October 1999

The September meeting started off with the customary announcements of news of interest to OS/2 users, new products, updates, etc. New software and update releases will also be listed in POSEIDON messages.

There was a rather lengthy discussion of IBM's refusal to give their OS/2 code to Stardock which would enable Stardock to develop and market a new Warp 5 client. It was noted that Serenity Systems is also making a proposal to IBM to develop some follow-on to Warp 4.

September Q&A Summary

- end of Q&A -

Intermission followed, with refreshments and the customary 50/50 raffle.

September Feature Presentations

The September presentation schedule called for continuation of member hints & tricks which were originally scheduled for August, but had to be postponed when time ran out in August.

David Moskowitz started off with demonstrations of a wide variety of WPS Tricks and Shortcuts, etc. which also elicited lots of discussion by the membership.

David's demos lasted until almost 9:45 pm. This left only a very short time for Larry Lavins to present a brief summary of his installation of Windows 98 (Second Edition) into his computer system, alongside the pre-existing OS/2. Details on Larry's procedure is available in the Hints & Tips section of this site.

John Davey's member Hints & Tricks presentation of the use of URL objects to organize websites will be postponed to the October meeting.

FixPak-12 (XR_M012) for OS/2 Warp 4 was posted September 29th on IBM's Boulder site for local installation using *.*dk disk images and via RSU. Go to ...

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/ or ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/

For installation using disk image files, then go to the path:

ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m012/

There are 17 disk image files .1dk - .hdk

The last 2 disk images .gdk and .hdk were blank zero-byte files in the initial September 29th posting. These two files were corrected and replaced on September 30th.

Additionally, the first disk image *.1dk was also replaced on September 30th. It's not known if there were any changes of substance in this first disk image file. Another original file, xr_m012.fdk, 1466368 bytes, dated 9-29-99, was later found to be corrupted. It was replaced by a new file, 1472657 bytes, dated 9-30-99, 12:31:00. So please play it safe and make sure to use the September 30th versions of these files.

For installation via RSU, go to the path ...

ps/products/os2/rsu/ for file rsuinst.191 and ps/products/os2/rsu/xr_m012/ for the 17 *.zip files.

The original September 29th RSU postings were all apparently OK. No notices of errors or corrupted files have been seen.

NOTE: As previously reported, most device drivers are no longer included. New device drivers will be included in separate Device Driver FixPaks.

Corrective Service Facility F.141, (now known as a FixTool) is required for installation of FixPak-12. Filename is cs_141.exe, 714819 bytes. Do not attempt to install with an earlier version. You can download cs_141.exe from:

ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixtool/english-us/

I strongly recommend FastKick or QuickFix for installation. They allow direct installation from your hard drive and eliminate the need for the tedious, time-consuming task of making diskettes from disk images and installing from the floppies.

If the latest version of FastKick (updated for CSF F.141) is used, then it's not necessary to also use cs_141.exe.

The updated FastKick file and instructions for installation of FixPak-12 via hard drive or RSU may be found on Dan Casey's Abraxis website at: http://members.iquest.net/~dcasey/

Click on "OS/2 EZ Reference" at the top of the frame on the left side of the Abraxis home page. Abraxis will then take you to the page where you may select either the Image Files or RSU installation method, which will bring up detailed download and installation instructions. It's a good idea to print this.

The most recent QuickFix v.1.1, QF11.ZIP, can be downloaded from hobbes. The main difference between QuickFix and most others is that QuickFix uses an image unpacking tool which performs CRC validation of the diskette images before applying what could otherwise be junk to your finely-tuned and previously functional OS/2 system. Many users believe this to be a most worthwhile safety factor to prevent problems arising, especially from corrupted disk image files.

I used QuickFix for the first time to install FixPak-12. I had used FastKick previously. Good thing I tried QuickFix this time around for FixPak-12 because the disk images were downloaded on September 30th, prior to the replacement of the corrupted *.fdk file. QuickFix detected the corrupted file and halted before any damage could be done. Subsequently, a new *.fdk was downloaded, and the FixPak was installed fast and easy with no problems. After this experience, I have no reservations about recommending QuickFix as the preferred FixPak installation method.

In the few days since FixPak-12 was installed, Warp 4 operation has remained stable. No crashes and no other noticeable problems.

FixPak-42 for OS/2 Warp 3 was released by IBM on September 29th, about the same time as FixPak-12 for Warp 4. However, as previously reported, FixPak-40 was the last Warp 3 FixPak which could be applied to the Warp 3 and Warp 3 Connect clients. Later Warp 3 FixPaks were designed by IBM for application only to Warp 3 Server and Server SMP because Warp 3 client software is no longer sold by IBM and has been dropped from support.

There's now good news for the folks still using Warp 3 clients. OS/2 user Jerry McBride has written a REXX script that patches OS/2 system files SYSLEVEL.OS2 and SYSLEVEL.MPM to allow application of FixPaks greater than FixPak-40. This script fools the CSF installer into thinking the target system is a LanServer 4.0 installation, thus allowing the update of Warp 3. The script will run on any OS/2 system, but is designed for Warp 3.0 (Blue Spine) which includes WIN-OS/2. You can use the script on a Warp 3 (Red Spine) system, but be warned: WinOS2 may not be operable. Use WIN-OS/2 at your own risk here. The filename is B110.ZIP, and may be downloaded from the hobbes website (http://hobbes.nmsu.edu).

Netscape Communicator 4.61 GA, plus an updated Plug-In-Pak 3.0 and SpellCheck Dictionary were released by IBM on September 20, and may be downloaded from IBM's Software Choice Catalog website. The new Communicator is available in two versions: the US/Canada version with 128-bit encryption security and the International version with 40-bit security. To download, go to:

http://service.boulder.ibm.com/asd-bin/doc/en_us/catalog.htm

The new Communicator 4.61 release includes many new and improved features as well as bug fixes. See the read.me file and a recent WarpCast announcement by Ava Rodriguez of the IBM Netscape team for further detailed information.

This release supersedes and replaces the earlier Beta-2 Preview refresh version Communicator and PluginPak of August 11th.

The new GA releases were downloaded and installed here without any difficulty. Before installing the new files, my current bookmark.htm and cookies.txt files were saved elsewhere for use with the new GA, and then three earlier Netscape versions (2.02, 4.04 and 4.61B2) were all uninstalled. I saw no need to keep any of these. So far, operation seems extremely stable, with no problems. Java 1.1.8 GA applets also seem to run at the same fast clip as with the previous Preview version.

An agreement has been reached between IBM and SciTech for licensing SciTech Display Doctor for OS/2. IBM has licensed a special edition of the SciTech Display Doctor for OS/2 product, to be made publicly available via their drivers online pages and in upcoming FixPaks for OS/2 Warp Client, OS/2 Warp Server for e-Business and Workspace On Demand. In essence, SciTech Display Doctor will become the official display driver technology to be included in all IBM OS/2 products.

The IBM Special Edition of SciTech Display Doctor contains a subset of the features contained in the full product, as outlined below:

• Resolutions of 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1600x1200
• Support for all color depths
• Refresh rates from 60Hz to 85Hz
• DDC Plug and Play monitor detection
• Full hardware 2D acceleration
• Hardware cursor

The IBM Special Edition will be made available by IBM after it passes IBM's acceptance requirements. More information on this announcement will be forthcoming via official press release on the matter.

The saga of J Street Mailer is a truly remarkable phenomenon. This is a unique instance where the users have essentially taken over, resurrected and continued development of an unfinished software product, more or less abandoned by its original commercial developer, InnoVal Systems Solutions (and AFAIK, with the apparent tacit approval of InnoVal).

Under the leadership of Paul van Keep in the Netherlands, a new Jstreet list server has been set up by Paul. With the enthusiastic participation of many J Street Mailer users, Paul has continued to make many fixes and improvements in this remarkable Java product. We're all looking forward to seeing a finished world-class mailer product in the foreseeable future.

Philadelphia OS/2 SIG Member David Moskowitz, editor of the worldwide best-selling "OS/2 Warp Unleashed" has accepted an invitation to speak at Warpstock '99 in Atlanta, GA, on October 16-17. David will be presenting the following sessions:

• OS/2 Problem Solver
• OS/2 - Then, Now and ???
• Java in the Real World: A Case Study
• What you don't know about Java security will hurt you

Visit the Warpstock website at http://www.warpstock.org for additional details and (hopefully) transcripts and/or summaries of all the major events and sessions shortly afterwards.

Most recently, on September 17th, the first Java 1.1.8 fixes were released for download: runtime.exe, samples.exe and toolkit.exe, a total of about 13 MBytes. Build date is 09-10-99. The fixes may be downloaded from either of two sites:

ftp://ncc.hursley.ibm.com/pub/java/fixes/os2/11/118/
ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/software/java/fixes/os2/11/118/

Symantec is continuing to live up to its obligations to support the discontinued IBM AntiVirus program. Most recent virus signature database is AV30EK.ZIP dated September 17th. By the time the October Data Bus is received, there will probably be another update.

Download from http://www.symantec.com/avcenter/ibm/index.html

It's anticipated that this support will cease at the end of 1999. Users requiring fresh antivirus signature updates will probably have to switch to the Norton or other antivirus program at that time. OS/2 users are extremely fortunate on two counts: OS/2 has proven to be resistant to virus attacks, and OS/2 doesn't have a big enough market share to be attractive to the virus creators. Knock on wood!

TrueSpectra has recently announced that the Photo>Graphics product line for both Windows and OS/2 is being dropped. This is a well-known and popular outstanding graphics editor, loaded with features. However, downloads of Photo>Graphics v.2.02 (demo version) for OS/2 and Windows NT/95 versions will be available until December 31st. A registration key is required in order to unlock all the registered features.

To obtain a free registration key, send an email to Support@TrueSpectra.com. Leave the Subject line blank, and enter a single line of message text:

Photo>Graphics Registration Key 28934

No signatures, tag lines, etc. Your registration key will be sent to you by an automated email response.

On September 9th, Lotus Development Corp. publicly announced a halt to all marketing and development efforts for Lotus eSuite, a Java-based light office suite originally intended for use by network computers and laptops. Reports indicate that the product failed to meet market expectations.

For additional information, see the eSuite product area of the Lotus website at http://www.lotus.com/

Wednesday, October 27th at 7:00 pm is the date and time of the October meeting at our meeting site: The Episcopal Academy, 376 N. Latches Lane, Merion, PA. Mark your calendars and plan to attend. And bring an interested friend or associate along to hear all the good news about OS/2 and Java. A system will be on hand for live demos of OS/2 Warp 4, a variety of OS/2 applications, Java, Internet, etc. if time permits.

For the benefit of anyone who may not yet have the most recent releases of FixPak 12, Java 1.1.8, Communicator 4.6.1 or other recent large files, copies can be made to your ZIP disk (or portable SyQuest drive) on a first come/first served basis, as time may permit. Please call me prior to the meeting date to make sure that I will have the requested files on my hard drive, ready for copying.

Members without cars can take SEPTA's R-5 (Paoli Local) to Overbrook, or the R-6 to Bala. Call me to make arrangements to be picked up at the RR Station. Since Episcopal Academy is so close to public transportation, why don't you Philadelphia Center City folks who don't have cars call ahead of time to be picked up at the train station.

Everybody should keep up to date by logging in to our OS/2 SIG web site at frequent intervals: www.pasug.org/

Please be on time. The meeting will start *promptly* at 7:00pm, as per the following agenda and schedule.

Planned October Agenda:

1. General announcements, news of interest, new OS/2 products, future plans, SIG business, etc. (7:00 - 7:15 pm)

2. Warpstock Report (7:15 - 7:30 pm) David Moskowitz & other attendees

3. Brief Member Hint or Trick (7:30-7:45 pm) John Davey ..... Organizing Favorite Websites with URL Objects

4. Q&A Session (7:45 - 8:30 pm) If you have questions, this is the place to bring them up. Someone is sure to have the answers. Or if you have something of interest to contribute, please don't hesitate to share it with the others.

5. Intermission and Raffles (8:30 - 8:45pm) In addition to our regular 50/50 raffle, there may also be other items for raffle, if available.

6. Feature Presentation (8:45 - 10:00pm)

   The main feature planned for the October meeting will be a presentation and demo of Remote Boot of OS/2 Warp 4 by SIG member Vadim Kavalerov. Vadim will make use of IBM's RIPL for this purpose, and discuss comparisons of RIPL (Remote Initial Program Load) with WSOD (Workspace on Demand).

   Many of us have heard of the Network PC, a lightweight client computer for large corporate networks. These machines boot, and access data and applications from network servers. The technology is available from IBM with WorkSpace On Demand. But few are aware of the fact that WSOD is actually a repackaged and improved Warp 4 client, customized for network computing. The core of WSOD is the ability to bootstrap a workstation from a network drive. This ability is provided with your Warp 4, once it is connected to Warp Server via a local area network.

   Why would one want to setup a RIPL? Dozens of RIPL requesters can share a single hard drive installed on the server, just like office PCs share a laser printer. Although the cost of hard drives is now a small fraction of system cost, large high performance drives are still expensive. Switched fast ethernet networks are widely available, and they provide plenty of bandwidth to make RIPL practical. But the main advantage of RIPL lies in the simplified system administration. Applications, user data, or system software updates have to be installed only once to become instantly available to a whole workgroup, on every desktop.

   One additional advantage of RIPL systems is reliability. Cheap hard drives routinely fail, or develop bad clusters, causing a need in maintenance or even rebuilding the system. Part of the problem is that hard drives are stressed by frequent on's and off's. The boot drive on the server stays up round the clock. On the other hand, the client systems may have no hard drive in them, and this makes for an excellent system availability unheard in the PC world.

   We'll be showing how to configure a basic Warp 4 RIPL requester with Warp Server for e-business. A few other ways to manage RIPL clients with IBM and ISV products will be discussed. The hard drive isn't necessary but may be present. All it takes to boot Warp 4 is to stick in a supported network card and power your system on!

   SIG member Vadim Kavalerov is an investment analyst working for a major brokerage firm in the Philadelphia area. He holds a PhD in physics and has been working in research labs and teaching university students since 1984. He's been programming computers for over 15 years and was involved with OS/2 since the days of Salmon Spine Warp. His current interests are in large computer simulations on multiprocessor clusters for which Warp Server for eBusiness proves to be a reliable high performance platform.

We look forward to another enjoyable and informative meeting in October. Mark the date: Wednesday, October 27th. Please plan to come and bring a friend or associate to show them that OS/2 is still very much alive.