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Newsgroups: comp.os.os2.misc,comp.os.os2.apps,news.answers,comp.answers Path: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uchinews!kimbark!sip1 From: sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu (Timothy F. Sipples) Subject: OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List Rel. 2.1C (3 of 4) Message-ID: <1993Aug28.041558.27575@midway.uchicago.edu> Followup-To: comp.os.os2.misc Sender: news@uchinews.uchicago.edu (News System) Supersedes: <1993Jun14.063756.26179@midway.uchicago.edu> Reply-To: sip1@midway.uchicago.edu Organization: Dept. of Econ., Univ. of Chicago Date: Sat, 28 Aug 1993 04:15:58 GMT Approved: news-answers-request@mit.edu Expires: Fri, 15 Oct 1993 23:59:59 GMT Lines: 1263 Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu comp.os.os2.misc:74982 comp.os.os2.apps:20745 news.answers:11856 comp.answers:1778 Archive-name: os2-faq/user/part3 Version: 2.1C [Part 3 of 4] BackMaster MSR Development (409) 564-1862 MaynStream Maynard (407) 263-3500 The OS/2 BACKUP utility is best used from an OS/2 diskette boot [See (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette]. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (3.12) Multiuser Extensions and Security What multiuser extensions and security options are available? As shipped, OS/2 does not support multiuser operation, although third parties have grafted multiuser capabilities onto the base operating system. These products include: Software Title Company Telephone Remote-OS Software Lifeline (407) 994-4466 OS2You ? See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources Citrix Citrix Systems (305) 755-0559 PolyMod2 MemSoft (407) 997-6655 {{ DCAF IBM (800) IBM-CALL }} PC/DACS (Pyramid, phone 203-257-4223) offers security (for multiple users, one at a time, in a lab setting for example). IBM LAN Server provides local security (as well as LAN-oriented multiuser features). Related information: (3.8) Networking Products (3.13) Disk Compression What on-the-fly disk compression software is available? {{ Stacker for OS/2 and DOS (Stac Electronics) and DCF/2 (Proportional Software, phone 303-484-2665) are available for OS/2. Stacker provides on-the-fly disk compression for FAT drives only. The product is compatible with both Stacker for DOS and MS-DOS 6.0's DoubleSpace disk compression. Early purchasers of the product should download a patch available from CompuServe to address problems with the handling of extended attributes. DCF/2 compresses both FAT and HPFS drives. The DCF/2 container file can even be located on other devices besides hard disks. However, many users have not been satisfied with the product's performance. }} Related information: (0.2) Recent Developments (4.7) Online Services (3.14) Dealers Specializing in OS/2 Are there any dealers that specialize in OS/2 products? {{ The following software dealers are either totally or predominantly geared to OS/2 customers: o Below Zero (800-461-2777, 403-547-0669, or FAX 403-547-1018). Based in Calgary. Will export to the United States and other countries. o The Corner Store. The world's first OS/2-only store. Located in Litchfield, Connecticut. o Indelible Blue (800-776-8284, 919-834-7005 or FAX 919-783-8380). Offers a huge selection of OS/2 software at reasonable prices. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, and will export. o International OS/2 User Group (44-285-641175 or FAX 44-285-640181). Primarily for European OS/2 users, but will export elsewhere. Offers some OS/2 titles available no where else. Located in Gloucestershire, England. Discounts available to members. }} Related information: (3.10) Special Software Offers (4.0) Installation, Maintenance, and Support The following questions are addressed in this section: (4.1) I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do? (4.2) I can't install OS/2 from Drive B. What's wrong? (4.3) What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2? (4.4) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages now -- how do I "repair" my hard disk? (4.5) How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions? (4.6) What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get them? (4.7) Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join? (4.8) Are there any OS/2 user groups? (4.9) What OS/2 books and magazines are available? (4.10) How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM? (4.11) What OS/2 BBSes can I dial? (4.12) IBM has so many telephone numbers. Which one do I use? (4.1) Installation I am having trouble installing OS/2 2.1. What should I do? First consult the Installation Guide and other materials accompanying OS/2 2.1. Make sure your PC meets the system requirements in (2.1) Hardware Requirements. And if the following instructions do not help, fall back on IBM's toll free technical support (phone 800-992-4777 in the United States) and/or consult IBM's Tips and Techniques file [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. o {{ Midway through installation of OS/2 2.1 from CD-ROM, do not place a check mark in the box next to the CD-ROM Device Support option on the System Configuration screen. Do not attempt to view or change this CD-ROM drive selection. o When installing OS/2 2.1 from a CD-ROM drive that requires a driver not supplied by IBM, copy the OS/2 .ADD driver file to a copy of Diskette 1 and add the line: BASEDEV=xxxxxxxx.ADD to the end of the diskette's CONFIG.SYS file. After installation, if your CD-ROM drive is not functioning correctly, follow these steps (changing "C:" if necessary): 1. Copy the files OS2CDROM.DMD and CDFS.IFS from Diskette 1 to directory C:\OS2. 2. Edit CONFIG.SYS and add the following lines to the end of the file: BASEDEV=OS2CDROM.DMD /Q BASEDEV=CDFS.IFS /Q 3. Reboot. 4. Start Selective Install from the System Setup folder. Check the CD-ROM Device Support checkbox on the System Configuration screen. Click OK to display the list of CD-ROM drives. Select the appropriate choice (usually OTHER) and click OK. 5. Continue the Selective Install procedure until complete, then reboot. }} o {{ If you have formatted any of your hard drives with HPFS under OS/2 2.0, and you have upgraded to OS/2 2.1, go to an OS/2 command line (window or full screen) and type: CHKDSK x: where x is the drive letter. Repeat for all HPFS drives on your system. If you see the error SYS0551 you should immediately contact IBM for the "OS2DASD Fix" (or download it from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources). }} o Some PCs have trouble printing under OS/2 2.1. This problem can often be traced to an interrupt conflict, a substandard cable, an interfering software security "dongle," or a faulty printer adapter. LPT1 uses IRQ 7, and LPT2, if installed, uses IRQ 5. Interrupts should not be shared on AT bus machines. The SoundBlaster, for example, comes set to IRQ 7. Reset it to an unused interrupt. o Make sure adapters with onboard ROMs are not conflicting with other adapters. For example, many SuperVGA adapters use large segments of upper memory, and many hard disk adapters have onboard ROMs which can be mapped into the same areas. Adapters must not share address space or interrupts. Check your product manuals for more help. o Be sure adequate free disk space is available before installing, including space for a swap file. Drives compressed using Stacker, {{ DoubleSpace }}, or similar utilities should be uncompressed before installing (unless access to these drives from OS/2 is not needed). [A {{ DoubleSpace compatible, }} OS/2 version of Stacker is available, as is Proportional Software's (phone 303-484-2665) DCF/2 on-the-fly disk compression package.] o Do not select HPFS when installing if your machine has 6 MB of RAM or less, or diminished performance will likely result. Change the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS to REM IFS=... if necessary. o Be sure your CMOS setup parameters are set correctly, especially those relating to floppy drives. RAM should be given sufficient wait states and precharge cycles. Test with cache memory and/or shadow RAM disabled if necessary. The AT bus should run at 8 MHz. For best performance, make sure all your RAM is set to be cacheable. o If you are using the IBMINT13.I13 driver to access an MFM, RLL, or ESDI hard drive, and the hard drive has more than 1024 cylinders, be certain your hard disk adapter's sector translation mode is enabled. {{ Regardless of the driver you use, make sure your boot partition is completely inside the first 1024 cylinders. Older Adaptec SCSI adapters may require a free BIOS upgrade to recognize hard disks larger than 1 GB. Adaptec can be reached at 800-442-7274 or 408-945-8600. }} o Some Quantum LPS105AT IDE hard disks require a free ROM update (to Version 2.6) from the manufacturer to work with OS/2. o If your AMI keyboard BIOS is below Revision F you may need an update. Contact Washburn & Assoc. (phone 716-248-3627) for an inexpensive replacement. o Check to make sure keyboard DIP switches are set correctly. For example, if the keyboard is attached to a system with an AT bus it should typically be switched to "AT" mode. o "Autoswitching" on non-IBM EGA adapters should be disabled (usually with a DIP switch or jumper setting). In rare cases it may be necessary to switch third party VGA/SuperVGA adapters into 8-bit mode and/or disable "autosense." See (2.2) SuperVGA Support. o OS/2 is particularly sensitive to bad RAM or cache memory (often reflected in TRAP 0002 error messages). Use a thorough RAM testing utility, and try not to mix 9-chip and 3-chip SIMM/SIPP memory modules. When upgrading, avoid adding RAM which is not rated (in nanoseconds) at least as fast (i.e. with an equal or lower number) as the RAM already in the system. o Allow several minutes for OS/2 2.1 to build your desktop (and display icons) at the end of installation -- take the Tutorial offered to you in the meantime. Avail yourself of the "Start Here" icon, the other online help, and the README file located in the root directory. They will help in getting started with the Workplace Shell and in properly configuring your system. o When installing over a beta version of OS/2 be sure to reformat. o To install the Upgrade Edition of OS/2 2.1, DOS or OS/2 must already reside on the hard disk. If Diskette 1 is not write protected then the installation program will record a file indicating that upgrade terms have been satisfied and, in the future, will not require DOS or OS/2 on the hard disk to install. o OS/2 uses the same diskette format as DOS, so use DISKCOPY to backup the installation diskettes and verify that none have been corrupted. o Owners of IBM PS/2s should make sure that any applicable ECAs (engineering changes) have been performed and that the most recent Reference Diskette is in use. Reference Diskettes are available from the IBM PC Co. BBS (modem {{ 919-517-0001 }}). o Try disconnecting any tape backup device if "Cannot find COUNTRY.SYS" messages are encountered when booting OS/2. o An Always IN-2000 SCSI adapter with BIOS 3.06A or 3.20 requires an updated version from the manufacturer. A companion 8-pin serial PROM chip may also need to be updated. Contact Always at 818-597-9595. Also ask about non-IBMINT13.I13 driver support. o The TI TM4000 notebook may require a BIOS update to run OS/2 2.1; phone 817-771-5856 for help. {{ Also ask about an OS/2 driver for the QuickPort trackball. Before installing OS/2 on this machine, be sure to set Advanced OS Power off and HDD Motor Timeout Always On in the second page of the machine's setup screen. }} o For the technically advanced user, the following list of TRAP error codes may help you in addressing OS/2 problems. {{ Report any such TRAPs to IBM using the (4.10) Problem Report Form. }} Code Description 0000 Divide by zero error 0001 Debug exception 0002 Non Maskable Interrupt (usually memory parity error) 0003 Breakpoint (one byte INT 3 instruction) 0004 Overflow 0005 Bounds check (BOUND instruction) 0006 Invalid opcode 0007 Coprocessor not available 0008 Double fault 0009 (Reserved) 000A Invalid TSS 000B Segment not present 000C Stack exception 000D General protection 000E Page fault 000F (Reserved) 0010 Coprocessor error 0011-001F (Reserved) 0020-00FF Available for external interrupts via INTR pin o For the technically advanced user who wishes to install a secondary diskette controller (provided it uses a separate DMA channel, IRQ, and I/O address), the following parameters are available for the BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD line in CONFIG.SYS: Parameter Description /MCA Load on Microchannel machine /A:x Adapter ID (where x is 0 or 1) /IRQ:x Interrupt level (where x is a number) /DMA:x DMA channel (where x is a number) /P:hhhh Controller I/O address (hhhh) /U:x Drive number (where x is 0 to 3) /F:ccc Drive capacity (where ccc is 360KB to 2.88MB) /CL:tttt Changeline type (where tttt is NONE, AT, or PS2) /SPEC:hh Controller specify bytes (hh) Example: BASEDEV=IBM1FLPY.ADD /A:0 /DMA:3 /IRQ:10 /P:370 /U:0 /F:360KB Related information: (2.1) Hardware Requirements (2.2) SuperVGA Support (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes (4.10) Problem Report Form (4.2) Installation from Drive B I can't install OS/2 2.1 from Drive B. What's wrong? IBM OS/2 2.1 can only be installed starting from Drive A, like DOS (unless your BIOS supports booting from Drive B). After booting from Drive A, OS/2 can then be copied from CD-ROM or across a network. (For more information on installation across a network, see Remote Installation and Maintenance, IBM Publication No. GG24-3780. Related publications include Automated Installation for CID Enabled OS/2 2.0, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3783, and Automated Installation for CID Enabled Extended Services, LAN Server 3.0 and Network Transport Services/2, IBM Pub. No. GG24-3781.) If you have the wrong disk size go back to your dealer and obtain the correct media. Otherwise you could open your machine and swap floppy drive cable connectors, use your system's setup utility to set the new CMOS parameters, and then install OS/2 from the "new" Drive A. Sometimes the floppy drive cable connectors will not be the same. If so you can obtain an adapter plug. You may also use IBM's twin "bootstrap" diskette images [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources {{ and download INS21L.ZIP if your diskette labels are blue or INS21M.ZIP if your diskette labels are salmon }}] to boot from a 5.25 inch Drive A and install using 3.5 inch OS/2 diskettes inserted into Drive B. This procedure should only be used if absolutely necessary. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.1) Installation (4.3) Hard Disk Partitioning What is the best way to partition my hard disk for OS/2? There is no single best way to partition your hard disk for OS/2. For some advice on the subject you should consult the IBM OS/2 Installation and Planning Guide, available for download from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, and the OS/2 Installation Guide in the OS/2 package. It can be useful to place OS/2 by itself in a separate partition of about 40 or 50 MB. If you then elect to experiment with beta releases of OS/2, you can reformat that particular partition quite easily to erase all old code. The swap file can be placed on another partition; its location is determined by the SWAPPATH line in CONFIG.SYS. Partitioning should be performed by booting the OS/2 Installation Disk. Executing FDISK from the command line will not allow certain functions to be performed. Related information: (1.5) High Performance File System (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.4) Starting OS/2 from Diskette (and CHKDSK) How do I access HPFS partitions on my hard drive without booting from the hard drive? I'm getting error messages now -- how do I "repair" my hard disk? With IBM OS/2 2.1, insert the Installation Diskette, Shutdown (if necessary), and reboot. When prompted insert Diskette 1 and press ENTER. When prompted, press ESC. You will be given an OS/2 command line prompt. From there you can make necessary changes to your hard disk -- an OS/2 character mode text editor on diskette is handy for such changes. (Make sure you backup CONFIG.SYS before making any changes so that you can easily revert to the old version should things go wrong.) You may use this diskette boot method to run CHKDSK on your FAT or HPFS volumes. After you reach the command line, insert Diskette 2. Do not log to another drive. Type CHKDSK X: /F to repair most kinds of damage to your hard disk, replacing X with the appropriate drive letter. OS/2 CHKDSK will also mark your hard disk as accessible, if possible, should OS/2 "lock it out" for some reason. It will also allow Workplace Shell drive objects to open properly if they are not functioning correctly. Repeat {{ twice }} for each drive letter you wish to check and/or repair. "Errors" may be reported by CHKDSK if OS/2 was booted from the hard disk. These "errors" are normal. Since the hard drive is in use by OS/2 itself (and files are open) CHKDSK is unable to accurately report errors. The best way to avoid the need to perform CHKDSK is to always select Refresh then Shutdown. Click on the Workplace Shell desktop background using mouse button two to bring up the appropriate menu. Also, avoid manipulating OS/2-related files when using native DOS. Finally, enable autochecking for all your hard disk volumes. For HPFS volumes use the /AUTOCHECK parameter in the IFS=...HPFS line in your CONFIG.SYS. For FAT volumes use the AC parameter in the DISKCACHE line of your CONFIG.SYS. See the online Command Reference for details. Several utilities [including BOOTOS2; See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources] can create a single, bootable OS/2 diskette (as a convenience). Preloaded versions of OS/2 2.0 can create a bootable diskette pair from the Welcome folder. (This step, along with a full BACKUP after a diskette boot, should be performed immediately upon receipt of any IBM preloaded OS/2 2.0 system.) Related information: (1.5) High Performance File System (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support How can I get answers to my OS/2 questions? If your question is not answered in this List, post a note to the appropriate Usenet conference: comp.os.os2.apps carries discussions related to finding or using any application running under OS/2, comp.os.os2.networking looks at networking issues, comp.os.os2.advocacy deals with opinions and speculation, comp.os.os2.programmer.porting helps programmers move applications over to OS/2 from other operating systems and environments, comp.os.os2.programmer.misc addresses anything else related to OS/2 programming, comp.os.os2.beta explores beta releases of OS/2, comp.os.os2.ver1x supports all releases of OS/2 prior to Version 2.0, comp.os.os2.announce carries important OS/2 announcements, comp.os.os2.bugs discusses possible bugs found in released versions of the operating system, comp.os.os2.multimedia fosters conversation about OS/2 multimedia (including MMPM/2), comp.os.os2.setup offers a place to talk about setup and installation issues, and comp.os.os2.misc is for any other OS/2-related discussion. These groups are watched closely by OS/2 experts from IBM. Also, comp.lang.rexx discusses REXX programming. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) has a dedicated channel (#os/2) which provides round-the-clock, real time OS/2 support and information thanks to the efforts of several volunteers. If you are not familiar with IRC, ask your system administrator for help. {{ The latest IBM AIX, RS/6000, and OS/2 related product announcements are now available via Internet anonymous ftp from ibminet.awdpa.ibm.com (192.35.233.1) in directory /pub/announcements. }} A LISTSERVer distributes its own OS/2 conference by mail; send a single line message with the word HELP to listserv@cc1.kuleuven.ac.be for full instructions; or send the same message to listserv@frors12.circe.fr for information on an unedited mailing list. To subscribe to the Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 [See (3.6) Multimedia] mailing list, send a single line message with the phrase SUBSCRIBE MMOS2-L (Your Name) to mail-server@knex.via.mind.org. Your local FidoNet BBS may carry OS/2 echo conferences and/or OS2NET. If not, ask your system operator to join them. CompuServe (FIND OS/2), {{ Smartnet (an international network of PCBoard BBSes), }} and Prodigy are also excellent resources. The IBM PC Co. BBS's ( modem {{ 919-517-0001 }}) message areas, product database, and PS/2 Assistant file(s) are invaluable resources. Information on the IBM OS/2 BBS is included in the OS/2 2.1 package. In the United States IBM has toll free technical support (phone 800-992-4777), an OS/2 Hotline (general information, orders, upgrades, phone 800-3-IBM-OS2; ask about OS/2 videotapes, T-shirts, and other accessories), the HelpWare Center (phone 800-PS2-2227), a software order line (phone 800-IBM-CALL), and two FAX information services (phone 800-IBM-4FAX and/or 800-IBM-3395). In Canada phone IBM Personal Systems Software at 800-465-1234. OS/2 2.1 developers should contact the IBM Developer Assistance Program (phone 407-982-6408); membership is free. (You may also join on CompuServe with GO OS2DAP.) The OS/2 {{ Developer's Connection }} CD-ROM, containing a wide selection of development tools and code, is available from IBM (phone 800-3-IBM-OS2 to order in the United States; in Canada, phone 800-465-1234; in Australia, phone Rohaini Cain or Mike Voris at 13-2426 ext. 7684; elsewhere, contact the International OS/2 User Group by phoning 285-641175 in the U.K.) The OS/2 Device Driver Source Kit CD-ROM is also now available from IBM, Part No. 71G3703. To order phone 407-982-4239 (FAX 407-982-4218) in North America, 61-2-354-7684 (FAX 61-2-354-7766) in most of the Far East and Pacific Rim, 81-3-5563-5897 (FAX 81-3-5563-4957) in Japan, 81-2-528-1548 (FAX 82-2-528-1414) in Korea, or 52-627-1846 (FAX 52-395-7812) in Latin America. IBM offers classes worldwide to help in using and programming OS/2 2.1; phone your local IBM branch office (or the OS/2 Hotline) for more information. Or contact one of these third party providers of classes and training materials: Company Telephone Acumen People and Productivity 61-3-853-6662 Adaptive Research and Design 305-889-0070 Adar International 212-750-5820 Allied Computer Service Singapore 2948741 AOSI 415-586-3454 Applied Learning 708-369-3000 ATI 310-823-1129 Ron Beauchemin 203-285-5896 Bell and Associates 61-2-953-7619 Broadway and Seymour 800-274-9287 Chapman and Associates 714-831-4442 Charles Hatvany and Associates 617-648-4100 CIE 800-882-3981 Computer Information Associates 708-766-4677 Computer Training Center 901-753-9706 CompuTrainers 212-984-0522 Comsell 404-872-2500 Creative Systems Programming 609-234-1500 David Bernstein Company 206-282-8711 Denenfeld Systems Design 519-396-8088 Descriptor Systems 319-362-3906 Development Technologies 803-790-1234 Edutrends 201-838-6700 Chris Eldridge Pty Ltd. 61-2-016-289-093 Electronic Directions 212-213-6500 Fermier Consulting and Education 817-481-4966 Future Enterprises 202-662-7676 Gateway Technologies Corp. 203-693-1097 Hailey Griffin Corp. 416-475-4200 Huffman and Associates 805-461-1053 Iconisys 805-522-8863 InfoLink Solutions 404-876-1512 Infotec Training Institute 800-282-7990 Instruction Set 617-890-4930 Instructional Systems Co. 212-477-8800 Instructware 800-267-0101 iQ Training Systems 44-71-613-5771 IS International 407-994-4373 JRT Information Services 407-547-0178 Jensen Enterprises 616-429-9599 Kee Systems 301-880-0880 Kemtex Services 212-661-5770 Knowhow Solutions 61-2-955-9592 Dr. Michael S. Kogan 904-246-8341 Logical Operations 716-482-7700 Management Technology Education 61-2-261-5555 61-3-629-5811 61-7-840-9248 61-8-231-3048 61-9-324-1142 Mannix Enterprises 914-229-8109 Mentor Technologies 614-265-3170 Microtransfer 44-869-50340 Minasi and Company 703-276-8940 Object Management Laboratory 818-879-9620 One on One Computer Training 708-628-0500 One Up Corp. 214-620-1123 PC Dialogs 212-663-3459 PC Etcetera 212-736-5870 PCLC 212-953-9800 Professional Development Assoc. Singapore 2272883 Pinnacle Technology 918-455-2520 Productivity Point International 800-848-0980 Productivity Solutions 215-631-5685 Professional Development Assoc. 44-71-706-3744 Progressive Software Technologies 303-932-2051 QED Information Sciences 800-343-4848 Rockey and Assoc. 215-640-4880 SCS Computer Consulting 718-321-1572 Kenneth E. Sanger 914-948-8496 SE International 407-241-3428 Sims Software Technology 415-731-2222 Software Education Corp. 908-946-0606 Software Paradise 44-222-887521 Soza & Company 703-560-9477 Stratemm Pacific Ltd. New Zealand 07-578-5100 Testek 207-539-8825 Touchstone Systems Group 312-263-1444 User View 612-331-7212 ViaGrafix U.S. 918-825-6700 VisGrafix Australia 61-9-417-3178 Wave Technologies Training 214-650-9283 William H. Zack & Assoc. 203-255-2979 Worthman & Assoc. 303-290-9700 For a free copy of the IBM IV League catalog (with OS/2 books, videotapes, and other support materials), phone 800-342-6672. For more information on the IBM IV (Independent Vendor) League, an organization of individuals and companies who develop and market products and services that support OS/2, call 203-262-3769 or 203-262-3776. You may also dial the IV League BBS at 203-380-8264. If you need to reach any individual at IBM, but you do not know that person's direct telephone number, call the IBM Switchboard at 800-IBM-3333. {{ If you need to send electronic mail to any IBM employee who is reachable via the Internet, but you do not know that employee's address, try sending a message to nic@vnet.ibm.com with a Subject line that reads whois Smith, John (replacing Smith, John with the last name and first name of the person you are trying to reach). Leave the body of the message empty. }} See (4.9) Books and Magazines for information on OS/2 publications. Any of the regular DOS or Windows resources (e.g. books, magazines, shareware/freeware sources) will be useful since both environments come with OS/2 2.1. Related information: (1.3) DOS and Windows Compatibility (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (3.6) Multimedia (4.8) User Groups (4.9) Books and Magazines (4.10) Problem Report Form (4.6) Corrective Service Diskettes What are CSDs, how do I tell which I have, and where do I get them? CSDs are Corrective Service Diskettes, or bug fixes (Service Paks), periodically issued by IBM. The OS/2 CSD level number may be obtained using the command SYSLEVEL from an OS/2 command line prompt. CSDs are cumulative, i.e. only the most recent CSD is required to bring a system up from any previous CSD level. However, CSDs only apply within a major version number. For example, an upgrade, not a CSD, would bring OS/2 Version 2.0 up to Version 2.1. Note also that each national language (e.g. French, U.K. English) uses a distinct CSD. CSDs may be ordered by phoning 800-3-IBM-OS2. Customers with IBM customer numbers (usually large sites) should phone 800-237-5511 or order through IBMLink. Outside the United States, ask an authorized IBM dealer or representative for the CSD. CSDs may also be downloaded from the IBM PC Co. BBS (modem {{ 919-517-0001 }}), CompuServe (FIND OS/2), or from (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources. And CSDs may be ordered through IBM's OS/2 BBS. The latest, current OS/2 2.1 CSD level will be listed in this List and in the PS/2 Assistant files. At present there is no Service Pak for OS/2 2.1. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.7) Online Services Which online services support OS/2, and how do I join? IBM's official non-IBM online service for OS/2 user and developer support is CompuServe (FIND OS/2). In the United States you can obtain {{ a free introductory CompuServe membership by calling 800-524-3388 and asking for Representative 239. }} IBM maintains an unofficial presence on many other networks. For information on the Internet consult one of the many books describing the network. One example: The Whole Internet by Ed Krol, O'Reilly & Associates (phone 707-829-0515), ISBN 1-56592-025-2. Once you start using the Internet you should peruse the information files posted to the news.answers newsgroup to familiarize yourself with Internet resources. The OS/2 Roundtable (Page 1400, Keyword OS2) has opened on GEnie. To subscribe to GEnie, set your communications software to half duplex and either 1200 or 2400 bps then have your modem dial 800-638-8369 (800-387-8330 in Canada). Upon connection, type HHH and press RETURN. At the U#= prompt type SIGNUP and press RETURN, then follow the directions given. See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources, (4.5) Technical Support, and (4.11) OS/2 BBSes for information on other online services with high OS/2 content. Related information: (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources (4.5) Technical Support (4.11) OS/2 BBSes (4.8) User Groups Are there any OS/2 user groups? The following OS/2 user groups meet regularly: Northeast Ohio (Akron) OS/2 User Group Contact: Garey Smiley (phone 216-630-3565) Atlanta OS/2 Users Group Contact: Robert Cannon (phone 404-908-2121) {{ Spanish OS/2 User Group (Barcelona) Contact: Miguel Cruz (phone 34-1-683-33-75) }} Baton Rouge OS/2 Users Group Contact: David Arbour (phone 504-753-9637) {{ Charlotte (North Carolina) OS/2 Users Group Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone 919-254-2238) }} North Suburban Chicago OS/2 User's Group Contact: James Schmidt (phone 708-317-7405) Greater Chicago OS/2 User Group Contact: Lisa Der Mateosian (phone 312-245-6418) West Suburban Chicago OS/2 User Group Contact: Dwight Cannon (phone 708-742-0700 ext. 2170) {{ Old (Colorado Springs) Colorado Inf. Svcs. OS/2 Users Group Contact: Robert Woeger (phone 719-471-8306) }} Mid Missouri (Columbia) OS/2 Users Group Contact: Woody Sturges (BBS 314-446-0016) {{ Copenhagen OS/2 User Group Contact: Erik Maaloe (phone 45-33-91-68-06, FAX 45-33-32-03-84) }} Denver OS/2 User's Group Contact: Ronald Van Iwaarden (BBS 303-744-0373) Computer Users of Erie (Pennsylvania) OS/2 SIG Contact: Tom Kuklinski (phone 814-866-5396) Fort Wayne OS/2 Users Group Contact: Stephen Gutknecht (phone 219-484-0062) Indianapolis OS/2 Users Group Contact: Jay Schultz (phone 317-634-8080) Las Vegas OS/2 User Group Contact: Karu Karunaratne (phone 702-435-0018, BBS 702-433-5535) Long Island OS/2 User's Group Contact: Jeffrey Altman (phone {{ 516-466-5495 }}) Los Angeles OS/2 Users Group Contact: Paul Duncanson (phone 805-584-6721) Minnesota OS/2 User Group Contact: Marcus Krumpholz (phone 612-869-7956, BBS 612-379-8272) Montreal OS/2 Users Group Contact: Gilbert Daigle (phone 514-923-9964) New England OS/2 User Group Contact: Dave Pinard (phone 203-954-1872) Phoenix PC User Group and OS/2 SIG Contact: 602-222-8511 Triangle (Raleigh, North Carolina) OS/2 User Group Contact: Steve Gallagher (phone 919-254-5637) Sacramento OS/2 Users Group Contact: Charlie Kotan (phone 916-641-4007) San Diego OS/2 User Group Contact: Craig Swanson (BBS 619-558-9475) Bay Area (San Francisco) OS/2 User Group Contact: Sanford Rockowitz (phone 415-755-3124) Singapore (NUS) OS/2 User Group Contact: N. Sriram (Internet: swknasri@nuscc.nus.sg) Tampa Bay OS/2 User Group Contact: Paul Wylie (phone 813-786-4567) International OS/2 User Group (based in the U.K.) Contact: Mike Gove (phone +44(0)285-641175 or FAX +44(0)285-640181) Wellington (New Zealand) OS/2 Users' Group Contact: Andrew McMillian (phone 801-4764 days, 233-9123 evenings) Westchester (New York) OS/2 User Group Contact: Patrick Pearce (phone 914-762-8950) [OS/2 user groups: please send information on your group to the author. See (0.0) Introduction and Credits.] See (6.1) Promoting OS/2 for information on IBM assistance to OS/2 user groups. Related information: (0.0) Introduction and Credits (4.5) Technical Support (6.1) Promoting OS/2 (4.9) Books and Magazines What OS/2 books and magazines are available? OS/2 has its own magazines: OS/2 Developer Magazine (phone 800-WANT-OS2 or 708-647-5960, FAX 708-647-0537), OS/2 Monthly (mail 72550.2440@compuserve.com or phone 800-365-2642), Inside OS/2 (phone 502-491-1900), OS/2 Professional (phone 301-770-7302), and the OS/2 Newsletter (phone 714-495-3757). Many OS/2 2.x books can be ordered by calling IBM Fulfillment Headquarters at 800-342-6672. Or you may obtain OS/2 books through most computer book sellers. Here are just a few of the OS/2 2.x books available, with ISBN and IBM Publication Number, if available: o Designing OS/2 Applications, John Wiley & Sons, ISBN 0-471-58889-X, IBM Publication No. SC28-2701. o Easy OS/2, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-145-X. o The Little Book of OS/2: 2.1 Edition, Peachpit Press. o Micro Focus COBOL/2 Workbench for the Application Developer, QED. o OS/2 for Non-Nerds, New Riders, ISBN 1-56205-153-9, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4319. o OS/2 Inside & Out (2.1), Osborne McGraw-Hill, {{ ISBN 0-07-881871-0. }} o OS/2 2.x Notebook: The Best of OS/2 Developer Magazine, Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-01522-4, IBM Pub. No. G362-0015. o OS/2 2.1 Complete, Abacus. o OS/2 2.1 Programming, Osborne McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-881910-5. o OS/2 2.1 Unleashed, Sams, ISBN 0-672-30240-3, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4318. o The Shell Collection: OS/2 2.1 Utilities, Van Nostrand Reinhold. o Stepping Up to OS/2 2.1, Abacus, ISBN 1-55755-185-5. o Ten-Minute Guide to OS/2 2.1, Alpha, ISBN 1-56761-185-0, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4322. o Using OS/2 2.1: Special Edition, QUE, ISBN 1-56529-118-2, IBM Pub. No. SR28-4317. o Your OS/2 Consultant, Sams, {{ ISBN 0-672-30317-5. }} o Advanced OS/2 for Programming Managers, John Wiley & Sons. o Dvorak's Guide to OS/2, Random House. o OS/2 for Dummies (2.1), IDG, ISBN 1-878058-76-2. o OS/2 Instant Reference Book, Sybex. o The OS/2 2.1 User's Bible, Abacus. o OS/2 2.1 Power User's Guide, Van Nostrand Reinhold. o Real-World Programming for OS/2, Sams. o Learn OS/2 in a Day, Wordware Publishing. o Micro Focus CICS Option: Developing CICS Applications on the PC, QED. o OS/2: The Workplace Shell, A User's Guide & Tutorial for Release 2.1, Computer Information Associates. o PC Learning Labs Teaches OS/2, Ziff-Davis Press. o Quick Reference Guide for OS/2 2.1, DDC. o Van Wolverton's Guide to OS/2, Random House. IBM's OS/2 "redbooks" (power user guides) are IBM Publication No. GBOF-2254. (To order these and other IBM publications phone your local IBM office and ask for the Librarian or phone 800-765-4IBM.) These redbooks are also available in electronic form [See (3.2) Shareware and Freeware Sources]. Other OS/2 publications, such as the OS/2 Technical Library, IBM Part No. 10G3356, are available by calling IBM Technical Books at 800-IBM-PCTB. IBM also offers the OS/2 Online Book Collection CD-ROM, Part No. 53G2166. This CD-ROM provides nearly all of the OS/2 publications produced by IBM in electronic form. The CD-ROM includes the following titles: o IBM C Set ++ Version 2.0 - IBM WorkFrame/2 Introduction - IBM C/C++ Tools: Browser Introduction - Collection Class Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools C Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: C Language Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: C++ Language Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: Debugger Introduction - IBM C/C++ Tools: Programming Guide - IBM C/C++ Tools: Standard Class Library Reference - User Interface Class Library Guide - User Interface Class Library Reference - IBM C/C++ Tools: EXTRA Introduction o IBM International Technical Support Center (Red Books) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 1: Control Program (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 2: DOS and Windows Environment (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 3: PM and Workplace Shell (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 4: Application Development (ITSC) - OS/2 V2.0 Vol 5: Print Subsystem (ITSC) - OS/2 2.1 Technical Update o OS/2 LAN Server Version 2.0 - OS/2 LAN Server Migration Handbook - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning - DOS LAN Requester User's Quick Reference - LAN Server User's Quick Reference - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages - LAN Support Program User's Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrator's Tasks - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts - DOS LAN Requester Windows User's Guide - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids - Network Administrator Reference Supplement for OS/2 2.0 o OS/2 LAN Server Version 3.0 - PC LAN Program Migration Guide - Problem Determination Reference Volume 1: Problem Determination Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 2: Performance Tuning - DLR and DLR Windows User's Quick Reference - OS/2 LAN Requester User's Quick Reference - Problem Determination Reference Volume 3: LAN Error Messages - IBM LAN Support Program User's Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 1: Planning and Installation Guide - Network Administrator Reference Volume 3: Network Administrators Tasks - Problem Determination Reference Volume 2: LAN Alerts - OS/2 LAN Server Productivity Aids - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and Configuration Guide - Messages and Problem Determination Guide o Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 Version 1.1 - MMPM/2 Application Programming Guide - MMPM Toolkit/2 - CUA Guide to Multimedia User Interface Design - MMPM/2 Programming Reference - OS/2 Multimedia Advantage o Network Transport Services/2 Version 1.0 - LAN Adapter and Protocol Support Configuration Guide - IBM Network Transport Services/2 Redirected Installation and Configuration Guide - Messages and Problem Determination Guide o OS/2 2.0 - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) - IBM OS/2 2.0 Getting Started - OS/2 2.0 Installation Guide - OS/2 2.0 Quick Reference - OS/2 2.0 Command Reference - IBM OS/2 2.0 Migrating to the OS/2 Workplace Shell - OS/2 2.0 Using the Operating System - Tips and Techniques - OS/2 2.0 Adobe Type Manager for WIN-OS/2 - OS/2 2.0 Compatibility Information - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support o OS/2 2.1 - OS/2 2.0 Information and Planning Guide - Getting Started with Workplace Shell (White Paper) - Upgrading to OS/2 2.0 (White Paper) - OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System - OS/2 2.1 Book Catalog - OS/2 2.1 Installation Guide - OS/2 2.1 Quick Reference - OS/2 2.1 Command Reference - OS/2 2.0 Using Bidirectional Support - OS/2 2.1 Performance Tuning for End Users (White Paper) - OS/2 2.1 Performance Improvements (White Paper) o Operating System/2 2.0 Technical Library - OEM DASD and SCSI Device Driver Support - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume III - Getting Started: OS/2 2.1 Toolkit - Getting Started: Toolkit - Information Presentation Facility - Physical Device Driver Reference - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume I - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume II - Presentation Manager Programming Reference: Volume III - Application Design Guide - Procedures Language 2/REXX User's Guide - Presentation Driver Reference - Virtual Device Driver Reference - System Object Model Guide and Reference - OS/2 2.0 Programming Guide: Volume I - OS/2 Programming Guide: Volume II - Bidirectional National Language Support - Control Program Programming Reference - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume I - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume II - OS/2 2.1 PM Programming Reference: Volume III - OS/2 2.1 CP Programming Reference - Procedures Language 2/REXX Reference - SAA CUA Advanced Interface Design Reference - SAA CUA Guide to User Interface Design o PL/I Package/2 Version 1.1 - PL/I Package/2 Programming Guide - PL/I Package/2 Language Environment Run-Time Messages - PL/I Package/2 Installation - PL/I Package/2 Language Reference - PL/I Package/2 Reference Summary - PL/I Package/2 Fact Sheet o SAA Common User Access Controls Library/2 Version 1.0 - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Programming Guide - Common User Access Controls Library/2 PM Reference - Common User Access Controls Library/2 Windows Reference o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2 for OS/2 - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: User's Guide - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide o Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol Version 1.2.1 for OS/2 - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: User's Guide - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: LAN Adapter and Protocol Support - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Installation and Maintenance - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Programmer's Reference - IBM TCP/IP Version 1.2.1 for OS/2: Quick Reference Guide Related information: (4.5) Technical Support (4.10) Problem Report Form How do I report an OS/2 problem to IBM? If you would like to send an OS/2 bug report to IBM, you may phone IBM at 800-992-4777 (in the U.S.) or you may fill in the OS/2 Problem Report Form and mail it to IBM via CompuServe or the Internet. The Problem Report Form helps IBM solve your problem more quickly, especially if you include all the relevant details. IBM then has to ask fewer questions in order to determine the problem. To use the Problem Report Form, follow these steps: 1. If you are reading the INF version of this List, press CTRL-F. This panel will then be saved to a file named TEXT.TMP. 2. Using a text editor (like the OS/2 System Editor), open either TEXT.TMP or the plain text version of this List. 3. Delete all the extra lines in the file so that only the OS/2 Problem Report Form remains. 4. Fill in all the requested information using your text editor. 5. Save the Form to disk (as file name OS2PROB.TXT for example). 6. Upload the file to CompuServe Mail or the Internet, and send the Form to IBM. (The exact procedure will depend on the service and the software you use.) You may use the Problem Report Form as many times as you need to, but please include only one problem per copy. If you wish, you can use the Defect Report Form found on Page 493 of the OS/2 2.1 Using the Operating System manual instead of this form. ------ Submit an OS/2 Problem Report ------ <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << THIS SUPPORT IS ELIGIBLE FOR U.S. CUSTOMERS ONLY >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Customers should use this form to report a suspected OS/2 DEFECT to IBM support. IBM employees should refer to the OS2DFECT FORUM in IBMPC for instructions on how to report an OS/2 defect. If you have How-to or other questions about OS/2, please refer to these sources: - The OS/2 on-line help and README. - If you have a CompuServe ID, you may submit an item to the appropriate section within the forums under IBMOS2 (GO IBMOS2). - Many bulletin board systems contain user forums where OS/2 users share information and ideas on OS/2. Please provide as much information as possible on your problem. Feel free to add additional space, or remove sections of the form that are not relevant to your problem. CONTACT PERSON: __________________________________ PHONE NUMBER: (___) ___-____ x____ Phone number where you can be FAX NUMBER: (___) ___-____ x____ contacted between 8-5, M-F. Note: Support will normally be handled electronically through CompuServe mail. IBM may contact you via telephone if it appears it will expedite resolution to the problem. Would you rather be contacted by phone? Y _ N _ ONE LINE DESCRIPTION OF THE OS/2 PROBLEM: ___________________________________________________________________ DETAILED PROBLEM DESCRIPTION - If possible, provide step-by-step recreation scenario. Also, please include any fixes or workarounds you may have already tried. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Enter any error messages that occur: ________________________________ Select the appropriate answers by placing an "X" in the space indicated. Can you recreate the problem? Y _ N _ Has the problem occurred on more than one system? Y _ N _ OS/2 OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION: OS/2 Version 2.1 .........: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 Version 2.0 .........: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 1.3 Standard Edition : _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition : _ CSD Level: _______ NOTE - CSD = Corrective Service Diskette. Use the SYSLEVEL command to determine, if unknown. HARDWARE CONFIGURATION (provide as much as possible): Brand and model of PC: ____________________________________ Microprocessor: Intel _ Other (specify) _______________ Type: 286 _ 386SX _ 386 _ 486SX _ 486 _ Speed: __ MHz Total RAM ....: __ MB Disk drive ...: ____ MB File System: FAT _ HPFS _ Manufacturer: ___________________ Model # _______ Type: IDE _ SCSI _ MFM _ RLL _ Unknown _ Manufacturer and model # of disk controller: ______________________ Manufacturer, revision #, and date of System BIOS: __________________ Manufacturer and model # of video adapter: __________________________ Manufacturer and model # of display: ________________________________ Memory installed on video adapter: _____ EGA _ VGA _ SVGA _ XGA _ Diskette Drive A: 3 1/2" _ 5 1/4" _ Diskette Drive B: 3 1/2" _ 5 1/4" _ List other adapters installed: _____________________ _____________________ _____________________ TRAP INFORMATION - If a TRAP occurs and results in the 16 bit trap display similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you recorded: SESSION TITLE: __________________________________________________ TRAP____ AX=____ BX=____ CX=____ DX=____ BP= ____ SI=____ DI=____ DS=____ ES=____ FLG=____ CS=____ IP=____ SS=____ SP=____ MSW=____ CSLIM=____ SSLIM=___ DSLIM=___ ESLIM=____ CSACC=__ SSACC=__ DSACC=__ ESACC=__ ERRCD=____ ERLIM=____ ERACC=__ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ If a TRAP occurs and results in the 32 bit trap display similar to the following, enter any of the register values that you recorded: TRAP ____ ERRCD=____ ERACC=____ ERLIM=________ EAC=________ EBX=________ ECX=________ EDX=________ ESI=________ EDI=________ EBP=________ FLG=________ CS:EIP=____:________ CSACC=____ CSLIM=________ SS:ESP=____:________ SSACC=____ SSLIM=________ DS=____ DSACC=____ DSLIM=________ CR0=________ ES=____ ESACC=____ ESLIM=________ CR2=________ FS=____ FSACC=____ FSLIM=________ GS=____ GSACC=____ GSLIM=________ THE SYSTEM DETECTED AN INTERNAL PROCESSING ERROR AT LOCATION ##____:________ - ____:____. _____, ____ ________ INTERNAL REVISION _.___, __/__/__ PRINTER - If this is a printer problem, please provide the following: Printer Vendor: __________________ Model ....: ________________ Driver Name ..: __________________ Port Used : ________________ Printer is attached to: Local _ LAN Server _ Host _ COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER - If this is a problem with Communications Manager, please provide answers in this section: OS/2 Extended Services ............: _ CSD Level: _______ OS/2 EE Communications Manager 1.3 : _ CSD Level: _______ Describe your Communications Manager configuration (DFT, T-R, etc): ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ LOCAL AREA NETWORK - If this is a local area network problem, please enter information about the LAN involved: LAN SERVER: OS/2 LAN Server Version 1.3 : _ CSD Level: ________ [Continue with Part 4 of 4] -- Timothy F. Sipples | READ the OS/2 Frequently Asked Questions List sip1@kimbark.uchicago.edu | 2.1C, available from 192.153.46.2, anonymous Dept. of Econ., Univ. | ftp, in /pub/os2/all/info/faq, or from of Chicago, 60637 | LISTSERV@BLEKUL11.BITNET (send "HELP").