Virtual OS/2 International Consumer Education

April 1998

The News Page

The session will be held in the #voice channel on the WEBBnet IRC network at 8pm EDT (US Eastern Daylight saving Time). For a list of current WEBBnet IRC servers please refer to http://www.suntrix.com/ibbs/server.html -- if you're unfamiliar with IRC, visit Judy's Warped World's IRC Clients page (http://www.gt-online.com/~bri/irc_clients.html). There is a list of available IRC clients, with descriptions, and a link to a chart that compares features of each.

All OS/2 users and those interested in learning more about OS/2 are invited.

Please respond to freiheit@tstonramp.com for more information or better yet check out our web site for inormation on IRC, WEBBnet and VOICE meetings - http://www.os2voice.org/meetinginfo.html

Other FAQs covering different topics will be added in the future, so check back often

I just got a message from Dick Kurtz at IBM saying that they have removed Fixpak 35 for Warp 3 because of a rather serious problem on RAID setups. I suspect most of you aren't affected, but just in case...

They should have it fixed shortly (probably by tomorrow). Apparently it's only one file- IPSRAID.SYS.

Here's what Dick had to say:

"We have pulled all versions of Warp 3 Fixpak 35. We will be re-releasing them over the next week or two.

See http://ps.boulder.ibm.com/pbin-usa-ps/getobj2.pl?/pdocs-usa/fixnews.html #fp35news for information, but basically we needed to replace IPSRAID.SYS. That is THE ONLY FILE changed except for the README.1ST which we changed to indicate the second release of FP35."

Monday 27.april 98, 18.00 (6.00 PM)

Place: IBM, Rosenholmveien 25, Kolbotn, Norway

Visit http://www.os2bfn.no/seminar.html (norwegian).

For more information about the Norwegian OS/2 User Group please visit http://www.os2bfn.no

Please sign on at os2sem@online.no

http://www.os2ss.com/win32-os2/

New in A0.02:

- pmwsock dependency removed from KERNEL32 & WSOCK32
- rtmidi dependency removed from WINMM
- notepad from win95 doesn't crash anymore when reading a file
- pe2lx memory corruption bug gone
- pe2lx command line option change for self extracting exes
- console application support (not finished, so don't complain!)
- midi additions, changes & bugfixes
- several apis added (winmm/aux, unicode etc etc)
- Quake II Multiplayer working now (client & server; tested v3.13, 3.14 & CTF 1.02)

Now if you're an os/2 programmer with graphics knowledge you know what to develop. :)

Regards,
Fernando

The price has also been changed from over $100 to only $69. This is a bargain for a professional audio recording and editing package comparable with Sound Forge 4.0 on the Windows world. Ceres Sound Studio is available for OS/2, Windows 3.x, Windows 95/98/NT and Linux.

So if you use your sound card once a while to do some recording or .wav editing you will find everything you need on this single package, or if you are an audio professional doing multi-track recording, Ceres Sound Studio for OS/2 is highly recommended.

Show this software vendor that has just entered the OS/2 market (despite the 'everything non-windows is dead' media hype) your support by purchasing this application.

For information on VOICE meetings please check out our web site for information on IRC, WEBBnet and VOICE meetings - http://www.os2voice.org/meetinginfo.html

You can find this "GuestView" web forum at http://forumsb.csi.com/GVForums/Deu/default.asp?SRV=DeutschesOS2

(you need to use Netscape Navigator 2.02 for OS/2, because there's a need for frames and java script).

Guests are getting full access to libraries and sections 1 "Forum information" and 14 "Internet & HTML". The twenty other forum areas are provided for CompuServe members. Guests can only see the discussion thread titles and library contents.

See the first OS/2 web forum on CompuServe and use the totally free areas.

Sysbench includes various tests for Graphics, CPU integer and floating point, DIVE, File I/O, Memory, Disk I/O and CD-ROM I/O. The latest version includes:

1) A bug fix for the disk I/O tests which failed on disks that reported themselves as having 32 sectors/track.

2) updated PCICFG.DAT (downloadable separately) to include the Matrox Millenium II AGP and Via VP2 motherboard.

More information can be obtained from the readme.txt and changes.txt in the ZIP archive.

The Sysbench web page is now at http://warped.cswnet.com/Sysbench/index.html.

http://service.boulder.ibm.com/asd-bin/doc/en_us/catalog.htm

IBM's Feature Install is a browser-based installation utility that is used to install some IBM Software Choice features, such as Java 1.1.4.

Second Annual International Conference to Provide Comprehensive Exhibits and Seminars to Help OS/2 Warp Users

Warpstock '98 Web Site Opens at http://www.warpstock.org

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, April 2, 1998. The Warpstock Steering Committee has chosen Chicago as the host city for Warpstock '98, the international conference for all users of IBM's OS/2 Warp software. The conference is set for the weekend of October 16-18, 1998.

Warpstock '98 will unite OS/2 Warp users who wish to learn more about OS/2 Warp applications, Java, REXX, and networking for this popular PC software. Through a series of seminars, presented by leading experts, attendees will be able to choose among a variety of topics, both technical and introductory. Tours of Chicago-area businesses using OS/2 Warp will provide additional insight into how the software plays a key role in the marketplace. And Chicago's entertainment attractions and easy access via air, rail, and highway should make Warpstock '98 a memorable destination for all guests.

REGISTER EARLY FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS

To cater to the needs of both home and business users of OS/2 Warp, Warpstock '98 will hold the line on prices for exhibitors and attendees. Prices will be set at 1997 levels, and early registrants will receive additional discounts and benefits. Early registration begins April 16, 1998, and registrations will be accepted online at http://www.warpstock.org.

If you plan to register, and would like to be notified by e-mail when Warpstock '98 registration begins, please send your name and preferred e-mail address to register@warpstock.org.

CHICAGO CHOSEN AFTER RIGOROUS AND COMPETITIVE BIDDING PROCESS

Host cities were invited to bid for the rights to host Warpstock '98, and three cities submitted complete proposals by the February 28th deadline. The Steering Committee evaluated the proposals and voted in favor of Chicago's bid based on its comprehensiveness, attractiveness, and degree of advance planning.

Paul Hethmon, Chairman of the Steering Committee, noted, "Chicago's team put together an excellent bid showing thorough planning, a great organization, and a program sure to please the OS/2 Warp users. The central location is also bound to be a hit with the attendees."

The Chicago group consists of over 20 volunteers, including Timothy Sipples (Chairman), Illona Cowen (Program Chair), and Bill McLaughlin (Facilities Chair). Volunteers are welcome to join the Warpstock '98 team by sending their name, phone number, and e-mail address to volunteers@warpstock.org.

TRAVEL PLANNING INFORMATION AVAILABLE NOW

Hotel and travel planning information is available immediately through the Warpstock '98 Internet web site at http://www.warpstock.org. Airfare and hotel discounts will be most generous to those who book as early as possible.

EXHIBITORS, SPEAKERS, AND ATTENDEES SHOW EARLY ENTHUSIASM

Warpstock '98 has already attracted the enthusiastic participation of exhibitors, speakers, and prospective attendees. Buck Bohac, President of Indelible Blue, one of the premier IBM and OS/2 Warp software dealers in the world, remarks, "Indelible Blue looks forward to exhibiting at Warpstock '98 in Chicago. We enjoyed providing software, books, and other OS/2 Warp-related merchandise to last year's Warpstock attendees, and we were highly successful in reaching that well educated and select audience of customers. It's a 'must do' event." (Indelible Blue's online store is on the Internet at http://www.indelible-blue.com.)

Prices for exhibitors are also expected to be at 1997 levels. An information kit for exhibitors is available by e-mail at questions@warpstock.org. (Please include your name, company name, e-mail address, telephone number, and mailing address.) Exhibitor space will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Prospective speakers are invited to mail the same information to questions@warpstock.org.

John Franklin, a longtime OS/2 Warp enthusiast working for a major insurance company, adds, "It's great that Warpstock '98 will be held, and it's even better that it's in Chicago. As a Team OS/2er and user of OS/2 Warp at home and at work, I appreciate a show which can help me get the most out of my favorite operating system."

WEB BANNER AVAILABLE

To help spread the word about Warpstock '98 in Chicago, a web banner and logo are available immediately on the Internet at http://www.warpstock.org. We encourage all OS/2 Warp-related web sites to include this banner in their pages and to provide a link to the Warpstock '98 page.

http://134.106.120.166/warpstock/de/warpstock_de.html

Osnabrueck is located in northern Germany, west of Hannover, half-way between Dortmund and Brennen.

A problem has been found when using Development Technologies Deskman/2 product with FP6 installed.

The problem was found after FP6 was released and is a SYS3175 in DOSCALL1.DLL that occurs when you run the DM2IMAGE program.

The fix is a replacement DOSCALL1.DLL.

DOSCALL1.TXT in the same directory has instructions for installing this fix.

The APAR for this problem is JR11774. It will be picked up in US FP7 and all FP6 National Language Versions (NLVs).

Editors note: The actual doscall1.dll replacement is located in the FP6 directory for your version of Warp 4.0. For the English version this is ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m006/doscall1.dll

http://users.invweb.net/~whgiii

If you are not yet up to speed on Virtual Private Networks (and how one can save your business big money in communications costs) drop by our Web site for a quick look:
http://www.fx.dk/tunnel

Tunnel/2 v1.20 IMPROVEMENTS:

. TCP/IP - Improved v4.1 support
. Security - Military grade encryption plugin
. Compression - Time proven algorithm plugin
. Packet Filtering - Full filtering capable plugin
. Optional separate routing for Tunnel and Web traffic
. A few minor bug and performance fixes
. Documentation and Web-site refreshed
. Mail list introduced

Tunnel/2 FEATURES:

. Static IP number for every Tunnel Slave
. Two-Way Dial-On-Demand
. Socket connections live through PPP served address changes
. Extensive packet buffering ensures TCP/IP connections
. Built-in trace aids setup
. RSA1024/DES56 Encryption secures business on the Internet
. Wide range of packet filtering options
. Compression available to reduce pre-encryption data size
. Custom plugin development kit available for special needs
. Famous F/X Communication's quality support
. Y2K compliant
. Low resource using Telnet controllable tools

FUTURE PLANS:

. Multiple platform support
. Landscape-like user interface for the Tunnel Master
. Meshing with still evolving Virtual Private Network standards

Bjarne Jensen,
President F/X Communications

It begins...

IBM, Sun Finally Unite On JavaOS

By Deborah Gage

After a couple of false starts, IBM Corp. and Sun Microsystems Inc. tomorrow will announce that they are codeveloping and comarketing JavaOS for Business.

The new operating system will be available to computer and component manufacturers, software vendors, enterprise customers and both the Sun and IBM channels by mid-year. IBM and Sun are also planning joint channel initiatives and training around the JavaOS for Business. ...

http://www.mozilla.org/

Springing to life too are the various efforts to port this source to OS/2. The "Warpscape" team, organized by the OS/2 Netlabs, updated their page today with news on their plans:

http://www.netlabs.org/warpscape/

Online discussion is also taking place on Efnet IRC in the channel #warpscape.

The second effort, headed by Bill Law of Netscape, called "Warpzilla" has yet to update their pages as of writing, but seem just as eager to get moving as everyone else:

http://people.netscape.com/law/warpzilla/index.html

As of yet, no timeframe estimates have been given for a native, grass-roots ported version of Communicator 5 from either group.

To view the log from tonight's Speakup event surf on over to - http://www.os2voice.org/transcripts.html For information on VOICE meetings please check out our web site for information on IRC, WEBBnet and VOICE meetings - http://www.os2voice.org/meetinginfo.html

Final release dates of upcoming Server SW Choice features

DDNS WIN95/NT client support Availability on the web: March 31

(Remember you only need the above support if you want a "secure" client. Warp Server has a "proxy" capability to give you Dynamic IP for any DHCP client without installing DDNS client code! This "client security code" is an IBM added value to NT/95 clients. Warp client already has it!)

Feature Installer Update (1.2.2) Availability on the web: March 31

Netfinity 5.1 Availability on the web: April 3

(yes, new systems management functionality - read the write up when available for new functionality: available with UPO)

Warp Server Backup and Recovery Outlook: April 3

(many new enhancements - like command line support - read write up when available)

Peter E. Greulich
Technical Sales Specialist
512-838-2890 (tie - 678-2890)
pgreulic@us.ibm.com
Peter Greulich\Austin\IBM

Respectfully
Darrol Walker

- German, Global French and Danish editions in mid-April
- Global Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Italian, and Dutch editions in early June

SmartSuite for OS/2 Warp 4 provides a complete set of native OS/2 desktop applications, with all the tools you need to streamline everyday tasks -plus quick, easy ways to connect and collaborate with others. Whether you're creating a document, working together on a report, or communicating via the Internet, SmartSuite helps you do it faster and better.

Additional information is available at: http://www.lotus.com/smartsuiteos2

APAR JR11077, Y2K -> WINOS2 FILE MANAGER SHOWS DATE AS 1/1/:0, was omitted from Warp 4 FixPak 05. The fix for this APAR should have added a new module, WINFILE.EXE, to the FixPak. It is being provided as a separately downloadable file.

Please follow the instructions in the README.TXT file under the appropriate language directory for FixPak 5 (XR?M005) to install this fix.

Note: This fix is also available under the US FixPak 6 directory.

Sydney, Australia. (25 March, 1998). Fortify for Netscape, version 1.2.1, has now been released on IBM OS/2, and is available for immediate download.

Fortify for Netscape is a system that provides world-wide, unconditional, full strength, 128-bit encryption to users of Netscape's Web browsers. If you routinely use Netscape's export grade Web browsers (i.e. the ones that are available on the net), then you need Fortify.

Normally 128-bit Netscape browsers on OS/2 are only available to U.S. and Canadian citizens, by mail order from IBM, at a cost of $US 15.00.

In comparison, Fortify is available without restriction from the Internet, and it costs nothing to download and use. Nil. Zippo. Zilch. It currently supports most, if not all, of the non-beta versions of Netscape Navigator (2.0x and 3.0x) and Communicator (4.0x), that have been released on the following platforms:-

DEC Unix (Alpha systems)
SGI Irix 5.x and 6.x (Mips systems)
Sun Solaris 2.x (Sparc systems)
Sun SunOS 4.1.3_U1 (Sparc systems)
BSD, FreeBSD and BSDI (Intel x86 systems)
Linux (Intel x86 systems)
Microsoft Win95 and WinNT (Intel x86 systems)
IBM OS/2 (Intel x86 systems) (+)

(+) On OS/2: Netscape v2.02, service levels 4 and 7 only.

Full details about availability, copyright, download sites, latest news, and an FAQ guide can all be found at the Fortify web site:- http://www.fortify.net/

Due to the new codebase, which allows for much faster porting, the various OS versions of the new StarOffice v5 are expected to appear very soon in sequence. Same is said to apply for the international versions (don't expect another beta on those).

http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/scrnsave/wipeoutss.zip

If you are having trouble installing this, you need to be sure that you label the installation disks as "WIPEOUT20 1" and "WIPEOUT20 2".

There is now an update on Hobbes to version 2.052, which apparently is needed for Warp 4:

http://hobbes.nmsu.edu/pub/os2/apps/scrnsave/w02052.zip

This would explain the recent disappearance of the v4.0 OS/2 beta from the Star Division web site.

Our OS/2 web page has been seriously updated.

http://www.noos.kiev.ua/os2page.html (English)

http://www.noos.kiev.ua/w/os2page.html (Russian)

Now Russian language support for all russian character encodings. This page was built for Ukraine Team OS/2 members and OS/2 users support. We have large FTP-archive freeware and shareware OS/2 programs.

The main strategy:
. OS/2 news, information, and rumors
. Installing, configuring, and updating OS/2 Warp
. Free software you should download right away
. Finding/Purchasing/Downloading OS/2 Warp software
. Finding/Purchasing/Installing OS/2-compatible hardware
. Creating web pages with OS/2
. Network design
. Free Software written by NOOS Ukraine employees and Ukrainian Team OS/2
members