OS/2 Shareware BBS: 10 Tools/10-Tools.zip/OS2-1_2.ZIP/OS2-1_2.TXT

Text File | 1989-10-26 | 20KB | 402 lines

Q1.    Please describe the key enhancements to Standard Edition.

A1.    Key enhancements to Standard Edition include the Dialog Manager available
       in OS/2 Programming Tools and Information V 1.2 which is designed to
       operate with both Editions, as well as Presentation Manager enhancements.
       The Dialog Manager is a tool that controls the interactions between a
       dialog application and a user.  Also included in Standard Edition are:

       Desktop Manager/File Manager:  An enhanced user interface for adding,
       starting, and manipulating programs and files.

       High Performance File System:  An optional replacement for the File
       Allocation Table (FAT) based file system which can handle files and
       partitions up to 2 gigabytes in size.  The HPFS is designed to provide
       improved performance over the FAT based file system.  Compatibility
       between files created by both file systems is maintained for OS/2
       programs and programs running in OS/2's compatibility mode.

       Online Programming Technical Reference:  An "electronic book" available
       in the OS/2 Programming Tools and Information V 1.2.

       Online Command Reference:  An "electronic book" that describes OS/2
       command usage and syntax.

       Dual Boot Utility:  Allows both OS/2 and DOS to load from the same fixed
       disk drive.

       Generic Printer Control Language Device Driver:  Included with Version
       1.2 to support printers compatible with the HP* Laserjet* and Laserjet
       II* series.

       Windowable System Editor:  An editor is provided which is written to the
       Presentation Manager interface.  This allows it to share the display with
       other Presentation Manager programs.

       DOS Compatibility Improvements:  IBM DOS 4.0 support for greater than 25
       lines mode display and support for additional video modes of PS/2
       displays are now available in DOS compatibility mode.

Q2.    IBM recently admitted that OS/2 wouldn't be complete until Version 1.2
       was available.  However, there appear to be many elements which are still
       needed to complete OS/2.  Is this gradual release to market intentional?

A2.    OS/2 Standard Edition 1.2 is a completely functional operating system and
       all planned function is available in it.  We are always striving to
       improve our products, respond to new customer requirements, and meet the
       needs of changing technology.  As such, the product will continue to
       evolve.

Q3.    Have you done anything to make OS/2 easier to use?

A3.    We have implemented a Desktop Manager in Version 1.2 to further enhance
       usability of the graphical user interface to the operating system
       functions such as adding applications, starting applications, associating
       files to applications, and switching between applications.   We have also
       included an Online Command Reference which provides the user with an
       "electronic book" that describes OS/2 command usage and syntax.

Q4.    Why has IBM waited until now to provide the dual boot feature on OS/2
       when it has been available from Microsoft in the past?

A4.    IBM has chosen to offer this feature at this time because the solution
       implemented needed to be consistent with the strategic plans and
       immediate functional content of IBM OS/2.

Q5.    Will there be a separate Device Support Supplement diskette as there was
       in 1.1?  What will it contain?  When will it be available?  How do I get
       it?

A5.    All device drivers delivered with Version 1.1 either with the product or
       with its Device Support Supplement will be packaged and shipped with the
       Version 1.2 base operating system.  IBM Operating System/2 Standard
       Edition Version 1.2 does not have a Device Support Supplement diskette as
       did Version 1.1.  This includes the "Null" device driver delivered with
       the Device Support Supplement for use by applications that choose not to
       use the advanced facilities provided by the Presentation Manager.

Q6.    Specifically, what device drivers will be included with OS/2 Standard
       Edition Version 1.2?  What printers will the drivers support?

A6.    IBM OS/2 Standard Edition Version 1.2 will include a generic Printer
       Control Language device driver that supports printers compatible with the
       HP* Laserjet* and Laserjet II* series.  A PostScript (R) driver is also
       included which will allow applications to output PostScript to the IBM
       Personal Page Printer II and to other printers with PostScript
       capabilities.  Also included is an Epson device driver that supports
       devices compatible with Epson FX8O and LQ1500 series of wire matrix
       printers.  Finally, Version 1.2 has the capability to separately install
       device drivers if needed.

Q7.    When will the Printer Control Language device drivers for printers
       compatible with the HP* Laserjet* and HP Laserjet II* printer series be
       available?

A7.    The Printer Control Language device driver will be available in January,
       1990.

Q8.    How do I get the Printer Control Language device driver?

A8.    Details on ordering the Printer Conrol language device driver will be
       available at a later date.

Q9.    Does the Post Script device driver contained in IBM OS/2 Standard Edition
       Version 1.2 support any other printers besides the IBM Personal Page
       Printer II?

A9.    The Post Script device driver in IBM OS/2 Standard Edition Version 1.2 is
       code that was delivered by Microsoft was part of the Joint Development
       Agreement between IBM and Microsoft.  Microsoft has indicated that the
       device driver should support other similar devices that can accept this
       type of data stream.

Q10.   Why isn't Procedures Language announced in Extended Edition available in
       Standard Edition?

A10.   Our current plan is to ship it only with EE since EE is the OS/2 SAA
       Platform Product.

       However, we are evaluating market requirements for including it with SE.

Q11.   Why is there an UPDATE in November, just two months after product GA?

A11.   There are always functions IBM believes are beneficial to customers that
       are not available at the time of our planned release.  These functions
       will be available to licensees via an UPDATE package available November
       30, 1989.

Q12.   What is contained in the November UPDATE?

A12.   The File System will be enhanced to preserve the case of the filename
       when the file is created or renamed.  Utilities will be enhanced to allow
       for a space and other special characters to be imbedded with quoted
       filenames.

Q13.   How do I get the November UPDATE?

A13.   Contained in the product package will be the appropriate registration
       card.  To receive the UPDATE, the customer need only complete and mail
       the card.

Q14.   Will long filenames and/or case preservation of filenames cause any
       incompatibilities or any programs not to run?

A14.   File naming conventions and enhancements added to the HPFS have been
       implemented in a very open fashion.  Users will be able to continue to
       use file naming conventions used by the FAT file system.  Case
       preservation simply returns a filename in the same case as it was
       entered.  Filenames are not case sensitive in any other way.  When moving
       files from the HPFS to FAT file systems, the names used for the FAT file
       system files may have to be changed to conform to FAT rules.  No change
       will be required to go the other way.  Usability testing as well as
       customer requirements have demanded more flexibility in file naming.

Q15.   Does OS/2 Version 1.2 Presentation Manager provide WYSIWYG plotter
       support?

A15.   Generally speaking, OS/2 1.2 provides WYSIWYG.  However, plotter reverse
       clipping is not supported.  This means that pictures with overlaying
       areas and lines will draw all overlays, not just the top overlay.  OS/2
       1.2 Presentation Manager also does not support image plotting.

Q16.   Why are there no COBOL or FORTRAN bindings for the Interactive
       Presentation Facility API?

A16.   IBM has, as its first priority, decided to concentrate an offering COBOL
       and FORTRAN bindings to those parts of the Presentation Manager that have
       already been announced as part of the SAA Presentation Interface.

Q17.   What are the benefits of Version 1.2 to software developers?  End users?

A17.   Software developers will benefit from the programmer productivity
       improvements of the Dialog Manager.  COBOL and FORTRAN bindings will
       allow programmers who use those languages to write to the Dialog Manager
       interfaces as well as the interfaces of Presentation Manager.  New
       Presentation Manager programming examples are useful to programmers
       moving to Presentation Manager.  Programmers will also benefit from the
       Online Technical Reference included in the OS/2 Programming Tools and
       Information Kit.

       These and other valuable tools for the developer are found in the new
       OS/2 Programming Tools and Information V1.2 offering.

       End users will benefit from performance improvements of the High
       Performance File System and the usability enhancements that come with the
       Desktop Manager/File Manager and productivity of the Windowable System
       Editor.

       Both programmers and end users will benefit from the new Online Command
       Reference and "electronic book" that describes OS/2 command usage and
       syntax.

Q18.   Are DOS files created by standalone DOS compatible with the High
       Performance File Systems (HPFS)?

A18.   Compatibility is only maintained within OS/2 and between OS/2 and DOS
       compatibility mode of OS/2.  Files created by HPFS cannot be accessed
       from standalone DOS 3.3 or DOS 4.0.  Files created by standalone DOS 3.3
       or 4.0 cannot be accessed by the HPFS on OS/2, either.  Files created by
       standalone DOS are accessed by the FAT-based file system on OS/2.

Q19.   Can you give me some performance comparisons between the FAT-based file
       system and the High Performance File System?

A19.   The High Performance File System is designed to provide extremely fast
       access to very large disk volumes.  The HPFS' performance over the FAT
       file system is especially evident under the following conditions (for any
       I/O):

       o   Very busy disk (lots of small files being updated)
       o   Large number of subdirectory levels
       o   Very large files
       o   Large hardfile partitions.

       The High Performance File System has multiple levels of caching and uses
       intelligent write-behind logic--this allows it to find/open files much
       faster than the FAT file system.  The Higher Performance File System is
       less performance sensitive as file sizes and/or directories get very
       large.

       Actual performance data has not been assembled at this time.

Q20.   Is DOS 4.0 fully supported in DOS compatibility mode?

A20.   No.  Only as stated above.  The DOS shell and EMS specifically are not
       supported.

Q21.   Please describe the key enhancements to the Presentation Manager.

A21.   Key enhancements to the presentation Manager in Version 1.2 are:

       Cut and Paste Improvements:  Text may now be cut or copied from text only
       screens and subsequently pasted into windows of Presentation Manager
       applications programmed to accept such text.

       Font Sizes:  When using the 8514/A display adapter, new font sizes are
       available for programs that emulate terminals so that appropriate font
       sizes for the terminal may be used.

       Picture File Utilities:  Utilities are now available to print and display
       metafiles and convert picture files to metafiles.

       COBOL/FORTRAN Bindings:  Applications may be written in COBOL or FORTRAN
       and can use the Presentation Manager.

Q22.   I recently received a copy of the new SAA/CUA Advanced Interface Design
       Guide.  Why are the figures in that book visually different from those in
       OS/2 Standard Edition 1.2?

A22.   Changes to the visual appearance of the OS/2 interface were made after
       the publication of the SAA/CUA Advanced Interface Design Guide.  We
       believe that these changes represent a significant enhancement to the
       appearance of the OS/2 interface.  The OS/2 programming interfaces
       support these visual enhancements and should be used when developing
       applications.  As CUA evolves, these visual enhancements will be
       incorporated in the figures.

Q23.   Have the memory requirements for OS/2 Standard Edition 1.2 changed from
       the 1.1 version?

A23.   Minimum storage requirements have remained the same:  2Mb, 2.5 Mb when
       configured for both OS/2 and DOS applications.

Q24.   Will Version 1.2 participate in the memory promotion?

A24.   Yes, the promotion applies to OS/2 Version 1.2.

Q25.   What are the RAM and DASD requirements of Standard Edition Version 1.2?

A25.   RAM:  OS/2 Standard Edition V1.2 requires a minimum of 2 Mb of memory for
       running OS/2 applications or a minimum of 2.5 Mb of memory for running
       OS/2 and DOS applications.  The actual amount of memory required is a
       function of the working set requirements of the operating system and the
       application.  There are scenarios that require significantly greater
       amounts of memory and DASD storage.  Under OS/2 Standard Editon 1.2
       maximum memory available to DOS applications has increased by
       approximately 30K.

       DASD:  The minimum size hardfile on supported systems is 20 Mb.  IBM
       publishes planning information for memory and DASD in a guide--IBM
       Operating System/2 Information and Planning Guide (G360-2650).  You
       should consult it for your specific requirements.

Q26.   What is a Dialog (as referred to in Dialog Manager)?

A26.   A dialog is a sequence of interactions between an application and a user.
       A dialog application is the set of elements that support the work
       performed by a user.  The Dialog Manager is a tool that controls the
       interactions between a dialog application and a user.

Q27.   Would you explain a little about the Dialog Manager and how it relates to
       the Presentation Manager?  When and by whom should each be used?  Are
       there any benefits to using one over the other?

A27.   The Dialog Manager is a development facility with which a developer can
       efficiently implement application dialogs that take advantage of
       Presentation Manager functions, including the capability of being
       windowed.  The Dialog Manager invokes the Presentation Manager to perform
       presentation services.  It is more limited than the Presentation Manager
       because it does not provide for the use of graphic primitives available
       in the Presentation Manager.

       As Dialog Manager is a programmer productivity aid, it may be used if the
       application is primarily text based, ISPF structured or structured in
       COBOL or FORTRAN, and is not planned for conversion to graphical data
       presentation.

       If the application will require graphical data presentation or multifont
       text or will require context sensitive user interaction, or will be
       written in "C", Presentation Manager should be used.

       Dialog Manager provides the capability to directly invoke Presentation
       Manager via user controls so if the application requires Presentation
       Manager primitives, you may still be able to take advantage of the
       productivity features of OS/2.

Q28.   Can the Dialog Manager runtime facilities be redistributed?  Without
       charge?

A28.   There are no charges associated with redistributing the Dialog Manager
       runtime facilities.  The Dialog Manager runtime facilities may be
       redistributed with Dialog Manager applications developed within the
       redistributor's company.  If, however, the Dialog Manager runtime
       facilities are to be marketed outside the redistributor's company, IBM
       will require a redistribution agreement without fee.

Q29.   What are the "significant elements of the interface" in the OS/2 Dialog
       Manager?

A29.   The OS/2 Dialog Manager provides the necessary functions to implement CUA
       compliant applications.  The Dialog Tag Language for programmable
       workstations and the supporting set of the runtime services are provided
       to handle display of panels and messages.  The elements (verbs) are:
       DMOPEN/DMCLOSE, DISPLAY, ADDPOP/REMPOP, and
       VCOPY/VDEFINE/VDELETE/VREPLACE/VRESET.  The OS/2 Dialog Tag Language
       Guide and Reference and OS/2 Dialog Manager Guide and Reference will
       describe the facilities and verbs provided.

Q30.   Will the Microsoft "developer's tool kit" contain the Dialog Manager that
       is in IBM OS/2?

A30.   Under the Joint Development Agreement, IBM has made the Dialog Manager
       available to Microsoft.  Microsoft should provide the definitive answer
       to this question.

Q31.   If I write an application using the IBM OS/2 Dialog Manager, will my
       application run on Microsoft OS/2?

A31.   The IBM OS/2 Dialog Manager is an enabling tool written to the standard
       OS/2 APIs.  These APIs are preserved between IBM OS/2 and Microsoft OS/2.
       As such, any program written to these APIs will run on either operating
       system.

Q32.   What is the relationship of the new Presentation Manager enhancements to
       the current lawsuit between Apple and Microsoft?

A32.   We are not a party to the lawsuit.  We take necessary steps to ensure we
       do not infringe on anyone else's intellectual property.  This is true for
       all of our products, not just OS/2.  We have not changed our plans as a
       result of the lawsuit.

Q33.   Will OS/2 1.2 be serviced in the same way as 1.1?

A33.   Yes.

Q34.   Is OS/2's default end user interface, as implemented with Presentation
       Manager, fully CUA compliant?

A34.   The default end user interface is CUA compliant.  If there are any
       differences from current CUA Advanced Interface Design Guidelines, they
       will be documented in product documentation.

Q35.   In light of Microsoft's alliance with DCA on a communication server, are
       you still doing joint development work with MS on SE?

A35.   Absolutely.

Q36.   What is your relationship with Microsoft?

A36.   We consider Microsoft an outstanding business partner.

Q37.   Will Microsoft announce Standard Editon 1.2?

A37.   Microsoft will have to answer that question.

Q38.   Are their any architectural limits enforced in 1.2 that were not enforced
       in 1.0/1.1?

A38.   Not specifically, however, OS/2 Release 1.2 does use slightly more stack
       space that may cause problems for applications that did not observe the
       recommended stack size of 4K bytes.

Q39.   Why were ISV's told to ensure they are using at least a 4K stack?

A39.   The recommended minimum stack available when making a call to an OS/2
       function is 4K bytes.  This size is necessary to accommodate current and
       future needs of applications.  Some of the OS/2 functions are implemented
       such that they use the stack of the application.

Q40.   How many applications are currently available for OS/2?

A40.   There are currently over 600 applications available.