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Date: Tue, 31 Dec 91 17:30:00 +0100
Subject: OS/2 Discussion Forum 911204
Reply-To: Moderated discussion forum on OS/2 <OS2@BLEKUL11.BITNET>
************************************************************************
OS/2 Discussion Forum Mon, December 30, 1991 Volume 9112 Issue 04
Relevant addresses :
submissions : OS2@BLEKUL11.BITNET (bitnet)
OS2@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be (domain)
subscriptions : LISTSERV@BLEKUL11.BITNET (bitnet)
LISTSERV@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be (domain)
moderator : OS2MOD@BLEKUL11.BITNET (bitnet)
os2mod@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be (domain)
************************************************************************
Today's topics:
This issue
Font query
JPI Languages for OS/2
Various questions
FYI: Letter to editor
excel under os2
OS/2 (tm) Monthly Magazine abstracts
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 91 12:00:00 +0100
From: Moderator of the OS/2 forum
Subject: This issue
First, all appropriate season`s greatings. May 1992 become the year
of ibm OS/2 Version 2.0.
Next, we have to tell you that there was no issue last week sent, and
that you`ll not find any new files on listserv, or any feed from the
usenet groups. Next week, in the 920101 issue, we`ll make up for it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1991 8:50:11 EST
From: ACS_STEVE@VAX2.ACS.JMU.EDU (Steve Grigg @ACS -3556)
Subject: Font query
Please pardon me if this is a bit on the basic side. I'm fairly new to
OS/2. What purpose do all the AFM and TFM fonts serve? Are they screen fonts or
printer fonts, and could someone send me a short primer on their use? Thanks in
advance.
Steve Grigg
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM: 'Gene Mangum' <H198@HOSP.MED.UMICH.EDU>
DATE: 18 DEC 91 12:51 -00
SUBJECT: JPI Languages for OS/2
I have been using OS/2 for several months now, and have been looking
for a relatively inexpensive compiler. About 2 months ago, I heard
about JPI Topspeed, and called to ask for info. I received a catalog
of their compilers and products. Recently, I received the winter
catalog from "The Programmer's Shop" advertising the JPI compilers
at a very low price. I ordered a compiler (Modula-2) and the
necessary extras, so I thought I'd pass along what I've learned so
far. Before that, though, a quick disclaimer is in order: I have
no connection with JPI or The Programmer's Shop. I have absolutely
no interest in promoting these companies or their products. All of
this info represents MY INTERPRETATION of the documentation and what
I've been told over the phone.
In order to use a JPI compiler, you must buy an "environment" which
includes an editor, debugger, and an interface to the compilers.
This environment is available for DOS and OS/2. I bought the OS/2
environment, which runs in an OS/2 fullscreen session (I used WINABLE
to mark it and it seems to run fine in an OS/2 Windowed session, too).
You then purchase the compiler(s) you want. They offer C, C++,
Pascal, and Modula-2 (a successor of Pascal designed by the same guy).
These compilers can generate DOS, Windows, and OS/2 programs. They
also have something called a "TechKit" which has some Windows support
utilities, a limited assembler, and some other odds and ends.
The catalog gave me the impression that Modula-2 offered better
support for Presentation Manager programming, but the tech support
guy for JPI told me over the phone that all compilers have the same
level of PM support. I'm not sure why I chose Modula-2, and kinda
wish I'd got Pascal now... Both Pascal and Modula-2 have object
oriented extensions (as well as other extensions to the standard
language definition).
After using the JPI products for a week or so, here are my initial
impressions. You should confirm any facts with JPI rather than take
my word for it, but if you're interested in OS/2 programming, this
info may be helpful in getting you started for not-too-much-money.
The Topspeed environment has a multi-window editor. Screen colors
are configurable. Mouse support seems to have been added as an
afterthought. I say that because although you can make menu
selections with the mouse, you can't resize windows, and moving
windows with the mouse is "wierd". You gotta see it to believe it.
It does include an ASCII chart and a calulator which does hex<->dec
conversion, but not hex entry/calculation :( It also has a grep-
like utility, a keyboard scancode window, and a file finder.
Online help for the language and environment are pretty good, but
debugger help consists of a single screen key summary.
The project management facilities seem powerful, but most options
are specified by text commands rather than menu picks, so it'll take
some study.
When you invoke the debugger, it replaces the environment on the
screen (like Turbo Debugger-not the integrated debug). It seems to
support alot of the options. I marked the debugger WINABLE, and
it kinda works, but not quite. JPI only supports the debugger in
OS/2 fullscreen, so I can't complain about this.
The Modula-2 compiler looks pretty good. I have no experience with
Modula-2, but they point out extensions to standard Modula-2 in the
book, and theirs is apparently much better.
I've written a couple of test programs, but nothing major, so I can't
really give a good evaluation of these products, just some general
impressions. If anyone is interested, I can post another evaluation
after I get more experience with it.
Anyway, here's my assessment at this point: Although the products
don't have the slick, polished look of something like Borland's
language products (which I'm most familiar with) they seem to have
alot in the way of basic functionality. The documentation seems
okay except that several items are not mentioned (for example, using
WINABLE to make the environment run in a window). I expect that
the same manuals are distributed with DOS and OS/2, so some things
in the doc are not applicable and coverage of OS/2 specific features
is not very thorough. They don't even try to cover the OS/2 API,
and the manual tells you that. You must buy some OS/2
programming books for API doc, but the compiler is supposed to
support the full API. Most of the library functions (at least the
ones I've tried) translate to OS/2 calls, so for example, you can
use their text Windowing routines in an OS/2 windowed application,
read and write files with standard Modula-2 (or whatever) functions,
etc.
I've called their 800 number a couple of times, and a technical person
has always answered the phone. Their support staff seems competent
and helpful, although I expect they're more conversant in DOS. When
I asked technical OS/2 questions, the support person put me on hold
and got an answer from someone else.
Some of the utility programs and sample programs could use more
documentation, too. It takes some poking around to figure out what's
for OS/2. You have the option at install time whether to load
DOS support and Windows support. The install program works well,
and allows you to select which features to load. You can go back
later and install additional options or individual files.
All in all, if you're looking for an inexpensive way to get into
OS/2 programming, I think these products offer a good start. JPI
told me that they've signed a contract to provide 32-bit versions
of their compilers for OS/2 2.0. They currently don't include
tools for PM resource definition, so you'll (and I'll) need a
resource toolkit of some sort to build icons, dialogs, etc.
The offer from The Programmer's Shop is good through Feb 15, 1992,
and you get the environment, the compiler of your choice, and the
TechKit for $129. The normal price through JPI is $99 for each
of these components (total $297). I think for $129 these packages
is a great deal. You can buy additional compilers from JPI for
$99 each. The $129 packages are listed as "TopSpeed xxx Professional"
where the xxx is the language.
For more info:
JPI (800) 448-4440
The Programmer's Shop (800) 421-8006
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 19 December 91, 18:12:30 ITA
From: CMSVITT at IBGUNIV
Subject: Various questions
Hi OS2-land,
how I can be possible to lock <Ctrl> and <Alt> keys from my keyboard?
I don't want able my users to modify the QueryManager (maximized)
window.
Or, how I could run QueryManager in full screen mode?
Any idea is welcome, thanx.
Moriggia Vittorio
Centro di Calcolo
Universita' di Bergamo
Bergamo Alta
ITALIA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: bgm@gallipolis.cray.com
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 91 12:08:34 CDT
Reply-To: bgm@cray.com
Subject: FYI: Letter to editor
Everyone / Anyone:
FYI: This is a letter to the editor of a Minneapolis / St. Paul
computer news magazine. I just thought you'd like to see it.
Bertram Glenn Moshier
Cray Research, Inc
655F Lone Oak Drive
Eagan, MN 55121-1560
Voice : (612)683-5419
Fax : (612)683-5307
December 23, 1991
Computer User
Editors
Adams Publishing of Minneapolis/St. Paul, Inc.
12 S. 6th St., Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55402-1572
Voice : (612)336-9286
Fax : (612)339-5806
Dear Sirs:
Disbelief and bewilderment were my emotions when reading Down to
Business ("Mixed Signals, Mixed Emotions" - December issue). Kevin
Reichard clearly states "IBM failed to show OS/2 2.0" at the Fall 1991
COMDEX. Where was Mr. Reichard?
IBM officially announced and showed OS/2 version 2.0 on Monday at 4:30
PM. This included OS/2 2.0 running Windows applications SEAMLESSLY on
the Workplace Shell desktop. Asymetrix Toolbook was one of these
Windows applications. Lee Reiswig pointed out this was an application
that Microsoft's Steve Ballmer said would never run under OS/2 2.0.
The Minneapolis IBM branch held a full morning meeting the next day at
the Minneapolis Convention Center. Showing the OS/2 2.0 highlights took
more than two hours. This meeting was down to business, covering local
companies applications and local issues. On the lighter side, Chuck
Pfalzgraf of IBM pointed out two facts.
OS/2 version 2.0 would be available in April 1992 wherever DOS is
available.
OS/2 2.0 is like walking through doors instead of crawling through
windows.
Mr. Reichard had a second chance to see OS/2 2.0 at COMDEX on Wednesday
morning. IBM held a breakfast meeting and showed all the OS/2 version
2.0 features.
Mr. Reichard had yet a third chance to see OS/2 2.0 at COMDEX, a chance
to use it, and to own it. OS/2 2.0 was at the IBM booths, where he
could bring his own applications and try them. He also missed IBM
giving OS/2 2.0 beta copies away to the press and free OS/2 2.0 coupons
redeemable in April 1992.
For me, the question remains. Where at COMDEX was Mr. Reichard? Should
Mr. Reichard want to see a copy of 2.0, he can contact me. I find OS/2
version 2.0 useful. For example, I am writing, spell and grammar
checking this letter (on a laptop), while eating lunch at Fuddruckers.
The Grapevine column of this same issue did nothing to improve my
emotions. It said OS/2 2.0 is officially behind schedule and may not be
out till summer 1992. As one of the customers IBM consulted about a
March release, I can say this column is incorrect. IBM's reasons for a
March release date are:
Many customers said seamless Windows, 32 bit PM and LAN management
were very important OS/2 2.0 features.
IBM did not want to prime the distribution pipe, and then 3 months
later release the above features and then restock store shelves.
One final item, officially OS/2 2.0 is not behind schedule. How can I
say this when we know 2.0 has been in beta for 2 years? Obviously,
someone keeps delaying it. Yet, you will find the Fall COMDEX '91 was
the first and only OS/2 2.0 official announcement. Reviewing the Lee
Reiswig 2.0 demonstration video tapes shows him saying December is an
internal IBM date. One can order the tapes by calling 1-800-3IBM-OS2.
My grapevine says IBM will have two OS/2 releases in 1992. The second
release (Fall '92, OS/2 2.1) will include over a dozen new features.
These new features will include:
Kernel level data compression (Stacker in the kernel).
OS/2 end-users being able to run Macintosh software seamlessly on
the Workplace Shell.
Multimedia extensions.
2 GByte virtual address space per program, up from the current 512
MByte limit.
Sincerely,
Bert Moshier
Bert Moshier
Cray Research, Inc.
OS/2 in '92!
As Spencer & Son said in PC Week (12/9/91)
This is your brain: IBM OS/2 PM
This is your brain on drugs: Microsoft Windows
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 91 11:58:59 +0100
From: rda <DAVID@BUCLLN11.BITNET>
Subject: excel under os2
Hello|
1. I have installed MS-EXCEL 3.0 in the Windows Box of a 6.167 OS2
version.
All is ok but...
I'm not able to have a azerty keyboard. When I type an A I receive a Q,
etc...
I have all tried: the International configuration (Belgian keyboard,
etc...)
2. I have also installed in a DOS Box the Windows 3.0 and,
under that Windows, the same MS-EXCEL 3.0 Product.
When I try to start the Excel application, I receive a Message
like "This application need Standard or Enhanced 386 mode"...
What are the solutions to those problems?
Thanks...
rda
Season's Greetings - Meilleurs Voeux - Felices Fiestas - Beste Wensen
Frohe Festtage - Buone Feste - God Jul och Gott Nytt Ar
Ein Erfolgreiches Neues Jahr ....
------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: bgm@gallipolis.cray.com
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 91 10:56:43 CDT
Subject: OS/2 (tm) Monthly Magazine abstracts
I am attaching the contacts with abstracts of the upcoming OS/2 (tm)
Monthly Magazine.
Bert Moshier
Cray Research, Inc.
OS/2 in '92!
As Spencer & Son said in PC Week (12/9/91)
This is your brain: IBM OS/2 PM
This is your brain on drugs: Microsoft Windows
----------------------------- Note follows -----------------------------
*Date: 29 Dec 91 14:54:42 EST
*From: JOEL SIRAGHER <72550.2440@CompuServe.COM>
*Subject: Abstract
JDS Publishing presents: OS/2 (tm) Monthly Magazine @ OS/2 Windows Conference.
-"Extended runtime debugging under os/2 Presentation Manager" by Mark Walsh.
Mark describes a mechanism which can easily be built into a set of functions
that will turn any PM program into a self diagnostic system.
-"TAPCIS/PM: Compuserve access under the Presentation Manager." By Scott
McGrath. Review of TAPCIS.
-"Watching OS/2." By Bert Moshier. Bert extensively explores what is needed to
be done by IBM in order for OS/2 to be a success.
-"OS/2 idioms in C: Better Programs Thru Fluency." By Fred Gault. He
discusses and illustrates some useful os/2 pm idioms.
-"Beginners OS/2 PM Column." By Les Bell. An introduction for the programmer
unaccustomed to Presentation Manager.
-"Advanced OS/2 PM Column." By Guy Scharf. An Advanced OS/2 PM column. This
issue he explores Subclassing.
Also: OS/2 2.0 Feature Article by Dave Moskowitz.
A feature Column by Doug Hamilton.
Fabian Pascal on The EISA Alternative.
Usergroup Info.
BBS Info.
In upcoming issues LOOK for: Continuing columns by Hamilton, Gault, Pascal,
Bell, Moshier, Scharf, & Wolf. SCSI on OS/2, 2.0 Workplace Shell column By Jeff
Cohen. Client Server Corner by Bill Wolff. 1 yr Subscription (12 issues), Send
$36 (US) for US and Canada, or $60 US funds to JDS PUBLICATIONS, PO BOX 4351,
Highland Pk, NJ 08904. We Accept Visa/MC. (908) 985-8358.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
END OF OS/2 DISCUSSION FORUM 911204
***********************************