IBM Operating System/2 Version 2.0

Table of Contents

IBM Announcement Letter No. ZP91-0729 dated October 22, 1991.

  • Title
  • Program Number
  • Abstract
  • General Availability
  • Highlights
  • Description
  • SUPPORT FOR ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES
  • Publications
  • Technical Information
  • Specified Operating Environment
  • Planning Information
  • Security, Auditability and Control
  • Ordering Information
  • Professional & Technical Services
  • Charges, Terms & Conditions for COU Program Package
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Announcement Countries

    • IBM Announcement Letter No. ZP91-0729 dated October 22, 1991.


    See final section for details of availability and limitations.

    Title

    IBM Operating System/2 Version 2.0

    Program Number

    Program         Program
Number          Name
 
5621-077        OS/2 Version 2.0
5621-077        OS/2 2.0 Upgrade from OS/2 1.X
5621-077        OS/2 2.0 Upgrade from DOS 3.X, 4.X, or 5.0
    OS/2 Version 2.0 has National Language Support for twelve languages: Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish, United Kingdom English, United States English.

    Abstract

    IBM Operating System/2 (OS/2) (R)(4) Version 2.0 will fulfill IBM's stated intent to deliver a high-quality, advanced function 32-bit OS/2. The ability to run DOS, Windows (TM)(5) , 16-bit and 32-bit OS/2 applications concurrently from a single operating system makes OS/2 Version 2.0 the "integrating platform" for the enterprise. In addition, a simplified yet powerful user interface with a graphical OS/2 2.0 installation procedure, an object-oriented OS/2 Workplace Shell, on-line contextual help, on-line reference and tutorial provide enhanced ease-of-use and increased productivity. By exploiting current and emerging technologies such as networking, multimedia, and object-oriented programming environments, as well as supporting 386(tm)(6) SX and higher hardware platforms, OS/2 Version 2.0 protects customer investments while moving them into the future. OS/2 Version 2.0 is positioned by IBM as the platform of choice for the industry.
    (4).Registered Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
    (5).Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation
    (6).Intel 386 is a trademark of the Intel Corporation

    General Availability

    Planned General Availability Date is March, 1992

    The following languages will be made available in March, 1992: UK English, US English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Swedish.

    Highlights



    (5).intel 386 is a trademark of the Intel Corporation

    Description

    OS/2 Version 2.0 is positioned by IBM as the "Integrating Platform" for the industry. The capability to run DOS, Windows and OS/2 1.3 applications better than DOS, Windows(6) (tm) or OS/2 1.3 in terms of better usability, better integrity, and equal or better performance makes OS/2 2.0 the ideal choice for Intel 386(tm) SX and higher based personal computers.

    DOS Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 2.0 provides support to run up to 240 concurrent DOS sessions. These applications may be windowed or full screen, graphics or text, and execute in foreground or background. A "Cut and Paste" capability is provided to enable easy transfer of text or graphics between applications. Each DOS session will have greater than 630KB of memory plus 32MB of EMS 4.0 memory and 16MB of XMS memory available to the application. For those applications written to the DPMI specification, up to 512MB of virtual memory can be allocated per application depending upon available disk space.

    The operating system is protected from each DOS application running in a Virtual DOS Session and each Virtual DOS Session is protected from other applications. This provides greater stability for the user in that if one application fails it does not take the entire system down.

    OS/2 2.0 provides the capability to boot a specific version of DOS (eg. PC DOS 5.0, DR DOS 6.0, etc.) in a Virtual DOS Session for those applications that require a specific DOS version. The DOS Properties function provides the capability to customize the Virtual DOS Session to the needs of the application, such as loading device drivers, performance tuning and version checking. The only DOS applications not supported are those requiring VCPI and other non-DPMI DOS extenders and highly timing-dependent applications such as realtime applications.

    Windows Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 2.0 is able to run Windows 2.0 and 3.0 applications off the shelf, without requiring any modifications.With OS/2, these applications run with preemptive multitasking (instead of cooperative multitasking) enabling smoother system operation and better overall performance. The operating system is protected from these applications and the applications from each other. Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAE) do not require a system reboot in the OS/2 2.0 environment.

    OS/2 2.0 provides the capability to start windows applications from the OS/2 Workplace end user interface. The ability to move graphics or text between windows, Presentation Manager (PM) and DOS applications is supported through "Cut and Paste". Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is supported between windows applications and between windows and PM applications. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is supported between windows applications running in the same Virtual DOS Session. The user also has the option of running Windows (TM) in a Virtual DOS Session.

    OS/2 16-bit Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 1.X applications written to documented interfaces will run unmodified on OS/2 2.0 with equal to or better performance. The performance benefits are derived from faster file systems and better memory management.

    Multimedia Application Enabling:
    OS/2 2.0 has been designed to fully support the needs of multimedia applications which utilize Multimedia Extensions. Fast Threads supply the necessary high speed task switching required by multimedia applications. The Data Stream Manager enables the integration of multiple data streams, such as audio, video, text and control sequences. Transparency Color Mapping allows the overlaying of images and capability to see through one. The Palette Manager provides applications a high degree of color control, and the CD ROM Virtual Device Driver enables the balanced use of the CD ROM drive among Virtual DOS Session applications, OS/2 applications and windows applications.

    32-Bit Application Enabling:
    OS/2 2.0 allows application developers to create applications which exploit the Intel 32-bit architecture. These capabilities include 32-bit instructions and data addressing, a flat memory model capable of supporting programs having address spaces as large as 512 MB, the necessary interrupt and task switching managers to accommodate 32-bit save/restore operations, an enhanced 32-bit loader and the appropriate commands and utilities for application developers to use 32-bit programs. OS/2 2.0 includes support for the Intel 80387 (tm)(8) floating point coprocessor and provides a high performance emulation mode when the 80387 is absent.

    PC Manufacturers Information:
    IBM OS/2 2.0 has been designed to run unmodified on PC Manufacturers 386 SX and higher hardware platforms. Information regarding systems that are tested will be listed via on-line data bases in the first quarter of 1992.

    Performance:
    OS/2 2.0 performance is enhanced by improved file system drivers, a new flat memory model, the new Workplace shell and improved 32-bit Procedures Language/2 REXX. These improvements provide a more productive user environment while increasing throughput. Performance considerations are addressed in the OS/2 2.0 Installation and Planning Guide. However, generally speaking the typical user can expect: OS/2 1.X applications that convert to 32-bit will experience performance benefits up to 45 percent.

    New OS/2 Workplace shell:
    The Workplace shell implements the latest level of Common User Access (CUA)(10). It is built on Presentation Manager and around the notion of objects. This represents a significant step forward in the Graphical User Interface (GUI) Desktop and is designed around a single container or interface to enable the user to manage multiple types of objects: The OS/2 Workplace shell will significantly enhance the usability of OS/2 by providing a task-oriented, easily configurable environment that will eliminate the need for users to learn a complex operating system environment. Each defined printer or attached drive is a separate icon . These icons can be arranged at will on the desktop or can be arranged in separate windows. The user interacts with these objects using a well-defined drag and drop protocol that enables easy manipulation of the object without need of knowledge about files and directories.

    The Workplace shell contains support that enables applications to be integrated with it. Actions on objects associated with the shell will derive their behavior from the application, not the operating system.

    Client/Server Platform:
    The Workplace shell enables exploitation of the LAN environment. In conjunction with the appropriate network software products, OS/2 2.0 supports various network requestors simultaneously, such as IBM and Novell. Graphical logon/logoff and connect to network devices are provided. Servers can be browsed for devices (printers/disks) and network disks for files, without connect. The interfaces that allow developers to write network independent applications will be available from IBM. OS/2 2.0 supports remote IPL, with or without local media and, through its installable file system provides the capability to support high performance server file systems.

    Enhanced System Installation:
    The new graphical install function provides an easy installation process through the use of colors, icons, progress indicator and status information. A tutorial is included for those users unfamiliar with the mouse. There is a selective installation process which enables the user to install only those functions that they need thereby reducing hard disk requirements. There are also two preselected install options. One will install preselected options which would be appropriate for most users and a second option which will install the entire system. Both of these preselected options reduce the number of selections required of the user during install. The new installation program is enabled to install OS/2 2.0 from any logical drive, including a LAN. It is further enabled to install remotely if the appropriate LAN server and client software is available.

    Installation options can be pre-selected via a "response file" which automatically answers any questions, enabling an extremely user friendly system installation. The installation facility will register with the Workplace Shell any DOS, Windows or OS/2 applications found on the hard disk during install, enabling application start up by double clicking the pointing device on their respective icon.

    Systems Application Architecture Environment:
    OS/2 2.0 is the SAA environment for the workstation. It replaces OS/2 Extended Edition Version 1.X. OS/2 2.0 fully implements the SAA Common Programming Interface (CPI) Presentation Interface including extensions for CUA 91. Programs written in OS/2 C Set Version 1.0 can call the SAA Presentation Interface using the SAA defined language bindings. OS/2 2.0 fully implements the SAA CPI Procedures Language Interface, Level 2. The Workplace Shell enables the object-based style of the enhanced SAA CUA architecture (CUA 91).

    Procedures Language/2 REXX:
    A new, 32-bit Procedures Language/2 REXX is included with OS/2 2.0. It is significantly faster than the previous 16-bit version shipped in OS/2 1.3 and includes on-line documentation. New REXX utilities functions provide better access to system services such as the Workplace Shell.

    New Device Support:
    Many new hardware devices are supported. Please see Specified Operating Environment, Machine Requirements, in this document for a complete list.

    Mini Applications (Applets):
    OS/2 2.0 contains ready-to-use, mini applications to fill the following user needs after initial installation:

    Information Presentation Facility:
    The Information Presentation Facility (IPF) drives the OS/2 Tutorial, the Online Contextual Help, and other online information. The IPF has been enhanced, providing new functional capabilities and enhanced ease of use. More than one window can be displayed at a time, allowing users to selectively view related text and graphics. Users can bring information from multiple databases into view by simply selecting hypertext links. With enhanced performance, users can quickly search across databases for key words and phrases. Data is formatted dynamically as users move and resize windows. A master help index allows users to locate and retrieve information supporting the system from a single source.

    BIDIRECTIONAL LANGUAGE SUPPORT
    Bidirectional support is provided for Arabic and Hebrew speaking countries. Printer and display output are enabled to support bidirectional operations (right-to-left and left- to-right) e.g: nesting text in both directions. Also, some Arabic and Hebrew specific API's are introduced to enable the development of bidirectional aware applications. This bidirectional support is provided for OS/2 Full-Screen sessions only.

    SUPPORT FOR ADDITIONAL COUNTRIES

    Basic country support (keyboard and codepage) has been added for the following countries: 

         ICELAND
     TURKEY
     CZECHOSLOVAKIA (CZECH and SLOVAK keyboards)
     HUNGARY
     POLAND

    Publications

    The following publications are available from IBM after general availability. To order, contact your IBM representative. 
    Title                          Order Number
 -------------------------------          ------------
 
 IBM Operating System/2 Information       G326-0160
    and Planning Guide
 IBM Systems Application Architecture     SC26-4356
    Common Programming Interface
    Dialog Reference
 IBM Systems Application Architecture     SC26-4359
    Common Programming Interface
    Presentation Reference
 IBM Operating System/2 Adapter           G68X-2300
    Interface (diskettes and publication)
 IBM Operating System/2 Service           G15F-2214
    Coordinator Guide
 Procedures Language/2 REXX               S10G-6269
    Users Guide
 Procedures Language/2 REXX               S10G-6268
    Reference

    Technical Information

    Specified Operating Environment

    Machine Requirements

    The minimum hardware configuration for OS/2 Version 2.0 is as follows:

    IBM PS/2 (R)(11), IBM Industrial Computer or selected non-IBM personal computer with a 386 SX or higher processor, 3 MB of system memory and 15 to 30 MB of hard disk space available for the operating system, depending upon installation options selected. Information on non-IBM system configurations that have been tested will be available in 1Q92. While OS/2 2.0 runs well in 3 MB of system memory with a 40 MB hard disk in an entry scenario, IBM recommends at least 4 MB of system memory with a 60 MB hard disk for use as a workstation client. There are some application scenarios that require greater amounts of memory and hard disk storage. Refer to " IBM Operating System/2 Information and Planning Guide " (G326-0160) for assistance in estimating total memory requirements.

    Customers should consult documentation for their specific processor(s) to determine available memory options and ordering information.

    OS/2 2.0 will be shipped via CD ROM with every PS/2 (R)(12) Ultimedia (TM)(13) Model M57 SLC. This is IBM's new, integrated multimedia system.

    NOTE: The IBM PS/2 Model N33SX (8533 A13) is not supported by OS/2 2.0. Please refer to the individual hardware announcements of other IBM PS/2 Model N33SX machines for statements of support by IBM OS/2 2.0.

    In addition to a broad range of hard disks, diskette drives, CD ROMs, optical disk drives, adapter and display combinations and pointing devices, OS/2 2.0 provides device driver support for the following printers and plotters:

    OS/2 2.0 Printer Support
    Printers not listed above may be supported if there is an emulation mode such as HP PCL. All other printers have limited support which allows printing of simple textual data.

    Supported Hardware for Family Applications:
    Assuming there is sufficient memory, display, and other appropriate hardware, a Family application can run on all the system units supported by the Operating System/2 Version 1.X and IBM Disk Operating System Version 3.30, 4.00, or 5.00. Family Applications are created by using the Family Application Programming Interface of OS/2 and utilities supplied in the IBM OS/2 2.0 Developers Workbench, the OS/2 2.0 Toolkit or the IBM Workframe/2 program products.
    (11).PS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM
    (12).PS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM
    (13).Ultimedia is a trademark of IBM
    (14).PS/1 is a trademark of IBM

    Programming Requirements

    Programming Requirements

    An application developer should acquire a COU for the OS/2 2.0 Developer's Toolkit (5621-078) and Workframe/2 (5621-302). The OS/2 2.0 Developer's Toolkit is required to create an IBM Operating System/2 application using the Presentation Manager. The OS/2 2.0 Developer's Toolkit requires OS/2 2.0 and accompanying manuals. See EDOC 18597 for more information on these as well as the OS/2 Technical Reference Library and IBM C-Set/2, the OS/2 32-bit compiler (5621-303).

    Compatibility

    DOS Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 2.0 provides support to run up to 240 concurrent DOS sessions. These applications may be windowed or full screen, graphics or text, and execute in foreground or background. A "Cut and Paste" capability is provided to enable easy transfer of text or graphics between applications. Each DOS session will have greater than 630KB of memory plus 32MB of EMS 4.0 memory and 16MB of XMS memory available to the application. For those applications written to the DPMI specification up to 512MB of virtual memory can be allocated per application depending upon available disk space.

    The operating system is protected from each DOS application running in a Virtual DOS Session and each Virtual DOS Session is protected from other applications. This provides greater stability for the user in that if one application fails it does not take the entire system down.

    OS/2 2.0 provides the capability to boot a specific version of DOS (eg. PC DOS 5.0, DR DOS 6.0, etc.) in a Virtual DOS Session for those applications that require a specific DOS version. The DOS Properties function provides the capability to customize the Virtual DOS Session to the needs of the application, such as loading device drivers, performance tuning and version checking. The only DOS applications not supported are those requiring VCPI and other non-DPMI DOS extenders and highly timing dependent applications such as realtime applications.

    Windows Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 2.0 is able to run Windows 2.0 and 3.0 applications off the shelf, without requiring modifications. These applications run with preemptive multitasking (instead of cooperative multitasking) enabling smoother system. The operating system is protected from these applications and the applications from each other. Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAE) do not require a system reboot in the OS/2 2.0 environment.

    OS/2 2.0 provides the capability to start windows applications from the OS/2 Workplace end user interface. The ability to move graphics or text between Windows, Presentation Manager (PM) and DOS applications is supported through "Cut and Paste". Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) is supported between windows applications and between windows and PM applications. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) is supported between windows applications running in the same Virtual DOS Session. The user also has the option of running Windows (TM)(15) in a Virtual DOS Session.

    OS/2 16-bit Application Compatibility:
    OS/2 1.X applications written to documented interfaces will run unmodified on OS/2 2.0 with equal to or better performance. The performance benefits are derived from faster file systems and better memory management.
    (15).Windows is a trademark of the Microsoft Corporation

    Limitations

    Performance Considerations

    Performance considerations are addressed in the OS/2 2.0 Installation and Planning Guide. However, generally speaking the typical user can expect:

    OS/2 1.X applications that convert to 32-bit can expect performance benefits up to 45 percent.
    (15).Windows is a trade mark of Microsoft corporation

    Planning Information

    The updated OS/2 Information and Planning Guide (G360-2650) contains planning information, including memory, fixed disk, and system unit requirements for typical OS/2 Version 2.0 systems.

    Customer Responsibilities

    Installability

    Packaging

    The IBM Operating System/2 Version 2.0 product package contains:

    Security, Auditability and Control

    User management is responsible for evaluation, selection and implementation of security features, administrative procedures and appropriate controls in application systems and communication facilities.

    Ordering Information

    DUA copies can be obtained through an authorized remarketer. DUA copies upgrade can be obtained through an authorized remarketer.

    Customers who already own a personal computer hardware system supported by OS/2 2.0 may purchase the OS/2 2.0 upgrade, including DUA upgrades, regardless of the operating system currently installed. The price of the upgrade (including DUA upgrades), purchased will be the same price as the applicable upgrade charge from DOS.

    Customers should use the Program Upgrade Order Form which is available from their IBM Marketing Representative.

    Professional & Technical Services

    Services providing for the efficient installation, implementation and/or integration of this product are available from IBM as either standard or customised offerings.
    Contact your Marketing Representative for the full scope of the available services.

    Charges, Terms & Conditions for COU Program Package

    Terms and Conditions

    PROGRAM SERVICES

    Such services will be in accordance with the Service Statement included in the program package, and will be available until the Service End Date, March 31, 1994

    Volume Discount

    The IBM OS/2 Version 2.0, Version 2.0 and its copies (DUA's) are added to Category A, Discount Group 1, in Exhibit CoU-02.

    The program is eligible for the Customer Fulfilment Option.

    Special Educational Allowance for Volume Orders

    This Distribution & Usage Authorization is available under the Special Educational Allowance for Volume Orders of Authorization to Copy Selected IBM PC-PS/2 Conditions of Use Programs. Consult your IBM Marketing Representative for details.

    Warranty

    IBM standard warranty of media. Warranty period 3 months (or the period required by local legislation, if greater).

    IBM standard warranty of media. Warranty period 3 months (or the period required by local legislation, if greater).

    Distribution and Usage Authorization

    This program and its upgrades are eligible for the Distribution & Usage Authorization for IBM programs. The customer may make copies upon receipt of an Authorization form which designates the program which may be copied and the quantity of copies authorized. Consult your IBM Marketing Representative for the applicable Charges, Terms and Conditions

    Program Services

    Assistance with defect related queries will be provided to registered Customer Technical Support Locations (CTSLs) by the country specified technical support group. Such service will be in accordance with the Service Statement included in the program package, and will be available until the Service End Date, March 31, 1994

    CUSTOMER TECHNICAL SUPPORT LOCATION (CTSL)

    The customer should establish a Customer Technical Support Location (CTSL) to act as the focal point for end-user assistance within the customer's organisation. The CTSL will also be the contact point to IBM for technical queries.

    EMEA SERVICE AND SUPPORT - STATEMENT OF DIRECTION

    IBM intends to provide Service and Support offerings in EMEA for OS/2 2.0 which meet the requirements of a world-wide product across industry platforms.

    1. Eligible support, covered in the price of the product, will be provided for defect-related queries. In addition, electronic Bulletin Bulletin Board Systems (BBS's) will be made available where feasible, depending on country conditions, for access by end-users possessing suitable communications connections.

    2. An additional fee-based offering for end-users and dealers will provide a telephone hotline facility, to answer product usage and set-up questions and give product information.

    3. IBM customers with existing Enterprise Service Agreements for high-end systems, or System Service Agreements for mid-range systems, will be provided with an enhanced level of service and support covering OS/2 2.0 and other eligible products. The eligible products will include IBM Extended Services 1.0 and IBM OS/2 LAN Server 2.0. An additional form of System Service Agreement will be made available, providing IBM PS/2 hardware and software support and service, intended for customers with IBM PS/2s but without a high-end or mid-range IBM system. The software support and service will cover installations on OS/2-supported PC manufacturers' hardware. A telephone single point of contact will be provided for all software and IBM hardware problems and usage information.

    4. An enhanced software Service and Support package, specifically designed for the OS/2 remarketer, will be made available to elegible remarketers, under terms to be announced at a later time.

    Announcement Countries

    All European, Middle Eastern and African Countries.

    The data in this letter is subject to the disclaimer in Letter ZS90-0112, which is available from IBM on request.

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