want to search.
  3. Release Ctrl.

To unmark a topic:

  1. Press and hold Ctrl.
  2. Select the topic.
  3. Release Ctrl.

To search for a word or phrase in marked topics:

  1. Select the + signs in the Contents window.
  2. Mark the topics you want to search.
  3. Select Search.
  4. Type the word or words you want to find.
  5. Make sure that Marked sections is selected; then select Search.

When the Search Results window appears, open the topics and read them.

Using a Bookmark

Information that you refer to frequently can be flagged using a bookmark. Setting a bookmark duplicates the topic in a bookmark window. To set a bookmark:

  1. Open the topic that you want to mark with a bookmark.
  2. Select Services.
  3. Select Bookmark.
  4. Change the name used for the bookmark (optional).
  5. Make sure Place is selected; then select OK.

To view bookmarked information:

  1. Select Services.
  2. Select Bookmark.
  3. Select View.
  4. Select the topic you want to open.
  5. Select OK.

To remove a bookmark:

  1. Select Services.
  2. Select Bookmark.
  3. Select Remove.
  4. Select the topic you want to remove.
  5. Select OK.

Printing a Topic

Some people prefer to read information in a hardcopy format. You can print a topic, some topics, all topics, the table of contents, and the index of the Command Reference.

To print a topic:

  1. Open the topic you want to print.
  2. Select Print.
  3. Make sure that This section is selected; then select Print.
To print more than one topic:
  1. Press and hold Ctrl.
  2. Select the topics that you want to print.
  3. Release Ctrl.
  4. Select Print.
  5. Make sure that Marked sections is selected; then select Print.
To print the table of contents, index, or all the topics:
  1. Select Print.
  2. Select the item you want to print.
  3. Select Print.

Note: The Contents and Index choices only print the entries; they do not print the text associated with the entries. The All sections choice prints the entire Command Reference. Before electing to do this, be aware that the document is large and will take a long time to print.

Glossary

The Glossary is an alphabetic listing of terms used in the Workplace Shell interface and the online help system. To open the Glossary:

  1. Open Information.
  2. Open Glossary.

There are three ways to find a term in the glossary. You can type the first letter of the word you are looking for, scroll through the list or use the search function.

To scroll through the list to find a term in the glossary:

  1. Select the letter that the word begins with. If the letter is not visible, select the tab arrow until the letter is visible; then select the letter.
  2. Select the up or down arrow in the scroll bar until the term is visible.
  3. Point to the term.
  4. Double-click.

To use the search function to find a term in the glossary:

  1. Select Search topics.
  2. Type the term that you want to find.
  3. Select Search.
  4. When the list of matching entries appears, point to the term; then double-click.

REXX Information

REXX is a procedures language designed to make basic OS/2 programs easier to write and debug. Both beginning and experienced programmers will find REXX easy to use because it uses common English words, arithmetic and string functions, and OS/2 commands within a simple framework. To view the REXX Information:

  1. Open Information.
  2. Open REXX Information.

For information about using the Contents window, searching, printing and getting additional information, see Command Reference.

Displaying Help for OS/2 Messages

You can get information to help you understand, correct, and respond to OS/2 messages. The way you request help depends upon how and where the message is displayed. To get help for a message that appears in a window with a Help push button:

  1. Select the Help push button.

To get help for a message that appears on a full screen and is enclosed in a box:

  1. Use the up or down arrow key to highlight Display Help.
  2. Press Enter.

To get help for an error message that has a message number, preceded by the letters SYS:

  1. At the OS/2 command prompt, type HELP followed by a space and the message number. (It is not necessary to type the letters SYS or the leading zeros.)
  2. Press Enter.

For example, if you received this message:

SYS0002:  The system cannot find the file specified.

To request help for this message, type HELP 2 and then press Enter. The following help appears:

SYS0002:  The system cannot find the file specified.
EXPLANATION:  The file named in the command does not exist in the current
directory or search path specified.  Or, the file name was entered incorrectly.
ACTION:  Retry the command using the correct file name.

Mastering the Master Help Index

The Master Help Index is an online, alphabetic list of topics available to help you while using OS/2. This index contains information about:

  • Things to consider before performing a task
  • Steps to take to complete a task
  • OS/2 concepts
  • DOS error messages

To open the Master Help Index:

  1. Open Information.
  2. Open Master Help Index

Tabs turn to the page in the index of the selected alphabet letter. Tab arrows scroll the tabs but do not scroll the index entries. Scroll bar arrows (vertical scroll bar) scroll the index entries one line at a time. Scroll bar arrows (horizontal scroll bar) scroll the index entries to the left or right so you can read information that does not fit into the window. Index entries are the online help for the OS/2 operating system.

To open an index entry for viewing:

  1. Point to the entry.
  2. Double-click.

Accessing Additional Information

When an index entry is opened, the information for the topic is displayed in a window. Some entries have highlighted words and phrases in the window, which indicate that additional information is hidden "beneath" the word or phrase.

To view the additional information:

  1. Point to the highlighted word or phrase.
  2. Double-click.

To return to the previous window of information:

  1. Select Previous.

Searching for a Topic

You can search the Master Help Index for an entry using one or more words that describe the topic. For example, to search for information about how to duplicate an object, you might search using the word "duplicate", "duplicates", or even "duplicating". The result of a search (using duplicate, duplicates, or duplicating) is "copying an object".

To search for a topic:

  1. Open the Master Help Index.
  2. Select Search topics.
  3. In the Search string field, type the word or words that describe the topic.
  4. Select Search.
  5. When the list of topics (matched items) appears, open the entry you want to read.

Printing a Master Help Index Entry

To print a Master Help Index entry:

  1. Open the index entry you want to print.
  2. Select Print topic.

For more information about using the Master Help Index, review the OS/2 Tutorial.

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