OS/2 Shareware BBS: 32 Periodic/32-Periodic.zip/tmb1198.zip/tmb1198.inf

OS/2 Help File | 1998-11-29 | 1MB | 1,058 lines

ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 1. Welcome Team OS/2 ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ



                   Just A Big Wonderful Welcome To You All !!!

It is time to give you a big wonderful welcome. It is cool fall now, and the
news that is coming out of the halls is good news.  Well, if you have not heard
about this news, look at the picture above.  Did it give you a hint?

Well it should have, and it sounds like it is going to happen. Don't know when,
but I know it will. Just give it time, and Aurora is going to appear.

Talk about hint. We are also starting the new game this Team Brief. It is up to
you to solve and find out what it all is....<smile>. We are going to be giving
away a real nice prize. It could be yours......and as always, it is free,
nothing to buy, just some good fun.

We will go more in depth on that later. So how have you all been? I am just
fine, and have been traveling on the web for new sites and looking at old ones.

Have some ideas for Team OS/2 projects, and any who would like to join to help
out, please do. More on that also later, too we have an update to the Team OS/2
list.

When I lost my hard drive awhile back, I also lost my code for making text
files into an ordered list as a tag language. I had developed this to save a
lot of time changing text to a tagged list items.  With it I was able to cut 20
to 40 minutes off the Team Brief development time.

A few have wrote in with some pointers, and I have saved some from others, so
keep them coming in, I can use them all.

Please enjoy this months Team Brief, and remember to keep it
hhhuuummmiiinnnggggg.  And as always, I will give you a way to jump right to
the Tip Section, just click on the small button, which one:

                                    Team OS/2

                                End This Section


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2. What's New Or Up And Running ! ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Some things that are new? That is very easy to answer, many things are coming
out for OS/2, including a new OS/2.  That's right, the big news is about
Aurora, the new OS/2 server from IBM.

Is a client version or the desktop version sure to follow? Only time will tell
the truth on that one. If past practices follow though, we can expect another
release to follow that will install on our desktops at home. You can signup for
the beta program now.

Beta Registration for Next OS/2 Warp Server Release

On July 16, 1998 IBM started the target date for customers, Independent
Software Vendors, and IBM Business Partners to submit Internet registration
requests for the official beta program for the next release of OS/2 Warp Server
(code-named Aurora).

The early registration for the October, 1998 beta is to ensure that the 200
approved participants provide a balanced representation of North America,
Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Latin America and Asia Pacific. So with
only 200 getting excepted, I hope you got your registration in already. If you
haven't as yet, do so anyway, you never know.

The following criteria is being used for selection. It includes revenue
potential as well as how your endorsement and support from the sales team are
brought forth. The program is scheduled for code release October 8, through
December 18, 1998. During this period, IBM plans to provide "preview" code to
those not selected for the official program. Huummm, guess us geeks can see
whats going on anyway huh <smile>.

Later IBM plans to select ten percent of the beta customers to participate in a
small release planned for some time in January, 1999. IBM is only going to
accept nominations for ten customers to participate in an early ship program.
They will setup on-site Rapid Deployment Team members who will assist with the
beta testing. That is a good way to handle problems that may occur. Something
goes wrong, they will be there to help and solve the problem.

By doing this, it seems that IBM is trying to get an early release date, or at
least I could say, fast development for release with the least amount of
problems <smile>.

If you would like to take a gander at all this go to and mark the following
site in your book marker: http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/aurora, and have
fun.

The web page comes with other appropriate links from IBM Software pages, and
has been available since about July 16,1998.  IBM plans to keep this page as
the main point for information. From this page, customers can select a link to
register for the beta, submit OS/2 family product requirements, select and read
white papers and make other links to Software Choices from IBM.

Once you selects the registration link, you will need to supply your
demographic information and answer a small survey.  For information, and
contact person on this, get with Al Wissinger, internally at Al
Wissinger/Austin/IBM@IBMUS and externally at [e-mail].

See article entitled, "New OS/2 Warp Server Manages Windows NT Server for
information on the features and enhancements planned for the next OS/2 Warp
Server release.

                 A goddess of the dawn the next OS/2 Warp Server

Depend on a transformation for e-business starting July 16, 1998. Well at least
the beta code for it. The talk of it all is that today more then ever, business
is complicated, complex, in need of fast and dependable computer technology. (
I say OS/2 has been and will be ).

To just compet a company must have access to information at home and global,
today while it happens. This demand for fast accurate information and access,
means we need a way to reach these goals. We need ways to get this information,
or lose to competition, or new markets created by major new ideas and mergers.

Business must have and hold down operating costs, while making more increased
ways to have revenues grow. Some say reduce inventories, but remember you can't
sale what you don't have. The balance act comes in now. A company must have a
way to keep the inventories at levels that provide source and or service, yet
not at a point where it will be glutted down. Making it unresponsive to market
change and flex.

All the operating systems out in the arena today are creating pressure and
demand for change. A business is left with questions to ask and answer: what
computer environment or operating system is going to give us the best service
and flex ability, what system will support our needs now and in the future,
what system will allow compatibility with other systems today and tomorrow?

These issues are in front of every business or agency today. What will the
answer for them be? Well if you said E-Business, you called it right. Current
computing environments are many. Making computer cost and business grow ever
larger. Not only that, from year to year, you may have to update your system to
just run new software releases.

With the creation of Java and the world wide web, has made things easier and
more promising then before. The missing link to it all is the operating system
that is powerful, having flexibility and dependability. One that will support
Java and other technologies. Thus this new system from IBM, is on its way to
making all this possible.

IBM calls its new wave of technology and formula for business, E-Business.
Stated from IBM "While the Internet, Java and other new technologies are key to
responding to these opportunities and challenges, they are only the top layer.
Supporting these new technologies requires a robust and flexible infrastructure
that can weld the dependability of the existing systems, which have reliably
performed billions of transactions, to the power of the web. This, of course,
is the essence of e-business."  Sounds impressive to me <g>.

IBM further states "When a business successfully transforms into an e-business,
it begins to benefit from three characteristics -- aptly referred to as
e-business values:

      Enables secure, universal access to anyone, anywhere Adopts a portable
      application model enabling them to write applications once, and run them
      anywhere Leverages their existing infrastructure to ensure enterprise
      class dependability

      The measure of success in any of these three areas directly depends on
      the elements comprising the underlying e-business infrastructure.  IBM
      has enhanced the already dependable and flexible OS/2 Warp Server to
      support a successful and cost effective e-business transformation. The
      next generation OS/2 Warp Server, code-named Aurora, will be ready for
      e-business with planned availability in the first quarter of 1999." end
      qote.

 The following is a pull out from IBM about just what Aurora is going to do:
 Building a Base for Secure Universal Access

 The information systems of an enterprise that provide universal access to
 employees, customers and business partners have broad visibility and exposure.
 When systems supporting widely accessed applications fail, they can cause more
 than just a costly disruption of operations. The failure can affect the
 company's image, potentially impacting sales and revenue. For some businesses
 now -- and for many in the near future the negative impact of computers going
 down can be much greater than in the past.

 With this in mind, IBM designed Aurora to make OS/2 Warp Server even more
 robust.  To eliminate lengthy file system recovery times after a system crash
 with a current file systems, Aurora includes a Journaled File System (JFS).
 Using database journaling techniques, JFS can restore a file system to a
 functional state in a matter of seconds or minutes. In contrast to a
 non-journaling file systems,  Aurora's JFS provides a quickly-restartable,
 transaction-oriented, log-based, scaleable file system.  JFS is key to
 improving server availability.

 The performance and reliability that JFS provides makes Aurora ideal for Web
 serving. Furthermore,  JFS raises the previous file size limitation of 2 GB to
 2 terabytes.  Partition size is raised from 64 GB to 2 terabytes allowing a
 file to be the same size as a partition.

 Aurora is also enabled to work with Vinca Co-Standby Server, an IBM Business
 Partner solution  that provides safeguards for companies that cannot tolerate
 down time. Vinca uses a rver-mirroring technique which defines clustered
 resources on two nearly  identical systems, creating high availability for
 both servers.

 Vinca Co-Standby Server for OS/2 keeps the entire network available by having
 the backup server take control if the primary system experiences a hardware
 failure.  Users experience little or no interruption in services and are able
 to keep accessing the data and applications they need.

 Aurora is enabled to take advantage of Vinca's fail over support, which allows
 the system taking over for the failing system to maintain its original
 identity.  This Active-Active server configuration with bi-directional fail
 over enables two fully functional servers to protect each other.  Companies
 can expand the life of older hardware, since the servers do not need to be
 identical. The servers can be managed remotely, making this solution ideal for
 branch offices and campuses.

 The Vinca software configures a server to respond to multiple names and
 sharing of those names.  To implement the Active-Active solution, the Aurora
 server must be enabled to respond to multiple NETBIOS names and the associated
 share names.  Vinca implements the remainder of the function needed to
 implement the Active-Active solution -- failure detection, access to the hard
 drives of the  failing system, configuration of a server to handle multiple
 names, migration of the shares to the new server, and management of access
 controls on the new server.

 Another availability feature offered in Aurora is Personally Safe n Sound
 (PSnS), a backup and restore feature that supports automatic file back-up to a
 wide range of storage devices, helps ensure against DASD malfunction , and
 offers fast recovery of deleted files.

 Comprehensive REXX and C application programming interfaces (APIs) and the new
 command-line interface allow access to backup and restore functions through
 user programs, a command line, and a graphical user interface (GUI).  The APIs
 and command-line interface provide the power and flexibility to integrate
 backup policies with other administrative functions and manage them centrally
 with homegrown programs.

 IBM also added support for partitioned removable media, such as IOMEGA's JAZ
 and ZIP drives, a fast low-cost alternative to tape for smaller backups. A new
 option, the "dual-device backup set" optimizes the performance, capacity, and
 cost of the various storage media available today.  A large-capacity medium,
 such as tape, is best used for baseline backup and a fast-access media, like
 JAZ and ZIP drives, is best used for incremental changes.

 Keeping systems available and costs low involves enterprise system management.
 To help ensure that OS/2 environments enjoy the benefits of Tivoli's
 enterprise systems management, Aurora includes Tivoli's Lightweight Client
 Framework (LCF) Endpoint Agent for OS/2.  Tivoli's enterprise systems
 management delivers high functionality at a low cost to customers with remote
 branch environments.

 LCF in the Tivoli Framework 3.2 architecture increases the number of resources
 that a Tivoli Management Environment can deal with at the same time, and
 increases efficiency.  Tivoli Framework LCF supports OS/2 as an endpoint for
 TCP/IP.  The LCF endpoint agent for OS/2 makes Aurora "Tivoli Ready".

 While server availability is critical to universal access, the other half of
 the equation, namely the clients, is also important.  When enterprises offer
 universal access to applications and data, end users become extremely
 dependent on their computers.  The latest level of Netfinity Manager and
 Client Services, Netfinity 5.2,  included in Aurora,  gives network
 administrators the visibility and capabilities they need to initiate and
 manage services for LAN-connected clients and servers.  Netfinity for OS/2 is
 the ideal solution for departmental server/client management.

 Another important aspect of universal access is making all things accessible.
 In an age of total accessibility, it becomes unacceptable for one system not
 to be able to get to a file located on another. Enabling business data to be
 shared horizontally across the enterprise helps increase its value.  Aurora
 delivers cost-effective ways to manage information and share intellectual
 property interdepartmentally, company-wide or using the Web.  With Network
 File System (NFS), a feature included with Aurora, a RISC (AIX/UNIX) drive can
 be mounted and made a sharable resource to OS/2  Warp Server's clients.

 In addition, Aurora's remote connection services give users full, secure
 access to the LAN from home or on the road, using the integrated Virtual
 Private Network function of the TCP/IP stack and its point-to-point protocol
 (PPP) server function.  The IBM Enhanced Remote Access Connection Server for
 OS/2 Warp Server allows point-to-point protocol (PPP) clients, including
 Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 95, IBM OS/2 Internet Dialer, and IBM 8235
 users, to remotely access  the LAN.  This Aurora feature offers OS/2 Warp
 Server users a wide variety of remote client access support and offers new
 levels of performance and security plus low cost of ownership, adding further
 value to the OS/2 Warp Server network operating system.

 Preserving Past Investments while Preparing for the Future

 Many large enterprises rely on mission-critical applications that run on OS/2
 and would be fine left alone in a world that stands still; but implementation
 of a common currency across Europe and the year 2000 are looming on the
 horizon.  Business requirements change as we approach the 21st century.
 Businesses need to move forward, but equally important  is their  need to
 preserve investments they've made in applications, systems and hardware.

 Trade press and business publications continue to report extensively on the
 Year 2000 problem, frequently focusing on extreme examples.  While predictions
 range from the most dire to a bothersome blip, time is running short for
 corporations to stabilize mission-critical applications so that they function
 correctly in the 21st century. And with the euro currency going into effect in
 1999, applications need the ability to work with the new code pages. Aurora
 includes Year 2000 and euro currency readiness to help safeguard companies
 from the obvious, and not so obvious,  ramifications of these changes.

 The Logical Volume Manager (LVM) in Aurora will make it easier to to manage
 dynamic DASD requirements.  Many terabytes of data are added to the Internet
 every month.  This growing volume of files and databases requires expandable
 system DASD.  Logical drives can now span multiple physical hard drives.  With
 permanent or sticky drive letter assignments, hard drives can be moved or
 added without changing their drive letter designation.  Partitions can grow
 without reformatting.

 One of the ways in which technology causes change is by constantly providing
 the means for engineers to create new devices.  These devices are good  for
 business -- they make things run faster, better, and easier.  The difficulty
 is in integrating this growing spectrum into the corporate network. Aurora
 helps to simplify this with support of the Intelligent Input/Output
 Architecture Specification (I2O).

 I2O is an industry standard architecture that defines a new interface from
 processor to I/O adapters.  This specification provides for movement of
 function from the system CPU to the adapter card.  Use of I2O, either on the
 motherboard or as an adapter in servers, frees up the CPU, which helps
 increase  throughput.  OS/2 Warp Server introduces I2O for SCSI drives and for
 Ethernet and token ring LAN.

 Enterprises can now be confident that as long as their device driver supports
 the current I20 specification, OS/2 Warp Server will support that device
 driver. Existing mission critical OS/2 applications will run with new devices
 that comply with the current I2O specifications.

 Responding Quickly to Business Needs at Reasonable Cost From an I/T
 perspective responding to business needs often requires purchasing a new
 system or application. Over time, purchases inspired by a specific requirement
 accumulate. The result can be a difficult-to-manage heterogeneous environment
 that strains resources and drives up support costs.

 Aurora aims to help customers better manage the challenges of today's and
 tomorrow's mixed platform enterprises. Aurora fits within a customer's
 network, provides extensive heterogeneous client support, manages non-IBM NOS
 platforms, and provides powerful application, file, and print serving.  The
 OS/2 Warp 4 interface, with enhancements based on customer feedback, provides
 a graphical interface for routine management tasks.

 Aurora comfortably integrates into heterogeneous server environments with its
 new ability to manage NT 4.0 Servers, eliminating redundant maintenance tasks.
 Adding Windows NT Server management capability gives administrators the
 ability to create, update and delete user accounts, passwords and groups using
 an easy-to-use graphical interface or a rich command line interface. The user
 account and group information can be synchronized seamlessly with Windows NT
 4.0 servers in the OS/2 Warp Server domain.  In addition, end users only need
 to logon to one server to access all shared resources within the domain --
 files, applications, and printers -- rather than entering multiple IDs and
 passwords to access information on different server NOS platforms.

 A typical scenario would have OS/2 Warp Server as the primary domain
 controller where user  accounts, passwords and some applications reside.
 Other servers in the network would host (or serve) applications such as
 databases or transaction software.  One or more servers would also host (or
 serve) Windows NT for file/print and Win32 applications.  End-users can now
 have universal access to all servers, files, printers and applications through
 a single OS/2 Warp Server domain.

 The flow of user account data is unidirectional, from the Aurora domain to the
 NT additional Server. Managing  User and Group accounts at the Aurora domain
 controller, with dynamic updates on the NT additional Server, eases the
 network administrator's workload.  Where needed, administrators may configure
 persistent user accounts and groups that remain unique on either the NT or
 Aurora server.

 With DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Server) for Windows 95 and NT Clients,
 administrators no longer have to worry about the addresses for their Windows
 95 and Windows NT clients. These DDNS clients bring added security to network
 clients and more importantly, to remote laptop users. Windows clients now have
 the same DDNS support administrators have relied on for managing OS/2 Warp,
 WorkSpace On-Demand and AIX clients. All the time formerly spent in large I/T
 shops  manually updating domain servers with an IP address can now be used
 more productively. And administrators can feel more comfortable with the added
 security that DDNS brings.

 Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) enables a user to change locations
 within a  network and dynamically get an IP address that works for that new
 location. DHCP will even assign the user the closest printer.  As a side note,
 for customers that do not want to put this additional DDNS code on client
 workstations, DHCP proxy support allows network administrators to get the
 labor saving benefits of Dynamic IP on any industry standard DHCP client.

 Dynamic IP allows users to just use the host name no matter how much movement
 there is around the network. Users are no longer encumbered with having to
 remember addresses for their colleagues or their printers.  It's done
 automatically.  The DDNS client dynamically changes the hostname-to-IP address
 mappings and provides additional security beyond the DDNS Proxy, which brings
 Dynamic IP capabilities to any DHCP client in the industry.

 For responding to future business needs or retrofitting old programs for
 universal access, Aurora comes with two toolkits designed for e-business. OS/2
 Warp Developers Kit for Java 1.1.6, currently available from IBM Software
 Choice,  delivers a full implementation of  Sun's Java Development Kit. It
 builds on the functionality already available with performance, scalability,
 and reliability enhancements.  Look for the latest version to be included with
 Aurora at launch time.

 Aurora supports the Light Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), a standards-based
 Internet directory protocol, and offers IBM's OS/2 LDAP Client Toolkit for C
 and Java Version 1.0 for C and Java programmers who want to enable new  or
 existing applications to access, search, and update LDAP servers, using LDAP
 V2 or LDAP V3 protocols.  OS/2 LDAP Java/C Toolkit supplies the libraries,
 files, documentation, and samples needed to develop  C or Java
 directory-enabled applications that can access a variety of LDAP-based
 directory servers.

 The LDAP toolkit provides TCP/IP access to directories that support the LDAP
 protocol. This includes X.500 directories that support LDAP. The OS/2 LDAP V3
 Client Toolkit includes various sample LDAP client programs and an LDAP client
 library used to provide programmatic access to the LDAP protocol.  The LDAP
 toolkit for C programmers supports connections established using a Secure
 Socket Layer (SSL) interface. This can be used to provide data encryption of
 LDAP messages that flow between the LDAP client and server.

 It takes more than just good programming languages and toolkits to be
 responsive to the constant demands of today's competitive environment. It
 requires an infrastructure architected for quick deployment of new software.
 The thin client architecture is state-of-the-art for quickly rolling out new
 applications or updates to a wide range of remotely located client systems.
 OS/2 Warp Server is the premiere platform for WorkSpace On-Demand, IBM's thin
 client offering. The Aurora enhancements to OS/2 Warp Server, especially in
 the areas of reliability and availability, only serve to strengthen it as a
 strategic server-based client platform.

 Many customers that have installed WorkSpace On-Demand have found that it
 reduced their client ownership costs, expedited deployment of new applications
 and supported their transformation to the Java Application Model, while
 allowing them to maintain and use their existing OS/2 applications. Other
 customers have been pleased with WorkSpace On-Demand's ability to help them
 extend their investments in client hardware. In general, WorkSpace On-Demand
 is breaking new ground for companies undergoing an e-business transformation.
 (For more information on WorkSpace On-Demand see
 http://www.software.ibm.com/os/workspace.)

 Aurora's performance improvements add value to OS/2 Warp Server as a platform
 for WorkSpace On-Demand and Internet Web Serving. For example, it  includes a
 level of TCP/IP / MPTS with capacity and performance improvements over version
 TCP/IP V4.1.  Connection management upgrades contribute to the improvements.
 Currently, a connection between two points requires three distinct resources
 to maintain the connection.  When the connection shuts down, these resources
 create overhead while they wait for residual data or control information to
 complete.  A  better use of memory and faster connections can occur if a new
 incoming connection from the same host can use those existing resources.

 Better connection buffering management also helps improve performance.  Data
 traveling over the network interface is held in fixed-size buffers.  Aurora
 improves throughput by synergistically regulating buffer size in correlation
 to the OS kernel.  Other enhancements allow the Aurora TCP/IP to take
 advantage of the SMP kernel, reduce the amount of handshake required prior to
 connecting, and improve HTTP server connection management. These improvements
 help OS/2 Warp Server to handle a wider number of connections much faster --
 exactly what's needed for a server-based architecture.

                Aurora - Foundation for e-business Transformation

 Aurora consolidates previous OS/2 Warp Server V4 releases into a single,
 CD-media package.  Current OS/2 Warp Server V4.0 FixPaks and current OS/2 Warp
 Server V4.0 Software Choice features will be rolled into Aurora, including
 Year 2000 and euro currency readiness, Java and Netscape, as well as improved
 TCP/IP.

  Aurora also includes Netfinity V5.2, LDAP Client, Dynamic IP Client for Win95
 and NT and OS/2 Warp Server Backup/Restore V6.0.  And the new high performance
 JFS delivers increased server reliability.  Seamless Windows NT Server
 Management, which allows Windows NT 4.0 servers to be seamlessly integrated
 into a network, fortifies Aurora's capability in mixed environments. Industry
 standard support for Intelligent Input/Output (I2O) adapters for SCSI disks
 and LAN Ethernet and token ring is also planned.

 What this adds up to is a powerful mission-critical foundation for the
 e-business transformation.  Aurora's features are designed to meet the more
 rigorous performance and availability requirements of universal access.  It
 can facilitate the transition to network computing and the Java Application
 Model with the Java and LDAP toolkits.

 Yet its support of existing OS/2 applications and eased administration of
 Windows platforms can preserve existing investments. And most definitely, it
 is the optimum platform for WorkSpace On-Demand -- IBM's proven product for
 reducing cost of ownership, speeding deployment of new applications and
 transitioning to network computing. Aurora is the definitive Intel server in a
 comprehensive computing infrastructure that meets today's and tomorrow's
 demanding requirements.

 Appendix A - The First Step: Installation

 Aurora  provides performance and capacity enhancements for both single and
 multiple processor systems.  The Aurora installation process determines the
 processor configuration, installs both the uni-processor and SMP kernels on
 the hard drive, and utilizes the appropriate kernel.  If additional processors
 are added, the upgrade process is simplified by a utility that points to the
 already installed SMP Kernel.  Aurora is optimized for 8-way SMP systems.
 This is an optimization statement, not a limitation statement.  The
 architectural limits for the CPUs will be 64.

 Since many corporations use the CID install process, enhancements to that
 process were a priority. Aurora includes a  "Top Install" shell to collect
 installation data and generate a response file for input to the CID
 installation of individual services.  All operating system services are CID
 installable.

 For attended installations, there is a single installation path similar to the
 "Advanced Installation Path" in OS/2 Warp 4 and OS/2 Warp Server 4.  The Easy
 Path provided in previous releases was seldom used and therefore not included
 in Aurora, eliminating the need for an installation path decision. New checks
 in the installation process detect when certain steps required for a
 successful installation have not been performed.  Aurora's installation
 provides a  utility to report the status so additional complications and
 errors can be prevented during installation.

 The processes to prepare the media for installation have been updated.  Aurora
 provides a  new version of the FDISK utility, called LVMDISK, to support LVM.
 LVMDISK enables JFS volumes to be created during installation.  While the base
 operating cannot be installed on a JFS partition, JFS partitions can be
 specified for installing other components.

 New hardware which becomes available after Aurora ships can be supported with
 modifications to the kicker diskettes used to start the installation.  The
 documentation describes the procedures to add a device driver to the boot
 diskettes or to replace a driver that shipped in the original packaging.

                                    Migration

 When upgrading from prior OS/2 Warp Server versions, Aurora delivers the same
 ease of migration utilities as OS/2 Warp Server 4.  IBM Redbooks are planned
 to detail the steps required for a successful migration.

 More information on the OS/2 family of products is available at
 http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp.  Aurora information can be found at:
 http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/aurora.

 IBM software offers the widest range of applications, middleware and operating
 systems for all types of computing platforms, allowing customers to take full
 advantage of the new era of e-business.  The fastest way to get the latest
 information about IBM software is through the IBM software home page at
 http://www.software.ibm.com. " end pull out.

 They add the following also, so I better put it in here too: "Notice, All
 statements regarding IBM's future direction and intent are subject to change
 or withdrawal without notice, and represent goals and objective only."

 Well, after all that, I would like to purchase a copy of the beta, and would
 like the final version when it is released, so bad that I can, that I can, I
 don't know that I can <smile>, I just fell in love with it, if in fact it does
 what it says it will.

 Aurora, a goddess of dawn ( the begining of a new day ), Aurora, a city by
 Chicago ( a play for Win95 ? ). We will just have to wait and see.....

 end Aurora report, DannyG.

 A new version of QikBac is out for those who have registered the first version
 ( 01.b ).  It includes INI backup for WinOS2. The install program will add
 this feature to the QikBac program by replacing the QikBac EXE and adding some
 new ones too.

 If you are a registered person and you have not recieved you update as yet, it
 is coming. However, if in a few weeks or by the end of Sept.98 you have not
 seen it, write me and let me know. I will send it to you, with my apologies
 <smile>.

 Below are some screen shots of the new features found in QikBac:

 when you press the button above now, you get the following:

 to backup WinOS2 INI files

 The future for the QikBac utilities look very good. I am planning to make all
 the utilities come together, from QikView to QikBac features. They will become
 more varsitile during install, so the user can install the features they want.

 So if you do not want to have real Dos/Windose support, install will not try
 to install it, as it does now. This will make it larger and so download will
 not be as fast as it is now. I am going to offer it on disk too.

 Another feature that I am adding will be a backup feature for the Warp Center
 Files. This is in the works now. If you have an idea you would like to see
 added, please feel free to send it in. If I use it, I will send you a
 registered copy and put you on the list.

 The new versions of the QikBac utilities are not uploaded to the web, but are
 only sent to registered owners of the earlier versions. You may get a copy of
 the updated by registering.

 Development of OS/2 applications and shareware work from those who show
 support by registering. At only $5.00 for life time support, this is the best
 way to go, as support also means free updates to the new releases.

 O, I almost forgot, one of the prizes in the contest will be a registered copy
 of the QikBac utilities, this will be given to all those who solve the puzzel
 or riddle. The main prize will only go to the drawn winner of those sending in
 the correct answers.

 Well this about covers the room for whats new and up and running, but in the
 next panel, we are talking about the next version of OD.

  If You Have A Program Review, Or Request, Let Me Know.....

                               End Of This Section.


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 2.1. This Is New ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This next generation of Stardock's Object Desktop, looks like it will be a
wonderful program for OS/2 users. The following is from Brad Wardell at
Stardock, and what he has to say is making a lot of people smile.

Object Desktop 2.0 brings you all the same powerful features that <All
Files>were in v1.5 along with many features that were also in Object Desktop
Professional, including Object Viewers, Desktop Backup Advisor, Object Security
and more.

But that's not all! Object Desktop 2.0 , like its predecessors, carries on the
tradition of enhancing the WorkPlace Shell.  Object Desktop 2.0 can help make
your desktop the most productive and user friendly environment that is
available!

      SDS45 Object Desktop v2.0  $81.95

      SDS46 Object Desktop v2.0 Upgrade from v1.5 $54.95

      SDS47 Object Desktop v2.0 Upgrade from OD Pro $37.50

 Or, save big by purchasing Object Desktop v1.5 for only $12.50, then the
 Upgrade for $54.95! You'll save over 17% off the price of version 2.0!

 Object Desktop 2.0 is nearly complete.  Beta 3 was made available to Early
 Experienced users and beta 4 later. 2.0 is shaping up to be the most
 successful Object Desktop version yet.

 Stardock has finally set it up so that users can pre-order it.  You can order
 it by calling 1-800-672-2338 or on-line at
 https://www.outreach.com/stardock/order_ship.html.  Stardock's home page has a
 preview of all the new features.

 Two of them really stand out as very popular with users: Object Netscan and
 Enhanced Windows 2.0.  Object Netscan can tell you how much internet bandwidth
 you're using ALL TOGETHER.  There is nothing on Windows that can compare to it
 in terms of accuracy and ease of use. Even OS/2 administrators could find use
 to finding out how much bandwidth their OS/2 web servers are using.

 The other really popular new feature is the ability to, right from the folder,
 type in a URL, or a directory path and have the folder window change to the
 appropriate place. Object Desktop 2.0 will be released on October 17 at
 Warpstock.

 From what I have read about Object Desktop, it going to be a wonderful program
 and much more powerful then its earlier developments.

 Note that some have had problems running Object Desktop, as with any program,
 you may or may not like it. You all have the right to try it.

 Go to http://www.stardock.com and see it for yourself. I have put some screen
 shoots in the Team Brief, but the site is much better.

                                       End


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 3. Main Brief ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

                            We Have A Project....!!!!

We need those who would like to see David Moskowitz's new book, OS/2 Warp 4
Unleashed published, to drop by Prentice Hall web site and let them know.  Just
drop by and write Mike Meehan and tell him that you would like to purchase this
book. If of coarse they put it in print.

We have told them that this would be of great benefit to the OS/2 community. If
you liked the other Unleashed books, please take the time to drop by the site
and let them know. We have taken the first steps to get it going.

If you have never read one of the Unleashed books by David Moskowitz, then you
have not been reading your bible <smile>. Following are some corespondence from
Prentice Hall and David Moskowitz, and myself. Please take the time to join
Team OS/2 and others in the OS/2 community to respond to this new push,
project, or what ever you wish to call it. I call it support myself, support
for those who support OS/2 with new programs and new teaching materials.

With more and more rumors heard coming out of the halls of IBM, about another
release of OS/2 (to be called by another name), it would be wonderful to have
an updated Unleashed Book.

What I wrote to David

Hi David,

This is Daniel Goggia, Danny=G, the editor of the Team Brief and member of Team
OS/2, POSSI, developer of the QikBac Utilities for OS/2.  I am also the person
who has been trying to get support for your book, Unleashed OS/2 Warp 4 book
published.

Last I talked to you, I had heard from Prentice Hall. Well, they have contacted
me about getting a hold of you, and have asked me to send them a list of the
OS/2 Community's support for the book.

Here is a copy of the e-mail I received:

      Subj:     Moskowitz OS/2 WARP UNLEASED-status

      Date:    10/30/98 5:24:23 PM EST

      From:    MMEEHAN/[e-mail] (Mike Meehan Prentice Hall-PTR)

      To:    [e-mail] (Daniel Goggia)

 Hi Danny,

 Your e-mail of several weeks ago regarding the possible new edition of the
 Moskowitz OS/2 book has founds its way to me.

 I know a period of time has passed but i would like to talk with you about
 your ideas for a new edition if possible. Can you get back to me with a phone
 number,location,time zone and when it would be good to call? Hope to hear from
 you.

 Regards, Mike Meehan

      Subj:     David Moskowitz

      Date:    11/9/98 7:51:54 AM EST

      From:    MMEEHAN/[e-mail] (Mike Meehan Prentice Hall-PTR)

      To:    [e-mail] (Daniel Goggia)

 Hi Danny,

 My efforts to contact David have not been successful-however I have heard from
 a number of people that would like to see his book revised. It would be good
 if we (I) could talk to David before he gets buried by the rumors-not a good
 way to start off a relationship.

 Any further ideas as to how I can reach him?

 Regards, Mike

      Subj:     Re: Fwd: David Moskowitz's Unleashed Book

      Date:    11/9/98 12:03:59 PM EST

      From:     (David Moskowitz)

      Reply-to:    David

      To:    [e-mail], [e-mail]

 John and Danny, thank you!

 Mike Meehan did call this morning to talk about the book.  While we don't have
 a signed contract, it does appear that we will, at least, investigate the
 possibility of doing another edition.  When I finished with Mike I called
 David Kerr (my co-author) and left a voice mail for him.

 Soooo...

 Danny, it appears your persistance has sparked some interest.  Again, thank
 you!

 David

      Subj:     Re: Unleashed Book

      Date:    11/10/98 9:55:17 AM EST

      From:  (David Moskowitz)

      Reply-to: David Moskowitz

      To:    [e-mail]

 Danny, just to be clear... at this point we don't have a book!  What we DO
 have is interest. I think it would be VERY premature to suggest to people that
 there will be another edition of the book.

      There are a few things that have to occur before we can start the project
      (not necessarily in order).

      -- I have to be able to put together a team to make it happen.

      -- The contract terms have to be negotiated (including the financials,
      timeframe, etc.)

      -- We have to be able to get the necessary support from IBM

      -- Table of contents (most likely will focus on Aurora and related stuff

      -- IOW the book probably won't be client only -- and then we have to make
      sure we can do a credible job within an acceptable page count)

      -- Other stuff that I don't recall at the moment...  ;-))

 The key: if any one of these doesn't happen the probability of doing the book
 is reduced. Also note, from my perspective, it isn't just a matter of "doing
 the book," each edition of the book has been better than its predecessors. Any
 new edition would have to met that standard (and, I admit to being the arbitor
 of the standard ;-)).

 Soooo...

 We've taken a small step, in the right direction. However, we still have a
 long way to go before the book is even close to a reality.

 David

 When you write to Mike, do it with a group if you can. If you can not, then
 send me your support to send in with Team OS/2 support. If neither of those
 work for you, then please send in your thought to Mike.

 So get together on this one and let them know how you feel, why you think this
 book would be of use, and of course that you would purchase it, if it were
 printed.

 This Team Brief is late(again) and short on it's main subject and may very
 well be for the next issue. I am in the middle of starting my retirement (a
 early unwanted one), the paper work and all are overwhelming. We will try
 harder in the future to get the Team Brief out on monthly issues again, I
 hope<g>.

 To add to all of this my father has passed away also. I never knew how much I
 would miss him, and have learned more about him now then I did in my younger
 years...........

 Are you planning something ? Do you have a tip ? Maybe a story ? Some code to
 share ? If you do........please send it in to me at [e-mail] and at
 some point I'll share it with the readers of the Team Brief. Thank
 You.................................................

 We Really Could Use Your Input!!

                                   End Section


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 4. Ideas And Tips ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

One of the most important things to know and ask yourself on your computer,
when your having problem, is it hardware, or software related?

If you can answer that question, then you have a third of the battle won. When
the problem is narrowed down to software or hardware, then you will know how to
proceed in solving the problem.

On your desktop, click open your Assistance Center folder by clicking on it
twice with your left mouse button (LMB). When it opens, click twice on the
folder that says troubleshooting, it will open, and you should now see a little
book that has troubleshooting written underneath it.

When you click on this troubleshooting book twice with LMB, it opens to give
you help on many things. One area that is very helpful is the section on " Does
the problem Involve Hardware or Software?

IBM gives you a good flow chart here to help you reach your answer. Go through
this section if you have not done so, and review it when you can from time to
time. Practice makes perfect the saying goes.

Some problems will have a flow on more then one chart, and it may take you
awhile to determine if the problem is hardware or software. It is even easy to
get discuraged, but take a deep breath and try going through the steps. If you
need further help, get on line and ask Team OS/2, or some other OS/2 group. You
can usually solve the problem with some work and trial and error.

I have covered the troubleshooting INF book that is on your OS/2 desktop
before. This is a very helpful source of information for your use. So use it,
and take notes from it. From time to time we will go through mock problems and
use knowledge from the INF book and other places to get the problem solved.

Better yet, send in a problem you have, and or how you solved it/we will put it
in the Brief how it was solved.

We have one of those problems now, a video problem on a IBM Thinkpad. It is
running OS/2 Warp 4, the desktop is set to run in 800x600, but the Win-OS/2
session will not run in 800x600. The user keeps getting errors and lockups.

The system uses MWAVE, and came with OS/2 Warp 3 redspine version, and worked
good before the upgrade to Warp 4. Any ideas?

Here is a final tip or note, in this and upcoming Team Briefs, will be clues
and more clues to help solve the mystery. Look over the Brief well, for clues,
buttons that lead to clues, and you could win the prize.

If you have any further questions on this tip, or need more of a one on one
help, please write me at [e-mail]  be glad to help.

This ends the tips for this Team Brief Hope you enjoy them... and even more
that they help in someway.  If you have a tip to share, please send it to me at
[e-mail]

                                   End Section


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. Closing Until Next Time ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ



To close this Team Brief, I am left with the thoughts of the rumbles about a
new OS/2 version. Which makes sense to get the year 2000 compliant. Yes, I know
that this could be done with a fix pack, but with #9 done, don't you think that
IBM would just rather go to the next version?

For those who run more then one system, (such as me)  the new version of
windows (98), runs better than 95. For me anyway. I am very sorry, I will try
not to mention that name again <smile>.

We need to write to David and let him know what you would like to see in the
book (Unleashed ). He wants new ideas, and needs the input and those who can
write, and are experts or can dig up the correct information to put into
writing, to help if you can.

You can see this letter on many sites, and in closing I wanted to put it in
this Team Brief here at the end. This so it would be on your mind to do
something, to help Team OS/2 help you and all the OS/2 community.

Posted Letter From David:

      Subject: Re: Warp 4 Unleashed Book

      Date: 11/13/98 6:25 PM Pacific Standard Time

      From: PCR DavidM Message-id:

 Danny, you've had some success, too!

 I posted the following on Warpcast and here is a copy for us!

 First, a hearty, "Thank you," to everyone who asked for a revised version of
 "OS/2 Warp Unleashed."  Your persistance may, indeed, pay off.

 I'm in the middle of discussions with a publisher who believes in the project.
 There are some steps we must take before we can proceed. The two we're
 focusing on now are:

      (a) develop a table of contents (ToC) and a proposal

      (b) put together a team to make it happen.

 The publisher wanted us to develop the ToC first and then run it by the folks
 who responded directly to them.  I told the publisher that I'd rather let it
 start with our readers.

 So, this is your opportunity!  What would you like to see in the next edition
 of "...Unleashed," it is WIDE open!!!

 Somethings we've discussed: IBM's latest Warp Server for e-commerce (codenamed
 Aurora), Internet access, Java (and NetRexx), CID, FixPack installation,
 interoperability with other systems, client side, server side, whatever...
 There are NO limits!

 Like past editions of the book we'll focus on what is, not what might be. We
 will make sure to dig beneath the surface to provide our readers with the best
 possible coverage of any book. That much you can assume...  ;-))

 This is a golden opportunity.  Rarely has there been such a strong movement to
 revive a book.  Thanks to everyone who persisted and refused to give up.

      The bottom line:

      I have two separate and related needs...

      1.  Content, what you'd like to see the book cover

      2.  Volunteers...  my other task is to put together a team to make this
      happen. OS/2 has not gotten smaller, it will take a team to make it
      happen.  So, if you're interested in writing a chapter or two for the
      book, let me know (I also need to know your field of expertise, too ;-)).

 I'm looking for experts or people willing to do the digging to become expert!
 People who have already discovered or willing to commit to take the time to
 present to readers what should have been in the manual(s).

 I don't know about financial arrangements. I haven't gotten that far in my
 discussions with the publisher.  If you have specific requirements in this
 area, I need to know that, too.

 There it is...  If you really want to see another edition of Warp Unleashed
 now is the time. Let me know.  We can make this happen!

 Please feel free to spread this note far and wide.  The more people that
 respond the better.  Don't assume that someone else requested something you
 want. Don't assume someone else volunteered.  You do it!  When you assume you
 make an "ass" of "u" and, "me."  Do it!!!

 Thank you!!!

 David Moskowitz

 I think what David said at the end covers it very well. I am always looking
 for things sent to me for the Team Brief, and it seems everyone always thinks
 someone else is doing it. Let me tell you, when I say please send in what you
 can, I really mean it. If you like OS/2 and the things that go with it, then
 know that it's really up to you.

 Remember to send me your thoughts and ideas, if you have any, or just a story
 of how you are helping to promote OS/2 GO TEAM,,,,GO.........................

                     See ya, Keep it huuummmiiinnngggggg!!!!!

                       End Team Brief Aug/Sept/Oct/Nov 1998


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. Readme ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

The Team Brief is a Team OS/2 News Letter put into a brief INF format. What it
is trying to attempt is give views from both Users of OS/2 and Team OS/2
Members.  It has been published since November 1996, however the first real
format of the Team Brief began the following month of December.

It has and will try to cover issues in the world of OS/2, stories, thoughts,
pictures, and new software. Along with what Team OS/2 and other User Groups are
up to.

Since the Team Brief of 10/97, we have had sound incorporated into the Team
Brief.  For you to hear the sound, you must have MMPM/2 installed and the DLL
file " IPFE_VSM.DLL " copied into your OS2\DLL directory.  You may have it in
another directory if the directory you choose is in you Path statement. If you
do not have the IPFE_VSM.DLL, or do not have it in the right directory, a error
message will appear telling you.  You can just close the message box and go on
with no problems.

You can get the IPFE_VSM.DLL from downloading the Team Brief
tmb1097.zip(hobbes) or the tmb1097.exe(AOL).  It is also on other OS/2 BBS's
with the same names.  This file is the Team Brief packaged along with the DLL
file.  Or you can just e-mail me at [e-mail] and I will be happy to
send it to you.  After you get it, just copy the DLL IPFE_VSM.DLL to your DLL
directory in your OS2 directory.  You will now hear the sound (should
anyway).<smile>

                                  Danny at work

Daniel Goggia (DANNY=G <Team OS/2 is the editor of the Team Brief. He writes
for it along with others who contribute their time and thoughts.  Daniel is the
Bridge Structure Supervisor for a government agency.  He is also a hobby
programer (QikBac, QikView).  He has been working with OS/2 since version 2.0
and has been with Team OS/2 since version 2.1.

Any one who wishes can submit a tip, story, thought[s], comment[s], picture[s]
(digital), sound bite (small wav), or something of interest to others who use
OS/2.  Please send them to [e-mail]

                                   End Readme


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden>  ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

This starts the game, for a prize that you may win.............

Just solve the problem, the riddle, the clues, and it could be you that has
thought it out, who has won the prize !!!!!

Other things click and move, but what, who knows what?


ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ <hidden>  ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ

Ok, this means that you have found the secret spot to push on, and so now
listen to what you must do................

You must write down this code word that follows this sentence, and keep it
safe, but only after you have put it together right: HIPARGCS

Solve the word, put it away, more will be added to it later, this is TRUE.

End Clue