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Silicon Times Report Issue 0927
SILICON TIMES REPORT
====================
INTERNATIONAL ONLINE MAGAZINE
=============================
from
STR Electronic Publishing
July 02, 1993 No. 9.27
=========================================================================
Silicon Times Report
International Online Magazine
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_____________________________________________________________________
> 07/02/93 STR 927 "The Original * Independent * Online Magazine!"
""""""""""""""""
- The Editor's Desk - CPU Report - PORTFOLIO NEWS
- Crazy Dots - ADSTAR NEWS - IBM-CARY
- HP offers PCs - MIST Show - Mac->Multimedia
- PC DOS 6.1 - Panasonic=3Do - STR Confidential
-* IBM & ATARI ENTER $500 MILLION DEAL! *-
-* JAGUAR EXPECTED TO REIGN SUPREME *-
-* GENEVA MTASK OS ANNOUNCED! *-
=========================================================================
STReport International Online Magazine
The Original * Independent * Online Magazine
-* FEATURING WEEKLY *-
"Accurate UP-TO-DATE News and Information"
Current Events, Original Articles, Tips, Rumors, and Information
Hardware - Software - Corporate - R & D - Imports
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* ATARI EDITION *
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WHAT'S NEW IN THE ATARI FORUMS (July 2)
ATARI IN THE NEWS
This is a big week for Atari-related announcements. First, the alliance
between ATari and IBM for the new Jaguar, and now Gribnif Software
announces GENEVA, their new multi-tasking environment. See the GENEVA
press releases in LIB 15 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO ATARIARTS) or go to
the Gribnif section/library in the Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN) for
additional info.
NEW JAGUAR AREA IN ATARI 8-BIT FORUM
With the announcement from Sunnyvale on the new JAGUAR Multimedia
Entertainment System, we've added a Message Section and Library to the
ATARI8 Forum. We invite you to join us in sharing news and views of
what promises to be an exciting machine. GO ATARI8 for Section 15 [Jaguar].
TWENTY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FALCON ... ANSWERED BY ATARI CORP.
Download file 20Q_01.TXT from LIBRARY 15 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for the first 20 QUESTIONS file of questions submitted by the
members to Atari Corp and answered by Bob Brodie, James Grunke and Bill
Rehbock.
AGITATION PUZZLE GAME
Download file AGIT.ZIP from LIBRARY 2 of the Atari Arts Forum (GO
ATARIARTS) for Agitation. Agitation is easy to learn, tough to solve. This
is the most indescribably difficult, infuriatingly impossible program you
could choose to run!
* create custom puzzles
* upload and share
* point and click puzzle solving
* multiple cheat, peek and help modes
* watch the computer solve puzzles
* custom graphics and dialogs
* check out the other puzzles here online! mono freeware
B/STAT VERSION 2.46 NOW AVAILABLE
Download file BSTAT4.LZH from LIBRARY 5 of the Atari Productivity Forum (GO
ATARIPRO) for version 2.46 of B/STAT. B/STAT is a shareware statistical
analysis and business graphics program. It requires a 1 megabyte machine
and double sided drive at a minimum. B/STAT makes use of GDOS or SPEEDO
GDOS if installed but requires neither. This is version 2.46 of B/STAT and
offers some improvements in graphing over earlier versions. B/STAT may
be registered online by GOing SWREG and selecting ID # 263.
OREGON RESEARCH JOINS ATARIVEN!
Message Section 12 and Library 12 have been established for online support
of Oregon Research's products. Please read OREGON.TXT in Library 12 of the
Atari Vendors Forum (GO ATARIVEN) for an overview of the company. Also, be
sure to check out the other files in the Library for in-depth information
on their entire product line.
NEW SOFTLOGIK DEMO IN ATARIVEN
Download file FLAGS.LZH from LIBRARY 11 of the Atari Vendors Forum (GO
ATARIVEN) for Sample EPS (Adobe Illustrator) files of the new Flags of the
World clipart collection now being sold by Soft-Logik Publishing. The
archive contains four flags.
***** JULY 15, 1993 *****
Gribnif Software's Rick Flashman will answer your questions in an online
conference. Learn all about the new Multitasking Geneva, the Crazy Dots
Cards and NeoDesk 4.
THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM ON COMPUSERVE
HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AN
OFFICIAL SUPPORT SITE BY ATARI CORPORATION
"GO APORTFOLIO TO ACCESS THE ATARI PORTFOLIO FORUM"
"ENJOY CIS' ATARI FORUMS WHERE CENSORSHIP IS A DIRTY WORD!"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> From the Editor's Desk "Saying it like it is!"
""""""""""""""""""""""
If I were to be the melancholy type, I'd be reminiscing about the
"good old days". What for though? They weren't THAT good. In fact, most
of the time they were a big PIA. Considering the dram shortages, defective
floppy mechs, temper tantrums, 40 folder whatevers etc., its a whole lot
better these days isn't it? In some ways it is. Like the recent exciting
announcement of IBM and Atari doing business together. Strange bedfellows
at first glance, but when one considers the mechanics of what is really
happening its an ingenious business deal. Those of us who have a tendency
to watch Atari's activities rather closely have a rare opportunity to watch
the "rebirth" of Atari to a once again healthy company. The stock, for
example, went down to .55 and is now up over 4.00 in just a few short
months. The business alliance with IBM has been like a transfusion for
Atari. The long haul will of course, prove if the momentum of these recent
announcements has the necessary staying power. More importantly, will they
have the wisdom to allow the IBM pros to make this miracle happen without
the typical vacillation and waffling we've all been witness to in the past?
I think so. Why? Because this is it. The bases are loaded, there are two
outs, its the bottom of the ninth, the other team leads by one run and
there are two strikes on the batter. And... it ain't Casey who's at bat.
They simply have to make a hit this time with the Jaguar or the game's
over. Maybe, just maybe the guy at bat is a "clone" of Babe Ruth.
The computer shows are still running... if there's one near you, don't
miss it! A computer show is always worth the effort to see. The new wares
both soft and hard, are a treat to the senses. Have a great Fourth of July
weekend folks. Sheesh! I'm fifty this weekend! Amazing.... simply
amazing.
Ralph....
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
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Publisher - Editor
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Ralph F. Mariano
PC DIVISION AMIGA DIVISION MAC DIVISION
----------- -------------- ------------
Roger D. Stevens Robert Glover R. ALBRITTON
STReport Staff Editors:
"""""""""""""""""""""""
Dana P. Jacobson Michael Arthur John Deegan
Lucien Oppler Brad Martin Judith Hamner
John Szczepanik Dan Stidham Joseph Mirando
Steve Spivey Doyle C. Helms
Lloyd E. Pulley, Editor Emeritus
Contributing Correspondents:
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Michael Lee Richard Covert Scott Birch
Brian Converse Oliver Steinmeier Tim Holt
Andrew Learner Norman Boucher Harry Steele
Clemens Chin Neil Bradley Eric Jerue
Ron Deal Robert Dean Ed Westhusing
James Nolan Vernon W. Smith Bruno Puglia
IMPORTANT NOTICE
""""""""""""""""
Please, submit letters to the editor, articles, reviews, etc...
via E-Mail to:
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> CPU STATUS REPORT LATE BREAKING INDUSTRY-WIDE NEWS
"""""""""""""""""
Computer Products Update - CPU Report
------------------------ ----------
Weekly Happenings in the Computer World
Issue #27
By: John Deegan
IBM TO MANUFACTURE ATARI'S NEW JAGUAR MULTIMEDIA MACHINE - Atar Corp.
has signed a $500 million multi-year contract with IBM which calls for
IBM's Charlotte, N.C., factory to manufacture the Atari Jaguar, a 64-bit
multimedia entertainment system.
The Jaguar - an interactive video-game system featuring more than 16
million colors and produces three-dimensional shapes - will be available
on a limited basis in the fall and is expected to retail for apprx.
$200. Atari is expected to initially focus on the New York market and go
national next year.
Atari President Sam Tramiel commented, "This system is clearly the
wave of the future. Because the Jaguar will feature such an array of
visual and audio special effects, we wanted to work with a premier
company that we are confident can manufacture the quality product we
have developed."
Atari said the Jaguar project represents one of IBM's first entries
into manufacturing for the mass consumer electronics market.
Herbert L. Watkins, director of application solutions manufacturing
at IBM Charlotte, said, "This is a wonderful opportunity to work with
Atari and their new system. Everyone expects IBM to manufacture complex
information technology products, and with this, we'll show that we can
competitively build a sophisticated consumer product."
IBM will assemble the Jaguar and be responsible for the component
sourcing, quality testing, packaging and distribution.
Atari has produced most of its games in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China.
But under the 30-month agreement with IBM, the computer company's
manufacturing plant in Charlotte, N.C. will produce Jaguar. The Atari
contract is the largest to date for that IBM facility.
The Jaguar is Atari's attempt to leap back into the video game market
which over recent years has been dominated by Nintendo and Sega. Atari
was once a video game maker powerhouse, with sales of about $2 billion
and 10,000 employees in 1982.
But Atari's sales in the past two years combined was $385 million. In
1992, it reported a $73.6 million loss on sales of $127.3 million and
laid off more than 10% of its 500-person workforce.
"Atari invented video games and we want to bring leadership back to
the United States and make them here again," said Sam Tramiel, president
of Atari Corp.
"I wouldn't say it's a *bet the company' move, but we're putting a
lot of resources into it and we're counting on it for a lot of sales,"
Tramiel said. "In this business, if you get a good product and it
catches on, your sales can go through the roof." He declined to provide
specific sales targets.
The game player will be based on an Atari-designed 64-bit processor
and a sound system based on Atari's digital signal processor. The 64-bit
system will include games with three-dimensional shapes and will be free
of the delays that allow the machine's microprocessor to catch up. Most
video games are 8-bit or 16-bit but some companies are making plans to
produce 32-bit machines. One such system is the much-touted interactive
multiplayer system to be released this fall by start-up 3DO Inc. which
is expected to cost $700.
Early reviews of 3DO's system have been generally positive, although
some analysts think its price tag may be too high for many consumers.
But backers of the project believe that the machine will catch on with
trend-setting buyers and will take hold because it can be used with both
adults and children.
The machine, which will be produced by Matsushita and marketed under
its Panasonic label, is viewed by many as a breakthrough for the booming
multimedia-interactive industry. One of the first titles will be
"Jurassic Park," using footage from the potential blockbuster film being
released by Matsushita's Universal Studios.
3DO has claimed its "interactive multiplayer," a device designed to
be attached to a TV set, delivers 50 times the graphics animation per-
formance of personal computers and video game systems.
HP OFFERS NEW LOW-END PC'S - Three new low-priced PCs dubbed the HP
Vectra 486VL have been unveiled by Hewlett-Packard Co. The systems run
on the Intel Corp. 486 microprocessor will be priced from $1,219 to
$2,359.
APPLE UNVEILS MULTIMEDIA MAC FOR EDUCATION MARKET - Apple Computer
has unveiled the Macintosh LC 520, a multimedia computer aimed at the
education market.
The 68030-based LC 520 includes a built-in CD-ROM, high-quality
stereo sound and a 14-inch Sony Trinitron color display. The unit also
features an integrated headphone jack and omnidirectional microphone, a
minimum of 5MB of RAM, expandable to 36MB, an 80MB internal hard disk
drive and a 1.4MB Apple SuperDrive floppy disk drive that reads, writes
and formats Macintosh, MS-DOS, OS/2, and ProDOS disks.
In the United States, the Macintosh LC 520 will only be available to
K-12 and Higher Education institutions. Outside the U.S., the Macintosh
LC 520 will only be offered in Canada and in Japan to the general
public.
APPLE TO ENTER PRESCHOOL COMPUTER MARKET - Apple Computer Inc. un-
veiled this week at the National Educational Computing Conference (NECC)
plans to enter the preschool market this fall with bundled hardware and
software solutions for early learners based on the popular Apple
Macintosh LC family of computers.
At the conference Apple outlined its intentions to offer a full range
of low-cost, color computer systems and bundled software titles, audio
CDs and books providing learning readiness solutions in reading, mathe-
matics, literature, music appreciation and early childhood development.
The preschool solutions currently under development include student,
teacher training/productivity, curriculum development and administration
resource guides to integrate technology into existing preschool
practices.
According to Jeff Orloff, Apple's national marketing manager for
preschool marketing, Apple's preschool solutions, "will focus on essen-
tial building blocks for children -- open-ended activities such as
music, drawing, initial number concepts and literature. And for teachers
and administrators, our solutions will provide ways to develop early
learning curriculum and facilitate record keeping and day-to-day
management of preschool facilities."
IBM TO RELEASE NEW VERSION OF DOS - IBM plans to release a new ver-
sion of PC-DOS that it claims is superior to MS-DOS.
Reports say that the introduction of PC-DOS 6.1, planned for Tuesday
at PC Expo in New York, will probably be the last product IBM will
market based on its cross-licensing agreement with Microsoft.
Wally Casey, director of marketing for IBM's Personal Software
Products Division, told Reuters that PC-DOS 6.1 is an "enhanced" version
of MS-DOS 6.0, which was launched March 29.
Casey said PC-DOS 6.1 has "better reliability" than the Microsoft
operating system and runs up to 10% faster.
PC-DOS 6.1 will be available July 26 and will be priced slightly
lower than MS-DOS, which retails for about $50 and has sold some 3.9
million copies.
______________________________________________________
> ONLINE WEEKLY STReport OnLine The wires are a hummin'!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
PEOPLE... ARE TALKING
=====================
On CompuServe
-------------
compiled by Joe Mirando
73637,2262
Hidi Ho good neighbors, I hope this past week has been good to you. With
the Forth of July right around the corner and the weather turning so nice
and warm it's easy to forget about our computers. Luckily the folks who
frequent the Atari forums (or is that fora, I'm never sure) are impervious
to that sort of thing. There are people here who can answer just about any
question an ST user could have. So let's take a look...
Form the Atari Productivity Forum
=================================
CodeHead extraordinair Charles F. Johnson tells us:
"Well, folks, I'm off to Europe for 3 weeks to play guitar with Al Jarreau
at all the summer jazz festivals, so I won't be around to answer questions
about CodeHead stuff until about the 20th of July. Until then, please call
our office at 213-386-5735 if you have any questions, or contact John
Eidsvoog here on CIS. Thanks, and I'll see you when I return!"
John Damiano of Transierra tells Charles:
"Hope you have a great trip Charles. I knew I should have taken music
lessons"
Tom Craig asks Charles:
"Are you going to be in Scotland at all? (Glasgow Jazz Festival or
Edinburgh International Festival)"
Now wouldn't that be the coolest? Getting to hear some great music and
maybe even getting some software upgrades afterward...
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, John Devlin asks:
"Does anyone know how I can add or amend the icons that are stored in a
RSC. file
that is used by TOS 2.06?"
Brian Gockley of ST Informer tells John:
"Look into the Icon editor from SDS Software has worked excellently for me
for several years. There are some other ones on the market, but none that
are geared specifically towards the desktop icons."
John tells Brian:
"Many thanks for the information, have you any idea where they can be
contacted?"
Brian replies:
"SDS has been spotty on the phones, it's better to buy it from your dealer
and just run with it. It really doesn't require much else."
Tim Myers jumps in and tells John:
"There are a couple of PD icon editors on <<InterNet>> and an excellent prg
called ICON JUGGLER again PD (shareware) from the Codeheads. These will let
you edit icons and cut and paste them from other resource files. There is
also a CPX that edits icons I think."
Mike Myers asks about his "new" computer:
"I have an old 1040St with some old programs I inherited.There are no
instructions for some of them. Also, this is the first computer I've owned,
and I'm mostly ignorant, so pitch your answers to someone who sees
computers as one big Juju. First:Can anybody recommend any cheap software
that will let me do my personal budget? Create and send out simple bills?
The billing and record keeping program can be simple. I freelance for a
couple of papers, and get paid so much an hour plus so much a column inch,
and expenses- mileage, phone. mail, etc. I'd like to put in the hours,
inches, etc, and wind up at the end of the month with a bill I can
submit,plus records for my income tax. The emphasis is on cheap.Pencil and
paper work well enough so far. Second: I inherited a Wordwriter program
with no instructions. I've figured out how to use it with a lot of help
from my friends,but an operators manual of some sort would help. Any
suggestions? Third: I tried to put the wordwriter program on a disk with my
modem program,and no luck. A young friend of mine told me he could transfer
a program from one disk to another. He may be right, but I'll never know.
Getting new programs was a mess.Please-I need step by step instructions
that programers give to the machines, but not the users. Fourth: I have a
STalker program, and there's a section where you can set up the logon
sequence.Every time I tried it, I got a crash, with about 5 bombs.Help!"
One of the most knowledgeable people on-line today, Albert Dayes of Atari
Explorer Magazine asks Mike:
"What version of Stalker do you have? Version 3.x is the latest version of
the telecommunications program.
There might be some accounting style programs in the library but I'm not
sure.
Word Writer ... I'm not sure if you can find a manual anywhere unless you
can find another used version of the product."
Rick Flashman at Gribnif Software asks Mike:
"What version of STalker did you get? We (Gribnif Software) represent
STalker from version 3.0 on. If you have STalker 3 and need help, or wish
to upgrade, please feel free to call our technical support line at (413)
247-5620 (10am-6pm, eastern time zone). One of our technicians will be
more then glad to help you out."
John Devlin asks:
"Does anyone know where i could locate TOS 1.4, 1.9 & 1.2 on disk. I friend
requires them so as to get a prog. working."
Sysop Brad Hill tells John:
"TOS updates are not available on disk, as it's a ROM-based operating
system. There do exist various auto programs and desk accessories which
emulate features of the higher TOS's, but they won't help with a program
which needs a newer OS to run.
Updating TOS can be done through a hardware upgrade."
Sysop Ron Luks adds:
"There is no TOS 1.9 and TOS 1.2 and 1.4 are not available as disk based
versions."
Mark Saeger tells us about his latest purchase:
"Happily I bought Speedo GDOS at the KC Atari fair yesterday hoping to do
away with my old GDOS fonts. I was rather disappointed that it crashes the
two utilities I use most often. Neither Timeworks DTP or WordUp 3.0 like
the new fonts. I was under the (apparently false) impression that any
program that uses GDOS would work with Speedo. Does anyone know of
something I may be missing or something that would fix this?"
Bob Wilson tells Mark:
"I do not know about WORDUP but Timeworks definately does not work with
SPEEDO. If you are running WARP 9 I suggest that you disable it whenever
attempting to print. It and SPEEDO clash and everything bombs with the
combination."
Charles Smeton adds:
"Timeworks Publisher does not use GDOS 100% in the conventional way. TWDTP
requires a Width Table, which has the width of every character in every bit
mapped font for the screen and printer. This file must be built with the
FONTWID program prior to running TWDTP. Because of this, you cant change
the printer driver or fonts while a program like TWDTP runs. In addition,
TWDTP has a limited font list (i.e. it does not use a scrollable selector
like newer programs).
As for Word Up 3.0, you might want to ask this question of Mike Fulton of
Atari, who was one of the developers of Word Up while he was with Neocept."
Probably the hottest news of the day is Atari's Jaguar game machine.
Woodrow Windischman tells us:
"The business section of my local newspaper today said that *IBM* is
going to be doing the manufacturing of the Jaguar in a North Carolina
plant. Sounds "Made in in America" to me. Wonder just WHICH 64-bit RISC
chip its going to be based on.
P.S. Do you suppose, with Big Blue doing the OEM, that the Jaguar just
might be the first POWER PC system out? (Not that IBM would ever admit to
the first use of its much heralded processor being a "Toy"!)"
Ron Luks tells Woodsy:
"The 64-bit RISC chip in the Jaguar is a proprietary Atari chip. Its not
the PowerPC chip from IBM/Motorola."
Albert Dayes adds:
"According to a press release in (GO NEWSGIRD) IBM will manufacture Atari's
Jaguar. Its multi-year contract and should be worth around $500 million
or so. The IBM plant is located in North Carolina."
From the Atari ST Arts Forum
============================
John Devlin posts this with a grin:
"Excuse me a moment, what's that in the skys over London !!, WOW a
whole squadron of flying pigs."
John Amsler tells the other John:
"Well, you know, the company has been accused of being "ham-handed" in
some of dealings with developers and dealers!"
On the subject of the Kodak Photo-CD Player, Greg Kopchak posts:
"SKware One Software will be running our Photo Show program at the KC show
this weekend. He will have a Falcon connected to a NEC 38 double speed CD
rom drive reading graphics from a Kodak Photo CD disc and viewing with CD
quality digitized sound.
If your going to KC stop by and say hello. Photo Show will be selling for
$35.00 and will include MultiTos CD rom drivers to read from both a Kodak
Photo CD or industry standard 9660 format disc. The program will be
shipping late next week."
Albert Dayes asks Greg:
"Can you upload a spec sheet on Photo Show and what the requirements are?"
Greg tells Albert just about every thing about the program:
"System requirements for Photo Show are a Falcon computer running MultiTos,
a CD rom drive, and a RGB (Atari monitor), VGA monitor, or broadcast TV.
A 35mm camera running KodaColor Gold 100 or better is also highly
suggested. Film can be processed by anyone that offers Kodalux processing.
Just tell them to request Photo CD processing. Best Buy has Photo CD
processing at a very good price. I use a custom lab called Best Photo lab,
Brookfield Road, Brookfield CT 06804. A little more expensive but I have
found they do a better job on the CD's and prints than Kodalux.
Photo show has a suggested retail price of $35.00.
Late this summer we will have an application called Virtual BookMaker that
will convert Photo CD to other formats. This application will run on any
Atari machine that can handle MultiTos and have 2 meg or more of memory.
This includes the ST, STe, TT and mega series. Running on the Falcon you
will also have all the features of Photo Show's viewing and sound. On
other machines you will have all convert features available."
Robby Cooke asks for info for his new Falcon:
"Hello everyone! I'm getting a Falcon in a few days and was wondering if
there were any GIF viewers that would take advantage of the 640X480
resolution?"
Albert Dayes tells Robbie:
"Try GEMVIEW its in the library."
John Feagans tells us:
"I attended the Atari shareholders meeting today in Sunnyvale. Of the
three issues to be voted on, only the reverse 10 for 1 split had a
surprising outcome. On the original proxy the board was recommended a vote
for the proposal. At the meeting today, the board announced that they were
recommending a vote against the proposal! Because there are only 14
million shares or so and only a small number of shareholders return
proxies, and even a fewer number of us die hards actually attend the
meeting and vote their true feelings, the vote tally was something like
8,000 to 52 million, against the proposal. No, I was part of the
majority<g>
I always take one of my children to various stockholder meetings to teach
them a bit how business operates. This time I took my 9 year old son.
When Sam asked if all the shareholders had signed in, he shot up his hand
and replied that he hadn't! But he turned out to be quite a celebrity for
the stock analysts there who wanted to know his opinion of the Jaguar on
display. He told them it was the best he had ever seen and he wanted to
have one as soon as it was out. My son also corrected Sam Tramiel who said
there was no advertising being done for Lynx at this time. Apparently St
doesn't read DC comics?"
Ron Luks tells John:
"Hey - I nominate your kid for a seat on the board. Anyone who can
generate
publicity like this needs to be hard more often. [g]
I knew the reverse split was gonna die the moment the stock went back above
$2 per share."
John tells us a bit more:
"I asked Leonard why he didn't bring his older son. He replied, "he has
more important things to do!" At least I'll give them credit for having
Lynx POP kiosks set up with new games, but investors and stock analysts
couldn't break the ice and start having fun. Imagine if they had turned the
exhibits into a focus group with live kids choosing Atari over Nintendo,
Sega, etc? Yes, the kids seem to know what is going on with games more
than any of the companies."
John Amsler tells us:
"I'm aware of Atari's new policy requiring people to buy Falcons from
their local dealer; in fact, I agree with the policy on whole.
Question: Suppose someone lives in an eastern state where there is a
local dealer but he/she is currently out of Falcons and won't get any
in in time for a customer's need. If that customer then travels to,
say, Las Vegas, would it be OK for him/her to buy a Falcon from the
local dealer there?
Currently, this is merely a hypothetical question."
Jim Ness tells John:
"Your hypothetical situation has occurred a number of times already, and
been freely discussed by users. This is the vacation season, and a number
of users have taken the opportunity to travel to places who have Falcons in
stock.
Atari has never voiced any negative feelings toward this practice.
Besides, I don't think there is much they could do about it, legally."
Sysop Brad Hill tells John:
"My understanding of this is that it's part of the DEALER agreement, and is
not an attempt to regulate CUSTOMERS in any way. Your hypothetical Las
Vegas dealer would not be permitted to take a phone order from you. But my
understanding is that a customer can walk into any dealership and buy any
product; the dealer is not required to check the customer's address before
making a sale. I don't know what the policy is on quoting prices over the
phone. I know of one extremely large and successful manufacturer who
successfully maintains a dealership policy which establishes minimum
phone-quote prices for all their products. This has to be implemented very
carefully, for legal reasons that I'm hazy about.
I welcome corrections if I'm wrong about Atari's policies."
From the Atari Vendors Forum
============================
Ian Braby asks a question of the Gribnifs:
"In the additional documentation that came with NeoDesk
v3.03 it states that it is MultiTOS compatible (but wait for version 4!)
and that you just need to inform MultiTOS of the change of SHELL.
This is all very easy for you to say, but whilst MultiTOS has been shipped
by HiSoft here in the UK, the documentation is nothing more than an
installation guide, offering no clues, as yet, to customising the thing!
Therefore, can you please be a little more specific as to the steps
required to get NeoDesk to work with MultiTOS?"
Rich Flashman of Gribnif Software replies:
"There's no documentation with your Multi-TOS? Ugh. You figured Atari
would provide at least basic operating instructions. MiNT and Multi-TOS
can be "quite" complex and hard to understand if you have no idea of what
you are doing.
Let me check with Dan tomorrow and I'll upload some more specific
instructions on how to install NeoDesk 3.03 in Multi-TOS. I don't normally
run Multi-TOS, so I am not sure on the exact steps."
Dazzz Smith tells Ian:
"I booted MTOS on my 2.5 meg STM and neodesk 3.03 came right up!"
Rick explains the difference:
"It has to do with the TOS version you have. If I understand it correctly,
if your TOS version supports autobooting (by configuring it from the
built-in desktop), it will autoboot NeoDesk 3 automatically. If your TOS
doesn't, you can no longer use STARTGEM, you instead need to use the RUN
command in the GEM.CNF file...
Make sure that if you are running NeoDesk 3.03, that your NeoDesk Control
Panel is also version 3.03. Running the NEOCNTRL 3.02 with NeoDesk 3.03
will cause trouble.The same also applies to your copy of NEOLOAD."
Mike Mortilla asks:
"Would anyone using Spectre consider formatting a few 800k disks for me? I
just bought MacSEE but it doesn't read Mac disks on a lowly Atari 800k
drive UNLESS they're in Spectre format (which I assume a Mac COULD read.
Otherwise, the prog is totally useless to me and I'm out about $50. Of
course, I'll pay all expenses for the disks, postage, mailers, etc, and
would own ...er... owe someone a BIG favor <g>.
PLEASE help me if you can! All reply's greatly appreciated. Too bad there's
not a stand alone program I could *buy* <hint hint> that would format the
sucker for me (or is there?). Well, if there is, this would be the place to
ask."
Albert Dayes at Atari Explorer Magazine gives Mike a few hints:
"I thought there was a program that did format Spectre disks. Doesn't
Diamond Format have that capability? Or one of the freeware/shareware
formatter programs for Double Click?"
From the Atari Portfolio Forum
==============================
On the subject of a 512 Kbyte Portfolio, Sysop Marty Mankins posts:
"One of the things that I would like to do with the 512K version is to get
WP 4.2 to work. I can get it to work now, but I need to have the Memory
Expander + attached and then load WP from the Flashdrive. Not the best
portable solution, but it works. The 512K upgrade would make it possible
to load the program onto a 250K C: drive, leaving just over 200K free to
load WP. Then I save all of my stuff on the 128K RAM card in A:. Seems
like a over-rated solution, but it would be nice to take files back and
forth a bit easier. Save it in 4.2 format in WP 5.1, work on it on most of
my palmtops and other DOS machines, then take it back into 5.1 with no hard
returns to delete, etc."
Sysop BJ Gleason tells Marty:
"It was because of my need to run WP that I picked up a ZEOS PPC... I can
run WP on it... I saw you mention that WP was available on a ROM card...
What's the deal with that? [price, availablity, version, etc.."
Don Thomas tells Marty:
"I agree that is a great motivator for the added RAM. I do a lot of
writing/data entry in my Port, but it's not all letter writing. So, for me,
I don't know if anything more than the text editor would appeal to me to
fulfill any personal needs. I do realize there's a lot of people who do
letter writing and would enjoy that benefit."
John Fraser asks Dan Shearer of BSE:
"I am looking for a 512 mem card for my port ? does your company do that ?
if so could you post a phone number i could call you at (Also $)"
Dan tells John:
"Sorry, John, but I don't do memory cards for the Port. I do do Hard
drives. Ask anybody on the forum and you'll see. The price for a 30 MB
special is now $279! Thats a lot more than the memory card! 602-527-8843
is the phone if you are interested."
Mark Reeves tells John:
"For a 524k flash card try optrol at 919 779 3377"
Dan Shearer tells us all:
"Hi Folks.. It's me again, MR. BSE. Just wanted to let everyone out there
with a BSE product that I am here to help in case of any problems. I try to
log on every day. I also can refer you to a local dealer or get you current
prices on any BSE item. I'm not permitted to push my product here, so I
won't."
Don Thomas of Atari Corp. tells Dan:
"I can understand that it is best that we don't create a SuperMarket
environment, but I know there the forum membership changes from time to
time and I personally see a lot of value in being reminded about your
products, where they are sold and the most recent enhancements that are
available.
In fact, I would like to see a list of nifty software that your module
enables the Portfolio to run. I think BSE should keep an ongoing list (even
if its informal) and encourage your current customers to help contribute
new titles they may have run across. I realize that the list may be a
little tough to get started which is EXACTLY why you should... so potential
customers don't have to think of reasons to buy your product on their own.
I think the BSE Universal Interface and the Hard Drive assembly are
wonderful products. I think this forum owes it to all Portfolio passers-by
to make sure we support them by keeping it a favored topic.
Then again, people like bj could care what I think! <g>"
Ron Luks adds his thoughts:
"I agree with you (see also my reply to Dan). I maintain the most liberal
interpretations of CIS's rules for promoting products online. Obviously,
there is a limit, but we're far more liberal than most any other online
forums."
Don tells Ron:
"I appreciate that Ron and I know probably most of the forum members do. I
know for myself being a Port user, I want to know about new neat things and
how the existing products are doing and that CIS is the best source for
that info!...
(and to Dan):
"Hey-- its okay to push your product here. We like to support the vendors
who support the Portfolio."
Well folks, that's it for this week. C'mon back next week and maybe you'll
learn something new. Or better yet, why not log onto CompuServe and take
part in the fun?
Tune in again, same time, same channel and listen to what they are saying
when...
PEOPLE ARE TALKING
***********************************************************************
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
=================
STReport International Online Magazine is available every week in the
ST Advantage on DELPHI. STReport readers are invited to join DELPHI and
become a part of the friendly community of Atari enthusiasts there.
SIGNING UP WITH DELPHI
======================
Using a personal computer and modem, members worldwide access
DELPHI services via a local phone call
JOIN -- DELPHI
--------------
Via modem, dial up DELPHI at 1-800-695-4002
then...
When connected, press RETURN once or twice
and...
At Password: type STREPORT and press RETURN.
DELPHI's Basic Plan offers access for only $6.00 per hour, for any
baud rate. The $5.95 monthly fee includes your first hour online.
For more information, call: DELPHI Member Services at 1-800-544-4005
DELPHI is a service of General Videotex Corporation of Cambridge, MA.
Try DELPHI for $1 an hour!
For a limited time, you can become a trial member of DELPHI, and
receive 5 hours of evening and weekend access during this month for only
$5. If you're not satisfied, simply cancel your account before the end of
the calendar month with no further obligation. If you keep your account
active, you will automatically be enrolled in DELPHI's 10/4 Basic Plan,
where you can use up to 4 weekend and evening hours a month for a minimum
$10 monthly charge, with additional hours available at $3.96. But hurry,
this special trial offer will expire soon! To take advantage of this
limited offer, use your modem to dial 1-800-365-4636. Press <RET> once or
twice. When you get the Password: prompt, type IP26 and press <RET> again.
Then, just answer the questions and within a day or two, you'll officially
be a member of DELPHI!
TOP TEN DOWNLOADS (06/30/93)
ANTIBOMB, CRASH STOPPER!
STREPORT 9.26 06/25/93
AEO: VOLUME 2, ISSUE 11
LHARC VERSION 2.20
DC XTRACT PLUS 2.2B
KID KONG
BRODIE10.ARC
CHECKBOOK FOR THE ST
BUGS.LZH
PAULA 2.2A MOD PLAYER
All of the above files can be found in the RECENT ARRIVALS database for at
least one week after the posting of this list. Please Note that in the
case of online magazines, only the most current issue in the database at
the time of this compilation is considered for the Top 10 list. Also, for
all files, a submission is eligible for the Top 10 list for only four weeks
after its original uploading.
DELPHI- It's getting better all the time!
***********************************************************************
> BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST'93 STR SHOW NEWS "The Summertime Atari Event!"
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
1993 Blue Ridge ATARIFEST
"""""""""""""""""""""""""
FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUTION
""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer Studio
invite you to participate in the Fourth Annual Blue Ridge AtariFest in
beautiful Asheville, North Carolina. Show dates and times are:
Saturday July 24, 1993 10am - 6pm
Sunday July 25, 1993 Noon - 5pm
Just as in previous years, we have arranged for FREE Booth space for Atari
developers!! (We're only requesting the donation of a door prize).
We can promise both developers and show-goers an energetic and exciting
show with as enthusiastic a crowd of Atarians as you'll find anywhere, plus
the support of Computer Studio in the mall.
We're once again taking over the Courtyard Shop (mall) area at Westgate
Shopping Center for the show (location of Computer Studio), plus the use of
vacant store spaces for seminar sessions. Seminar sessions will be 45
minutes in length, and developers are welcome to conduct a seminar on their
product line or approved topic of their choice (seminar sessions are
limited, so first come, first served).
This year's show dates also coincide with Asheville's annual Bele Chere
street festival, when downtown Asheville is closed to vehicular traffic and
becomes what must be one of the largest street fairs in the country.
Westgate Shopping Center is one of the primary Park-and-Ride shuttle
centers for transporting people to and from downtown, and we've arranged to
have the shuttle service pick up at the front entrance of the mall and drop
off at the rear entrance, so everyone taking the service from Westgate WILL
walk through the AtariFest exhibition area sometime during the day. This
will be a great opportunity to showcase Atari and Atari related software
and peripherals, and introduce them to people who aren't already Atari
owners. Bringing in NEW blood is the key to the growth of this platform,
and this will be our opportunity to begin that process with a captive
audience.
Additional discussions of the show, as well as confirmations of your
participation, are welcome in GEnieMail and in the Blue Ridge
AtariFest topic 13 in Category 11 here on GEnie.
HOPING TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
HAPPY ATARI COMPUTING.
IT'S HAPPENING IN ASHEVILLE!
Where: Westgate Shopping Center - Asheville, N.C.
Take any major highway into Asheville (US 19-23, US 26 or I-40) to the
I-240 loop, then take the "Westgate/Hilton Inn Drive exit" into the
Westgate Shopping Center parking lot.
When: 24-25, July 1993
Time: 10:am to 6:pm SAT
12 Noon 'til 5pm SUN
Points of contact:
Come for a day or come for the weekend,
but do come and enjoy yourself.
Great Smokies Hilton Resort Hilton Inn Drive (704)254-3211
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-733-3211
Radisson One Thomas Wolf Plaza (704)252-8211
Rate: $62.00 per room (1-4 people)
====== Additional Hotel / Motel Information ===========
Days Inn I-26 and Airport Road (704)684-2281
I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5140
Econo Lodge US 70 East, I-40 Exit 55 (704)298-5519
Holiday Inn 275 Smoky Park Hwy (704)667-4501
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-HOLIDAY
Red Roof Inn I-40 and US 19-23 Exit 44 (704)667-9803
Toll-free reservation phone number 1-800-843-7663
Budget Motel I-40 Exit 44 (Enka-Chandler)
West Asheville Exit (704)665-2100 Best
Western Asheville Central 22 Woodfin St (704)253-1851
========= Local Bed & Breakfast lodging Information =========
Aberdeen Inn 64 Linden Ave (704)254-9336
Albemarle Inn 86 Edgemont Road (704)255-0027
Applewood Manor 62 Cumberland Circle (704)254-2244
The Bridle Path Inn Lockout Road (704)252-0035
Cairn Brae B & B 217 Patton Mountain Rd (704)252-9219
Carolina B & B 177 Cumberland Ave (704)254-3608
Cedar Crest Victorian Inn 674 Biltmore Ave (704)252-1289
Corner Oak Manor 53 St. Dunstan (704)253-3525
Cornerstone Inn 230 Pearson Dr (704)253-5644
Flint Street Inn 100 & 116 Flint Street (704)253-6723
The Lion and The Rose 276 Montford Ave (704)255-7673
The Ray House B & B 83 Hillside St (704)252-0106
Reed House 119 Dodge St (704)274-1604
The Wright Inn 235 Pearson Drive (704)251-0789]
(1-800-552-5724)
A more complete listing of Bed & Breakfasts can be obtained through the
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
Reservations should be made immediately, as July is the height of our
tourist season.
=========== CAMP GROUNDS ================
(reservations are a must during this time of season):
Mount Pisgah:
About 20 miles southwest of Asheville on the Blue Ridge Parkway at
mile post 408.6 (National Park Service). 690 acres. Elevation 5000'. One of
the nicest campgrounds in Western North Carolina. 67 tent sites, 70 RV
sites. For reservations: P.O.Box 749, Watnesville, N.C. 28786; phone (704)
235-9109. No showers. Groceries and restaurant. Nature program. 14 day
stay limit.
Lake Powhatan:
4 miles south of Asheville on State road 191, 3.5 miles west on SR
806. 30 acres. 98 tent/rv sites. Reservation available thru Mistix
1-800-283-CAMP. Disposal station. No showers. Swimming; lifeguard; fishing;
nature trails; bicycles. 14-day stay limit.
While in the area, you might want to consider a little sightseeing,
and include a visit to the Biltmore House here in Asheville (the largest
single family residence ever built in the U.S.--its a "castle"). A visit to
the Biltmore can be a full-day's activity as you will want to view the
house, visit the winery, and walk some of the grounds and gardens.
Hours:
The House 9 am to 6pm The Gardens 9am to 7pm
Conservatory 9am to 5:30pm
The Winery Monday-Saturday 11am to 7pm Sunday 1pm to 7pm
Other areas of interest include; the Thomas Wolf home (adjacent to the
Raddison), the Blue Ridge Parkway and Folk Art Center. A drive up the Blue
ridge Parkway to enjoy the higher elevations and incredible views of our
mountains. Perhaps a hike up to Mount Pisgah and look back down to
Asheville(you can see Mt. Pisgah from most anywhere in Asheville). A short
drive from Mt. Pisgah will take you to Sliding Rock (for those of you
travelling with kids who are still kids at heart), the Cradle of Forestry
(first forest school in the country), waterfalls, trout hatchery, etc. For
the adventurous, white water rafting on the Natahala River near Bryson
City (approx one and a half hours from here).
There's obviously loads more to see and do around Asheville (in
addition to the Blue Ridge AtariFest and a visit to Computer Studio :-). If
any of y'all would like maps and additional tourist info of the area I
might suggest contacting the Chamber of Commerce:
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
151 Haywood Street
P.O. Box 1010
Asheville, NC 28802
704-258-6111 FAX: (704)251-0926
The Blue Ridge Atari Computer Enthusiasts (BRACE) and Computer STudio
invite you to participate in the fourth annual Blue Ridge AtariFest on
Saturday, July 24 and Sunday July 25, 1993. The show will take place in
the Courtyard Shop area of Westgate Shopping Center in Asheville, North
Carolina (Home of Computer STudio). We are still signing up additional
exhibitors, but those who have already made a firm committment to attend
include (Alphabetical Listing):
Atari Corp/Applied Audio Marketing . Atari's Southeast Regional
Representatives will be on hand
to let you know what's going on
in the Atari world, especially
here in the Southest U.S.
Accusoft-ST ........................ PD/Shareware Software (Desktop
Publishing Clip Art Libraries)
Barefoot Software .................. Professional MIDI Software
applications (SMPTETrack,
EditTrack Platinum, GenEdit, EZ
Score Plus, etc.)
Binary Ink ......................... David St Martin will discuss his
own desktop publishing business
and conduct informative seminars
on "Marketing Your DTP Skills"
and "Newsletter Desktop
Publishing".
Codehead Technologies .............. Productivity software &
enhancements (G+Plus, MultiDesk
Deluxe, HotWire, CodeHead
Utilities, Warp 9, Calligrapher,
MaxiFile, Lookit & Popit, Avant
Vector, MegaPaint, TOS Extension
Card, etc.)
Computer STudio .................... Visit a 'real' Atari Dealership
in the mall (Atari computer
systems, software and
accessories)
DMC Publishing ..................... Desktop Publishing System
Solultions (Calamus/SL, PKS
Write, Outline Art, Invision
Elite, tms Cranach Studio, etc.)
GEnieLamp/GEnie .................... Telecommunications and
Electronic Publishing
JV Enterprises ..................... Developers of low-cost
license-ware software and games.
Lexicor Software ................... Professional animation and
rendering software (Prism Paint,
Phoenix Render, Meridian, etc.)
MagicSoft .......................... Entertainment Software (New
products unveiling!)
Missionware Software ............... (Flash II, lottODDS, Printer
Initializer, etc.)
STReport Online Magazine ........... Electronic Online Magazine
Showtimes are 10am - 6pm on Saturday, and noon-5pm on Sunday. Seminar
sessions will be scheduled throughout the show.
Since this year's show coincides with Asheville's annual Bele Chere Street
Festival, we are not having a Saturday evening banquet, but are instead
encouraging guests to hop the shuttle bus at the front entrance of the mall
and spend Saturday evening downtown enjoying the outdoor festivities (live
entertainment, food booths of all types, dancing, etc.).
Advance registration is only $3; or $4 at the door. Additional information
about the show and Asheville's Bele Chere festival will be mailed to all
who pre-register in advance. Door prize winners will also be selected from
registered guests (you need not be present at the time of the drawing to
win). Advance registration checks should made out to "COMPUTER STUDIO" and
mailed to:
Computer STudio
Westgate Shopping Center
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
For additional information, please contact either:
Sheldon Winick Cliff Allen, Show Coord.
GEnie: S.WINICK GEnie: C.ALLEN17
Computer STudio Internet: CALLEN@UNCA.EDU
Westgate Shopping Center phone: (704) 258-3758
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
(704) 251-0201
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
| |
| BLUE RIDGE ATARIFEST '93 - GUEST REGISTRATION FORM |
| """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" |
| |
| Name: ______________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Address: ___________________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| City: ______________________ ST: ______ ZIP: _____________ |
| |
| |
| Telephone: (_______) _______________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Please enclose a separate registration form for each person, |
| and return to us at the following address along with your |
| check in the amount of $3.00 per person ($4.00 at the show) |
| made payable to "COMPUTER STUDIO": |
| |
| Computer STudio |
| Westgate Shopping Center |
| 40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D |
| Asheville, NC 28806 |
| |
| Alternate Credit Card Payment Method: |
| """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" |
| |
| __ MasterCard __ VISA __ Discover __ American Express |
| |
| |
| Credit Card Number: ________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Expiration Date: ___________________________________________ |
| |
| |
| Authorized Signature: ______________________________________ |
| |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
> GENEVA ANNOUNCED! STR InfoFile GRIBNIF ON THE MARCH!
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Gribnif Software
News Release
June 30, 1993
/----------\
| Geneva |
\----------/
Multitasking Application Environment
====================================
After almost two years of development, Gribnif Software is proud to
announce their newest software offering for the Atari ST, STE, TT/030,
Falcon, and compatibles.
"Geneva" is a Multitasking Application Environment (Multitasking AES)
that allows any Atari to:
o Multitask unlimited GEM applications+
o Load and unload unlimited desk accessories+
o Put applications and accessories to "sleep", keeping them from using
valuable CPU time, temporarily closing all their windows.
o Run MultiTOS applications (it supports the new AES 4.0 calls)
+ subject to available memory
Geneva also adds the following features to the Atari:
o Task Manager
-for total control of all applications and accessories
o Tear-off menus
-drag any drop-down menu into its own window
o 3-D buttons and 3-D window gadgets
-easily customizable
o Keyboard control of drop-down menus
-similar to Windows, "walk the menus" of any application
o Ability to run singletasking applications
-for applications that are not multitasking compatible
o Enhanced compatibility when compared to Atari's MultiTOS
-special flags let you run even the most troublesome programs
o Keyboard control of window gadgets & dialog buttons
-keyboard equivalents for dialog & alert buttons, plus the
ability to assign keyboard equivalents to window gadgets
o Ability to change mouse shapes, including mouse animation support
o MiNT compatibility for MiNT applications
-multitask TOS programs, run MiNT-specific applications,
requires either freeware or commercial version of MiNT
o Enhanced file selector
-with powerful pattern matching, file searching, renaming,
deleting, dual column display, and multiple file selection
When compared to Atari's MultiTOS, Geneva offers the following
advantages:
o Smaller memory requirements (less than 125K of RAM when active)
o Faster application speed, mostly due to Geneva not requiring
MiNT loaded to multitask GEM applications.
o Faster window redraw and window gadget operation, due to Geneva's
faster AES code.
o Higher compatibility with older applications, thanks to Geneva's
special application flags and support for singletasking
applications.
If you do NOT have MultiTOS, Geneva offers you:
o A very easy and fast way to multitask unlimited GEM applications,
subject to available memory.
o The ability to load and unload unlimited desk accessories as you
need them, subject to available memory.
o The ability to run AES 4.0 (MultiTOS) applications.
o An inexpensive way to give your computer a whole new look & feel,
including 3-D buttons, tear-off menus, multitasking, keyboard
control, and much more.
If you DO have MultiTOS, Geneva offers you:
o A faster AES which offers several new features, including tear-off
menus, keyboard controls, faster windows, and higher compatibility.
o Higher compatibility, thanks to Geneva's special application flags
and support for singletasking applications.
o The ability to not have to run MiNT, therefore giving you:
> A faster way to multitask unlimited GEM applications,
subject to available memory.
> The ability to save substantial amounts of memory.
> Even higher compatibility with non-MiNT compatible
applications.
What Geneva does NOT include:
o Geneva does not include or require a "desktop". The built-in ROM
desktop is not compatible (if we could make it so, we would). But,
a desktop is not required. You can launch programs and accessories
directly from Geneva's Task Manager.
However, for convenience, a desktop replacement is recommended.
Geneva will work most MultiTOS compatible replacement desktops
and file launching shells.
Also, a patch is included with Geneva that upgrades NeoDesk 3 to
version 3.04, allowing it to work correctly with Geneva.
We recommend the soon to be released NeoDesk 4 desktop replacement,
which will include many new multitasking oriented features, window
menus, true color support, and will take full advantage of Geneva's
power and capabilities.
o Currently, Geneva does not include MiNT, the TOS enhancement
written by Atari for use with MultiTOS. However, Geneva is fully
compatible with MiNT, allowing you to run MiNT applications and
multitask TOS applications. Geneva is compatible both with the
freeware version of MiNT and Atari's commercial version.
Some common questions and answers about Geneva:
Q: Will I still be able to use my screen accelerator together with
Geneva to speed up my Atari?
A: Of course! Geneva does not replace the VDI, the part of the Atari
in charge of drawing. It works great with programs like "Warp 9"
and "NVDI 2.0"
Q: Do I have to reset my machine to load Geneva, like with MultiTOS?
A: Nope! You can easily load Geneva right from the built-in desktop
(or your favorite shell). No need to reboot the computer.
Q: How compatible is it?
A: Quite. Almost any program can be executed. The real question
is if a specific GEM program can actually support multitasking.
You will find that many do, but some programs, like the original
Flash, will only run in singletaskting mode. Other compatibility
options in Geneva let you specify if an application can receive
AES 4.0 (MultiTOS) messages, should only use a specific amount of
memory, or any other special handling it might require.
Q: How does singletasking work?
A: Geneva is aware that certain applications are not multitasking
compatible. When you run Flash, for instance, all other GEM
applications are temporarily suspended until you either quit
Flash or suspend it (letting you switch back to the other
multitasking applications while keeping Flash loaded in memory).
However, you still have full access to all of Geneva's other
capabilities, including the ability to load and unload desk
accessories.
Q: How complex is it to set all these settings?
A: It isn't at all. To make things even easier, Geneva keeps a
special GENEVA.CNF file which serves as a small database that
already tells Geneva how to run most programs. We will continue
to update this file (releasing it on-line, etc.) as we try out more
and more programs with Geneva. This means that all you may have to
do is actually run your programs, the settings are most likely
already set!
Q: What about TOS (text based) programs?
A: Currently, TOS programs run as singletasking applications. In
Geneva they run inside their own GEM window, allowing you to easily
change their font size and control their output. However, if you
run the freeware or commercial version of MiNT, you can multitask
TOS programs.
Q: Can I still use file selector replacements like UIS III or Little
Green Selector?
A: Yes, they will work, though you might find that they might not
support some of the more advanced Geneva features (such as the
advanced pattern matching, selecting multiple files at once, etc.)
Q: I'm a developer, how can I take advantage of Geneva's new
features and capabilities?
A: Every copy of Geneva includes a complete developer's kit. This
includes full information, libraries, and sample code on how you
can easily take advantage of Geneva's power and capabilities.
There are no royalties or licenses involved in making your
application "Geneva Aware".
Release Dates & Prices:
"Geneva" is slated for release in North America around September 1st,
1993. Foreign versions, including a German version, will be available
shortly thereafter.
"Geneva" will be available commercially from your local dealer for
$99.95 and will include the new "NeoDesk 4" desktop replacement.
"Geneva" will also be available by itself (without NeoDesk 4) for
$69.95. NeoDesk 4 will be available separately for $69.95.
Gribnif Software
News Release
June 30, 1993
/----------\
| Geneva |
\----------/
Multitasking Application Environment
====================================
"Geneva" is slated for commercial release around September 1, 1993.
For a limited time only, registered North American (USA & Canada)
owners of "NeoDesk 3" can acquire the "Geneva BETA" release
planned for July 15, 1993.
With the "Geneva BETA" release, you get:
o The July 15, 1993 release of "Geneva BETA".
o On-disk, ready-to-print, documentation.
o Special patch to upgrade NeoDesk 3 to version 3.04, making
it compatible with Geneva.
o FREE upgrade to the final September 1st release of "Geneva",
including the finished, printed manual.
Instead of the regular price of $69.95 for Geneva, those who purchase
the "Geneva BETA" version will only have to pay $50, a savings of
$19.95 from the final release.
You save $19.95, get the program at least 45 days before anybody else,
and receive a FREE upgrade!
For more information, or to become a member of the "Geneva BETA" team,
call Gribnif Software at (413) 247-5620.
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 779,
Northampton, MA 01061-0779
U.S.A.
Tel: (413) 247-5620 (10am to 6pm, Eastern Standard Time)
Fax: (413) 247-5622 (24 hours a day)
GENIE: GRIBNIF
CIS: 75300,1131
/---------------\
| Crazy Dots II |
\---------------/
True-Color Video Display Adapter
================================
Gribnif Software is proud to announce the immediate North American
release of their newest addition for the Atari MegaST, MegaSTE, and
TT/030. Developed by TKR in Germany, the brand new, Crazy Dots II -
Video Display Card.
Crazy Dots II has the following capabilities:
o Programmable screen resolutions up to 1,664 x 1,200.
o True-Color display capability (giving you up to 16.7 million colors
to choose from!).
o Virtual display support (display a resolution higher than the
physical screen resolution) with hardware panning (no software
slowdown).
Crazy Dots II also offers the following advantages:
o Optional, 24 bit color, accelerated "NVDI" based screen driver, which
gives you a SUBSTANCIALLY faster display than any other video card.
o Uses any standard VGA monitor (the better the monitor, the higher
the maximum resolution that you can display).
o Internal expansion slot with its own output socket for future
upgrades.
o English language software with an English (written by us) manual.
o 1 Megabyte of Video RAM.
The Crazy Dots II is a custom card, specifically designed to fit right
into your Atari's expansion slot. Two versions are available:
o MegaBus
For the Classic MegaST, includes a "pass-through" for the optional
math co-processor.
o VME
For the MegaSTE and TT/030 models.
The Crazy Dots design has already established itself, for the past two
years, as the leading video display card for the Atari. Used by hundreds
of satisfied customers, Crazy Dots gives you a fast, customizable, high
resolution display.
Crazy Dots II carries a suggested retail of $799.95. Dealer discounts
are available. To place and order, or for more information, please
contact:
Gribnif Software
P.O. Box 779,
Northampton, MA 01061-0779
U.S.A.
Tel: (413) 247-5620 (10am to 6pm, Eastern Standard Time)
Fax: (413) 247-5622 (24 hours a day)
GENIE: GRIBNIF
CIS: 75300,1131
_________________________________________________________
> ADSM STR InfoFile automated, high performance network-based backup
"""""""""""""""""
ADSTAR Distributed Storage Manager
==================================
An Overview:
The ADSTAR Distributed Storage Manager (ADSM) consists of storage
management services and data access services. The storage management
services provide an automated, highly reliable, high performance
network-based backup and archive product for workstations and LAN file
servers. Version 1 Release 1 provides for an MVS or VM-based backup/archive
server and backup/archive clients for DOS, OS2 v2., AIX for RISC
System/6000, Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, SUNOS, HP/UX and Novell
Netware systems.
ADSM 1.1 provides a corporate-wide backup and archive facility for both LAN
file-servers and individual workstations. An MVS or VM system is used as
the backup-server, storing the data on DASD, (e.g. the 3390-9) tape
(including the 3495 Automated Tape Library) or optical subsystems (such as
the 3995 Optical Library Data server models 151 and 153). ADSM allows
centrally scheduled automated backups when it's convenient for you and your
users. You can backup all the hard disks for multiple workstations or
LAN-servers simultaneously. The data can be automatically compressed prior
to being sent to the backup server, reducing the network transfer time and
the backup-server's storage requirements.
Backups can be scheduled automatically, or users can backup or archive
single or multiple files, directories or complete file systems using a
windowed, graphical interface or simple commands. Files can be quickly and
easily restored by users at any time. Low-use files can be archived and
erased from the workstations to free up local drive space and then restored
when needed. Users can easily transfer their backed up or archived files to
a new workstation or share these files among a group of users. A user can
grant others the right to access one or more files that they have backed up
or archived. A DOS or Windows client's data can be restored by each other
or by an OS/2 client. Any OS/2 client's data that matches the DOS file
naming convention can be restored by a DOS or Windows Client. Any Sun
client's data can be restored by an AIX client and vvs.
ADSM ensures high data availability through backup/archive server
functions, a database and recovery log, and with mirroring.
The backup/archive server provides multitasking, which allows each client
session with the server to be run as a separate task, allowing multiple
clients to back up simultaneously. The database maintains inventory
information for all of the backup and archive data. It also stores
information about registered clients, policies assigned to those clients,
and access control information. A recovery log is maintained to track all
changes made to the database and ensures that if a system failure occurs,
the database can be restored to a consistent state.
ADSM ensures the availability of your data in the event of a database or
recovery log media failure by providing a mirroring feature for the
database and recovery log. You can define as many as two additional copies
of each database volume and each recovery log volume for mirroring.
Changes can be made to the system without having to take it offline. With
the export/import feature, you can move backup/archive data from one server
to another. This is accomplished by exporting part or all of a server's
data to tape, so that you can import the data on another server.
ADSM 1.1 is the successor product of IBM Workstation Data Save Facility/VM
(5684-122) and supports existing WDSF/VM backup/archive clients.
___________________________________________________________
> IBM-CARY STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""
1-800-IBM-CARY
and
Cross System Product*
*** 1-800-IBM-CARY is a new access line into IBM for the below products,
*** if you have a problem in the areas outlined, let the IBM Cary, North
*** Carolina software laboratory help you with one of it's solutions!
What if......
You had an automated method to define, test, generate and run applications
in multiple environments?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and ask us to show you CSP (Cross System Product*).
You say you're buried in paper, but can't find what you need when you need
it?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and ask us about the BookManager* family of products
that build, read and distribute electronic documents.
So you say you want a tool to quickly build sophisticated, customized
CID-enabled installation programs?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and ask for an information package on Software
Installer for OS/2* and Software Installer for Windows**.
And you want a set of application programming interfaces (APIs) that
provide a consistent way to access interprocess and network communication
functions under OS/2 2.0*?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY for information on Distributed Application/2*.
You say you want to convert your Windows 3.0, Windows 3.1, and OS/2 1.3
screens to OS/2 2.0 without going through a software conversion?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and ask us about IBM SAA Common User Access Controls
Library/2 (CCL).
What if...Your MVS systems and operations people had interactive
applications for problem change and configurations management of network
and central site operations?
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and we'll send you information about
Information/Management for MVS*.
And if you need an advanced set of productivity tools that you can use to
enrich human-computer interaction; and to develop, test, and document
interactive and batch applications...
Call 1-800-IBM-CARY and ask for the ISPF and ISPF/PDF information package
(Interactive System Productivity*, Program Development Facility*).
We're IBM-Cary and we're building software that solves your problems. Call
1-800-IBM-CARY and let us help you.
* Trademark of International Business Machines, Inc.
** Trademark of Microsoft Corporation
_________________________________________________
> NVN WANTS YOU! STR InfoFile Another Network Supports Atari!
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
NVN - THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK!
===============================
The Atari computer platform has support on yet another top notch
telecommunications service! National Videotex Network (NVN) maintains an
area just for our favorite computers. Type GO ATARI Order an extended NVN
Membership of 6 or 12 months, pay for it in advance and receive a bonus in
connect time at no additional charge.
NVN lowers its connect time charges!
$5/hour non-prime time (EST. 7pm - 9am weekdays and all day weekends)
$8/hour prime time (EST 9am - 7pm weekdays)
Choose from two great subscription plans:
6-Month Membership
==================
Pay just $30 for a 6-month Membership and receive a usage credit that
entitles you to $15 of connect-time in the Premium services of your
choice. Your total savings using this plan would be over $20!
12 Month Membership
===================
Pay $50 for a full year's Membership and get even more free time on-line.
We'll give you a $25 usage credit to use in your favorite premium services
or try out new ones. You could save as much as $45. NVN now offers
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For a $2 per month service charge,
customers may have their NVN online charges automatically debited from
their personal checking accounts. Please contact Client Services for this
new feature!
For more information about either of these plans..
Please, give us a call at; 1-800-336-9096.
You can join NVN one of two ways...
By voice phone 1-800-336-9096 (Client Services)
or via modem phone 1-800-336-9092.
NVN Highlights
--------------
1. For the newcomers ....
2. NEW (MODIFIED) REFERRAL PROGRAM LET'S YOU EARN $10 USAGE CREDITS!
3. A library built *just* for business people
4. Board Certified Psychiatrist heads up the new Substance Abuse Forum
5. VETERANS: Please report to the Military Forum <GO MILITARY> for C&D.
6. Step out into the Great Outdoors Forum <GO OUTDOORS>
7. We've got just the cure for your medical information needs
8. The Diabetes & Hypoglycemia Support Forum is now online.
9. SOUND OFF!!! Take our Game Survey
10. Let's talk about Coins
11. Call all DISNEYphiles! Join the gang! <GO AMERICA>.
12. Amiga Forum now available for Amiga and Desktop Video enthusiasts!
13. NEW Email enhancements are on-line. Including personal mailing lists!
_________________________________________________________
> Freestyle News STR InfoFile
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""
SHAREWARE PROGRAMS
FROM
THE FREESTYLE COMPANY
FSCALC
------
FsCalc is a calculator that pops up when you need it, either from the
DOS command line, or as a TSR program from within any DOS character based
program. It features it's own pop-up tape of calculations that you can
either use to retrieve past calculations or as a hard copy tape print a
record. You can remove FsCalc from memory on the fly if you need ram
space. FsCalc was featured in the October 1991 issue of Compuserve
Magazine's Current Hits section. FsCalc has slos been contracted to a
major software company and bundled with at least one of their commercial
software programs. A renamed version was contracted to Softdisk Publishing
(Big Blue Disk) for availability to monthly software subscribers.
FSLABEL
-------
FsLabel reads the contents of a disk and prints identification labels
for your disk library on full page laser sheet labels using any Hewlet
Packard compatible printer. It's fast, easy to use, and the only automatic
disk labeler to support full page laser labels. The Department of Social
Services for the State of Alaska uses it, along with the Yosemite Valley
Curry Company and several other commercial firms including Hewlet Packard,
who registered it and makes it available on their own BBS. It has also
found a niche in the offices of a number of Attourneys, Dentists, and
Physicians.
HPLABEL
-------
HpLabel is a Windows based version of FsLabel. In addition to running
under the Windows graphical environment, it features the ability to select
files across directories to include on your disk identification label.
HpLabel requires either version 3.0 or 3.1 of Microsoft Windows, and a HP
compatible printer.
FSREAD
------
FsRead is a fast ram based text file browser able to load files up to
450 kilobytes into ram for lightning fast scans and searches. It features
a graphic tree for directory file selection, the ability to mark on screen
text for searches of additional occurrences, and a book marker to return to
your place after a scan or search. A renamed version was contracted to
Softdisk Publishing (Big Blue Disk) for availability to monthly software
subscribers.
FSTEXT
------
FsText is a text style analyzer that checks business letters, reports,
or articles for reading ease, human interest, and negativity. It displays
results graphically, places the sample into a commercial category, and
includes a quick comment to guide the writer in either increasing or
decreasing the level of writing for the three evaluation categories. A
renamed version was contracted to Softdisk Publishing (Big Blue Disk) for
availability to monthly software subscribers. Another renamed version was
contracted to The TV Group Inc., for inclusion in a Television advertised
software bundle.
QSHELL
------
Qshell is a mouse driven, point and shoot DOS shell. For those who
don't already have one, Qshell is an inexpensive shell that even a novice
can use to entirely manage a hard disk system. You can create or remove
directories; copy, delete, rename, view, or change attributes for files; or
run programs. All this with the click of your mouse if you have one, or a
few key strokes of you don't.
CLEAN SWEEP
-----------
Clean Sweep is a Windows based utility that scans your entire hard
disk for files matching a search mask, for either total or selective
deletion. Use Clean Sweep to delete all those *.BAK files that clutter
your hard disk, selectively delete *.DOC files lost or scattered across
multiple directories, remove hidden files created by advanced virus
checking programs, or whatever your need. It's fast and simple to use.
Clean Sweep requires either version 3.0 or 3.1 of Microsoft Windows.
Freestyle programs have been registered in the US., Canada, Europe, Hong
Kong, and Japan. They are available for $15.00 US. each, plus a single
$5.00 fee for shipping and handling for one or all, from The Freestyle
Company, 24307 Magic Mtn. Pkwy., Suite. 255, Valencia Ca, 91355
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
:HOW TO GET YOUR OWN GENIE ACCOUNT:
_________________________________
Set your communications software to Half Duplex (or Local Echo)
Call: (with modem) 800-638-8369.
Upon connection type HHH (RETURN after that).
Wait for the U#= prompt.
Type: XTX99587,CPUREPT then, hit RETURN.
GEnie costs only $4.95 a month for unlimited evening and weekend access to
more than 100 services including electronic mail, online encyclopedia,
shopping, news, entertainment, single-player games, and bulletin boards on
leisure and professional subjects. With many other services, including the
biggest collection of files to download and the best online games, for only
$6 per hour.
MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! Any time during your first month of membership if
you are not completely satisfied, just ask for your $4.95 back.
GEnie Information copyright (C) 1991 by General Electric
Information Services/GEnie, reprinted by permission
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
> WHY OS/2 2.0 STR FOCUS!
"""""""""""""""""""""""
WHY OS/2 2.0?
=============
IBM Personal Systems
Ctsy, CIS
by David Reich 76711,632
Preface
-------
Trademark Acknowledgements
--------------------------
The following terms are trademarks or registered trademarks of the IBM
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries:
IBM PS/2 RISC System/6000
OS/2 Operating System/2 Presentation Manager
SAA Systems Application Architecture Extended Services
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks.
Windows, Windows NT, Win32, and Win32s are
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Disclaimer
----------
Some of the information in this paper concerns future products, or
future releases of current, commercially available products. Discussion of
Windows is based on information which the Microsoft Corporation has made
publicly available as of October 1, 1992, or information in the public
trade press and is subject to change. IBM's future products and their
performance, functions and availability are based upon IBM's current
intent and are subject to change.
Special Notices
---------------
References in this publication to IBM's current and future products,
programs or services do not imply that IBM intends to make these generally
available in all countries in which IBM operates.
IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject
matter in this document. This document does not grant anyone a license to
those patents, patent applications or to any other IBM intellectual
property.
Contents
--------
Executive Summary
Why OS/2 Surpasses both Windows 3.x and Windows NT
Why OS/2?
The best of both worlds
Freedom of Choice
A productive environment for the user
A platform you can rely on
Superior connectivity
The integrated system
32-bit power
Platform for growth
Value for money
Protects today's investment, and is a base for the future
What are some alternatives to OS/2?
Windows 3.x
Windows NT
The Windows client-server strategy
Windows Myths
Myth #1: The marketplace has chosen - Windows is the standard.
Myth #2: Everyone is using Windows applications.
Myth #3: Windows is faster and leaner than OS/2
What Microsoft is saying about OS/2 2.0
OS/2 2.0 offers it all... TODAY.
Appendices
----------
Appendix A. OS/2 2.0 compared to Windows 3.1 and Windows NT
Appendix B. Windows 3.1 Application Incompatibilities
Executive Summary
WHY OS/2 SURPASSES BOTH WINDOWS 3.X AND WINDOWS NT
Most people agree that, as an operating system, IBM's OS/2 2.0 is
superior to Microsoft's Windows 3.1. To compete with IBM's OS/2, Microsoft
has announced another system, Windows NT. Windows NT is not yet available
and Microsoft says the first version may ship in late 1992 or in 1993.
When it finally arrives, Windows NT is expected to address some of
Windows 3.1's shortcomings. However, based on the preliminary beta release
and Microsoft's public comments, Windows NT will only partially close the
gap with OS/2 2.0.
For example, the state of the art in user-friendly interfaces today is
the object-oriented graphical user interface, an example of which is the
Workplace Shell in OS/2 2.0. Only recently has Microsoft begun to talk
about releasing a similar user-friendly interface -- sometime in 1994.
Today, OS/2 2.0 surpasses Windows 3.1 in the following areas:
o Superior crash protection
o Greater number of applications supported
o Superior multitasking
o Object-oriented graphical user interface
o Superior file system
o More memory available for applications
Today, Windows NT is NOT available. In the timeframe that Microsoft
is expected to complete Windows NT, OS/2 will have moved forward
significantly. The following enhancements are planned for OS/2 later in
1992:
o Additional performance improvements, especially for the minimum
hardware configurations
o Support for more displays, printers and other devices
o Improved graphics engine
o Support for Windows 3.1 applications
When the first version of Windows NT finally arrives, IBM is confident
that OS/2 will still surpass it in the following areas:
o Compatibility with DOS and Windows applications
o Greater number of applications supported
o Object-oriented graphical user interface
o Less expensive hardware requirements (memory and disk)
So, a customer can choose to live with the shortcomings of Windows 3.1
and wait for Windows NT to arrive. However, when they are finished with
this wait, they may face a hardware upgrade and a conversion of Windows
applications.
Or, a customer can enjoy the benefits of OS/2 2.0's superior operating
environment, avoid the upgrade and the conversion, and still have a
superior operating environment in the future.
WHY DO ANYTHING ELSE?
---------------------
Why OS/2?
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
-----------------------
In the new PC environment, both personal productivity and
line-of-business applications are essential. OS/2 can satisfy both needs.
It provides a better DOS than DOS itself, and it runs a wide range of DOS
and Windows applications. In addition, OS/2 2.0 is a superior platform for
running in-house mission critical applications with industrial strength,
robust protection, and powerful multitasking. Users don't have to choose
between different systems for their different needs OS/2 can do both.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE
-----------------
Today's computing environment can be confusing; the variety of options
can be overwhelming. When making choices about hardware and software
platforms, it is difficult to follow a path which keeps a wide range of
options open. Too often choices are constrained by compatibility issues or
by a limited growth path. OS/2 2.0 aims to simplify the decision by
providing a choice; the widest range of applications on a wide range of
hardware.
OS/2 2.0 runs DOS, Windows and OS/2 16-bit and 32-bit applications,
the widest range of applications available on an Intel-based platform. In
fact, OS/2 2.0 is such a superior environment that even if users only run
DOS applications on a 386-based machine, OS/2 2.0 is the best environment
in which to run them.
Furthermore, applications running under OS/2 2.0, whether they are
DOS, Windows or OS/2 based, provide added value by working together;
sharing information and running from the common Workplace Shell. This not
only protects your current investment in DOS, Windows and OS/2
applications, but adds value by integrating them.
In addition, OS/2 2.0, and Extended Services and OS/2 LAN Server are
supported on a wide range of IBM-compatible hardware as well as IBM PS/2s.
This means the user can run OS/2 2.0 with confidence on machines from
vendors like Compaq, Olivetti, Dell, Hewlett Packard, Toshiba, and others,
and IBM support can be included. In fact, IBM has certified over 260
configurations from 71 hardware vendors so it is highly likely that your
PCs equipped with an Intel 386SX or above processor are supported.
A PRODUCTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE USER
-------------------------------------
OS/2 provides an object-oriented user interface, the Workplace Shell,
which allows business users to focus on the information they want to work
with, not the application that needs to be loaded. This business-oriented
way of working helps users to become more productive, by concentrating more
on what they want to do, and less on how to do it. It also provides a
single consistent environment in which multiple applications can be loaded
from different sources. Additionally, it is an extremely easy environment
to learn, since once a user knows how to drag a file's icon with the mouse
to put it into a folder, he can use the same operation to print it, and to
copy it to another disk or erase it. In addition, companies can derive the
benefits of a standard interface which complies with IBM's Common User
Access (CUA) definition for user interface design.
Also, since many applications can be loaded and running at the same
time, users can be more productive, especially in work that involves much
interruption and switching from one task to another. OS/2's true
multi-tasking means that long-running processes can simply be switched to
run in the background, while the user continues with something else -
resulting in less 'wait time' for the user. At the same time, more can be
done with the existing set of applications by allowing them to share
information easily through consistent interfaces like the Presentation
Manger clipboard.
A PLATFORM YOU CAN RELY ON
--------------------------
When the PC becomes the center of information processing, as it often
is in today's environment, then the PC platform must show the stability and
reliability of the host environment. Today, DOS and extensions to DOS, like
Windows, do not provide the protection that OS/2 2.0 offers. OS/2 HAS BEEN
DESIGNED TO PROTECT APPLICATIONS FROM ONE ANOTHER and delivers today the
stable platform required for full multitasking and greater protection from
system crashes. It is little use having the most fault tolerant server or
host if the client workstations are not fault tolerant. And many users of
productivity applications, like word-processors and spreadsheets, consider
their PCs to be "mission critical". For this reason, reliability is a
requirement for every PC.
SUPERIOR CONNECTIVITY
---------------------
OS/2's strong multitasking and robust protection make it the best
operating system available for connectivity applications such as
client/server and distributed processing. In addition, OS/2 has Extended
Services for OS/2, which provides communications and database functions,
and OS/2 LAN Server, which provides a full client-server environment. This
allows networking to be an integral part of the operating system, and
provides high functionality at a much more economical cost than buying many
separate packages.
OS/2 is not only a superior server platform, but also the most
functional and stable client. It provides a consistent platform for both
server and client, can handle multiple concurrent communications protocols
(e.g. NETBIOS, APPC, IPX, TCP/IP) with ease, and even provides a
LAN-independent user interface to mixed vendor networks. In addition, it is
enabled for automated LAN-based installation. Most importantly, OS/2 offers
the stability and reliability in a client to match the reliability of the
server or host.
The result is that "mission critical" applications which depend on
communications with various systems can be implemented much more safely in
OS/2 than on DOS or its extensions.
THE INTEGRATED SYSTEM
---------------------
OS/2 allows DOS, Windows and OS/2 applications to run together while
providing a GUI, and the database, communications, and LAN support included
in Extended Services for OS/2 and LAN Server. For developers, this means
the APIs and services have been designed to work together, eliminating the
need for the systems integration of a variety of DOS-based packages, a
process which often presents incompatibilities or problems.
Instead, the OS/2 function has been designed and tested to work
together - IBM has already done the integration work. In addition, the
Workplace Shell environment integrates DOS, Windows and OS/2 applications
and allows them to work together, even though they may have been written by
different vendors. That's why OS/2 is THE INTEGRATING PLATFORM for the
1990s.
32-BIT POWER
------------
OS/2 2.0 is a 32-bit system. It gives users the advantages of a 32-bit
system, which include superior application performance and the opportunity
to fully use the 386 and 486 hardware that runs OS/2. It provides users
with a 32-bit system NOW - eliminating their need to wait for other
alternatives with uncertain delivery dates.
The 32-bit API also allows developers to create richer, more
sophisticated applications. Applications like multimedia require an
advanced 32-bit interface to exploit their full potential and power.
Additionally, moving to the OS/2 32-bit API gets developers ready for
future developments in OS/2.
PLATFORM FOR GROWTH
-------------------
OS/2 will be the base of new developments for many of the features
that will be requirements for the workstations of the mid-90's. These
include multimedia, object-oriented systems, support for the Distributed
Computing Environment (DCE) and portability across different processors.
These applications will require a robust, architected and powerful 32-bit
system, and that system is OS/2.
IBM plans to enhance OS/2's capabilities for object-oriented
application development in distributed environments by advancing the
function provided by the System Object Model. IBM intends to leverage a
subset of Taligent's object services and frameworks to benefit OS/2
application development and enable future compatibility with Taligent's
environment.
VALUE FOR MONEY
---------------
OS/2 2.0 offers a "3 in 1" environment, allowing users to run DOS,
Windows and OS/2 applications so there is no need to buy DOS or Windows
separately. It also includes a series of productivity applications,
utilities and games at no additional cost. OS/2 also provides scalable font
support for both Windows and OS/2 applications with Adobe Type Manager.
OS/2 offers all this functionality at a list price which is less than the
combined list prices of DOS and Windows 3.1.(1) Upgrading from DOS or
Windows makes the cost of moving to OS/2 even less.
PROTECTS TODAY'S INVESTMENT, AND IS A BASE FOR THE FUTURE
---------------------------------------------------------
Today, OS/2 supports the widest choice of existing applications while
meeting the needs of current client-server and networked environments.
OS/2 also provides a strong base for future technologies and a very
reliable migration path. OS/2 currently offers what other environments can
only promise for the future - so why wait?
What are some alternatives to OS/2?
WINDOWS 3.X
-----------
Microsoft Windows 3.0 and 3.1 are good attempts to work around some of
the architectural limitations of the 10 year old, 16-bit, single-tasking
architecture of DOS. They offer the user a more attractive interface and
provide an environment in which programs can be written to do limited
multitasking. The underlying architectural limitations still remain and it
is these limitations that will prevent Windows 3.x from fully satisfying
the demands of most in the 90's. Let us review these demands:
1. Reliability
2. Pre-emptive multitasking
3. Application support
4. Networking support
5. User interface
6. 32-bit
Reliability
DOS was written to run on the Intel 8086/8088 processors available at
the beginning of the 1980s. These processors ran in "Real Mode", that is
any program could address and change any part of memory. Therefore any
program which made a mistake could overwrite itself or the operating
system. In any case the program would fail. This might be irritating to
the user if it led to lost work, but the impact was likely to be small.
Windows enabled more than one program to run, but still sometimes ran
the processor in Real Mode. In this situation, one failing program could
necessitate the shut-down of the whole system. This was the well-known
"Unrecoverable Application Error" (UAE). In Windows 3.1, Microsoft reduced
the frequency of the UAE in Windows 3.1 (and renamed the remaining UAEs to
General Protection Faults or "GPF".) However, AS LONG AS A PROGRAM RUNS ON
TODAY'S DOS, THE POTENTIAL FOR THESE FAILURES REMAINS. These failures can
be very irritating to end-users and can represent a real impact to their
productivity. For businesses that want to run "mission-critical" or
higher-speed communications applications on PCs, it can be potentially
disastrous.
From the beginning, IBM designed OS/2 to be a "protected" operating
system. This means the operating system and the hardware cooperate to
prevent failing applications from impacting any other part of the system.
For the user, that means fewer problems and less inconvenience. For the
business, it means lower risk and greater productivity.
Multitasking
------------
Windows 3.x is built on the foundation of a single-tasking operating
system, DOS. Therefore, multitasking of Windows applications must be done
within the applications themselves. Programmers of Windows applications
must explicitly include "yield points" to enable other applications to get
a share of the processor time. This is called "cooperative application
multitasking" and results in inefficient use of available resources and
unsatisfactory and uneven response to users when multiple programs are
running.
IBM designed OS/2 to be a multitasking system by basing multitasking
in the operating system, not the applications. For this reason, OS/2 can
outperform Windows 3.x in many multitasking situations. In practice, this
advantage is felt by the end-user in the increased smoothness of response.
For example, an OS/2 user can continue to type into a word processor while
formatting a diskette.
Application support
-------------------
OS/2 runs more Windows applications than Windows 3.1 because it
enables users to simultaneously run applications written for Windows Real
Mode (Windows 2.x applications) and Windows 3.x applications. (Windows 3.0
can run these applications but not simultaneously with Windows 3.x
applications.) OS/2 will also run OS/2 applications written for OS/2 2.0
and all previous releases of OS/2. An independent estimate put the
customer investment in OS/2 applications at 2 billion dollars, in addition
to the 2 billion dollars invested by software vendors.
OS/2 is the first mainstream 32-bit operating system for the Intel
hardware architecture. Many software vendors and companies are developing
applications that take advantage of the investment made in Intel 386 and
486 processor based machines over the last several years. The second
edition of the OS/2 Application Solutions Directory published by Graphics
Plus, Inc. lists 1100 32-bit OS/2 applications available or in development
as of July 1992. OS/2 has the widest applications portfolio of any
operating system in the market.
Networking
----------
The role of the Personal Computer is changing; fewer business PCs are
now stand-alone machines and highly connected client-server architectures
will provide the Information Technology (IT) systems of the 90s. The
original PCs were not designed to manage the demands of networking, which
always required compromises for DOS-based PCs. The limited memory
available for programs in DOS often meant that certain, larger applications
were mutually exclusive with networking. Networking with Windows 3.0 was
not always easy because of the various techniques used to circumvent the
memory restrictions.
Windows 3.1 has helped ease these difficulties but has not completely
eliminated the restrictions. In addition, the implementation of networking
programs as Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) programs (which ran in the
Real Mode of the Intel processor) further compromised the reliability of
the system. Networking is fundamentally a multitasking activity and the
limited multitasking in Windows was sometimes inadequate to manage
high-speed communications tasks running in the background.
Networks are increasing in size and effective network and systems
management is becoming more important. A sophisticated multi-tasking
system is required to ensure these tasks can be safely performed in the
background at any time without the intervention or knowledge of the user.
OS/2 was designed to be part of a network and consequently, is an ideal
choice for a client workstation.
User interface
--------------
Windows introduced many users to the benefits of a Graphical User
Interface (GUI ). Research shows that the underlying conceptual model
presented by a software system is as important as the actual look of the
program. Windows is still harnessed to the same underlying organization as
DOS. This necessitates users understand the structure of the file system,
the distinction between program and files, and so on.
The OS/2 user interface (the Workplace Shell) is a second generation
GUI and presents an interface modelled on the real world. Users interact
with the system by manipulating "objects"; dragging a file to a printer for
instance. IBM has conducted thousands of hours of usability research to
ensure OS/2 is easy to use, not just easy to learn.
In addition, the Workplace Shell acts as a unifying layer for
applications. No matter for what system they were originally designed,
they are used in the same way and information can be shared between them
using the same techniques. Printing is easier in OS/2, enabling users to
forget about the mechanics of the system and simply accomplish their tasks.
OS/2 is designed to work the way users work, not force them to work the way
the computer works. Finally, OS/2 removes from many users the
responsibility for understanding and controlling such things as extended
memory management (provided by add-on products to DOS like QEMM) and
enables them to concentrate on their jobs.
32 bit
------
For the end-user, the internal design of the system is probably not
important. However, for the decision maker, the architectural basis of the
product is significant because it dictates the range of future
possibilities.
Microsoft has announced a 32-bit API for Windows 3.1 (Win32s), but it
is important to understand the limitations inherent in this approach. As
the full name (Win32 subset) implies, Win32s implements only some of the
API calls in the full Win32 API which Microsoft states is supported in
Windows NT. This means that developers may have to make a choice; They can
write an application common to Windows 3.1 and Windows NT (which cannot
exploit the additional functions in Windows NT), or develop separate
applications for Windows 3.1 and Windows NT. In the latter case, the
benefits of the Win32s API will be limited to the flat 32-bit memory model
(which a Win32s Dynamic Link Library will map back to the native 16-bit
segmented memory model of Windows 3.1). The performance implications of
this are unknown.
OS/2 implements a complete 32-bit API with advanced features today.
The benefits of this increase as developers ship more advanced,
high-performance applications for OS/2. The requirements of the 90's are
already here and OS/2 can satisfy them today.
WINDOWS NT
----------
Microsoft has announced it will provide a completely new operating
system called Windows NT. It will share the Windows name and provide some
compatibility to existing Windows programs. It has been announced for
availability at the end of 1992 or early to mid 1993. At this time, only
beta code is available and this discussion is based on the functions
present in this code and stated by Microsoft representatives to be in plan.
It must be stressed that WINDOWS NT IS NOT AN AVAILABLE PRODUCT.
Windows NT will implement a number of subsystems on a newly written
kernel that borrows elements from different operating system models.(2)
Microsoft states that important features of Windows NT will be:
o Preemptive multitasking and multi-threading
o Protected architecture
o 32-bit system
o Support for DOS and existing (i.e. 16-bit) Windows applications
IBM agrees that these features are important, which is why they are
already available in OS/2 2.0. Other features that Microsoft claims that
Windows NT will have are:
o Improved security API
o Support of symmetrical multiprocessing (SMP)
o Portability (easily migrated to different hardware architectures)
o POSIX
IBM agrees that these features are likely to be of increasing
importance in the future and intends to add these features to a future
version of OS/2. However it is unclear to what extent these features are
required by customers today, or whether they will be more important than
other technologies on which IBM is also working. In particular, the first
version of Windows NT will not include any object-oriented user interface
technology (unlike OS/2 which incorporates and uses the Workplace Shell /
Systems Object Model (SOM) as the basis of its object-oriented user
interface).
When considering the value of a new operating system it is better to
take a business-oriented viewpoint rather than concentrating on the
technology. In particular users should consider two vital points: the
resources required to run an operating system and its compatibility with
the existing application portfolio.
Windows NT system requirements
------------------------------
The recommended minimum configuration for Windows NT will be a fast
Intel 386 with at least 8Mb of RAM and 100Mb of disk space.(3) However, PC
Week has reported, "Many observers say that the practical recommendation
will probably end up closer to a 12Mb system. Others predict even higher
memory requirements."(4) Gartner Group has also told its customers it
believes "a mainstream platform for Windows NT will be a 486DX with 12 to
16 megabytes of RAM (and up) on the workstation."(5)
Since Windows NT is not generally available, it is unclear how much
memory will be required to run a typical networked application.
Windows NT compatibility
------------------------
Windows NT will be a break with previous PC operating systems and may
not offer full compatibility with existing DOS or Windows applications.
In its July 27, 1992 review of Windows NT, PC Week stated, "Rather
than provide compatibility for all DOS and Windows applications, Microsoft
Corp. officials have stated their intentions to focus support on 'major'
DOS and Windows 3.1 applications." Paul Muglia, a director of Windows NT
at Microsoft, was also quoted, "We'll look at what are the top 100 Windows
applications and the top 100 DOS applications, and focus more on those than
on those that haven't sold well."(6)
In addition, the operating system design is processor independent and
so if code written for the Intel 16-bit processors is to run on other
processors, a software emulation of the underlying hardware may have to be
provided. This technology is familiar from the UNIX world. It enables a
basic level of compatibility but has a number of potential drawbacks:
o Performance
The software emulation of hardware processes may cause applications
to run slower
o Hardware dependent programs
These may often not run. In particular, many DOS device drivers may
have to be rewritten. This means that fax, scanner, file backup and
even 3270 emulation programs may not run. Many software vendors will
only undertake the work of rewriting device drivers if they are
assured of a significant marketplace. The hardware requirements of
Windows NT are likely to mean that it will not be a mass-market
product.
o Usability of DOS programs may also be compromised
Microsoft has acknowledged that, in the first release of Windows NT,
DOS programs using VGA (or higher mode) graphics will not be able to
be windowed onto the desktop.(7) This is not a problem for OS/2.
Microsoft's plans to support clipboard and DDE for these DOS programs
have also not been made clear.
Windows programs written for Windows 3.x are 16-bit programs and
Microsoft has stated that Windows NT will support these programs in a
single Virtual DOS machine (VDM).(8) This means that if one program
fails other Windows 16-bit programs may fail - just as in Windows 3.1.
Windows/NT market positioning
-----------------------------
Windows NT may have a number of compatibility issues that could make
it an unacceptable option for many end-users. Add to this the projected
higher cost of the hardware needed to run NT and it's clear that Windows NT
is unlikely to become the client of choice for most people. Microsoft has
also clearly positioned Windows NT as more suitable for a server or
high-end workstation operating system.(9)
While Windows NT has many of the features that would make it an
attractive base as a server operating system, the reality is that changing
a Network Operating System is a difficult and expensive procedure. Most
network managers would choose to run with lower function rather than incur
the risk and cost of changing server software.
Because nearly three-quarters of the networks in the world use Novell
products that will not even run on Windows NT, it could take a long time
for Windows NT to gain any significant acceptance. In addition, it is not
clear what effect Microsoft's plans to bundle some basic networking
functions with Windows NT will have on other networking product vendor's
inclinations to support the platform.
OS/2 users will gain little if any benefit from moving to Windows NT
because OS/2 already offers the key features of multitasking and
application protection. In addition, Microsoft has stated that Windows NT
will not run OS/2 32-bit or OS/2 Presentation Manager programs.
Many RISC-based workstation users are using UNIX because the
specialized applications they need are written for UNIX. It is likely to
be a large migration job to re-write a UNIX program for Windows NT and, in
the absence of a large market acceptance, it is questionable whether
software vendors will be willing to make that investment. Some UNIX users
have already expressed their unwillingness to move to a new operating
system that is inherently single-user when they are used to the flexibility
of the multi-user UNIX. Jay Kidd, a director of marketing at Silicon
Graphics (the manufacturer of the only RISC-based workstation that Windows
NT runs on today), has stated "UNIX, rather than Windows NT, will continue
to be the operating system of choice for those who want the absolutely best
performance and are willing to sacrifice compatibility to get it."(10)
In summary, Windows NT is at risk of becoming a high-technology white
elephant. If it cannot run existing programs and needs more powerful
hardware than is widely installed then it should have a limited market and
remain an academic solution to niche needs.
THE WINDOWS CLIENT-SERVER STRATEGY
----------------------------------
Microsoft has a two operating system strategy. Today, the company
recommends DOS and Windows for the client AND OS/2 FOR THE SERVER.(11) When
Windows NT is delivered, it says that customers should migrate their OS/2
servers to Windows NT servers. IBM believes that the reason Microsoft
proposes two separate and different operating systems for the client and
server roles is because Microsoft does not offer a product that provides
the reliability and efficient multitasking for clients with more limited
hardware requirements. IBM PROPOSES ONE OPERATING SYSTEM FOR BOTH THESE
ROLES: OS/2. This reduces administration workload and training overhead
for support staff while making better use of software developers' skills.
The dominant system design of the 90's will be client-server. The
flexibility, development speed and cost advantages of this architecture
increase the requirements for systems and network management. A reliable
client is a must (why pay for fault-tolerant servers if the clients are not
fault-tolerant?) but true multitasking is also vital to enable effective
and non-intrusive management. OS/2 IS AN IDEAL CLIENT. LAN Server with
OS/2 on the server provides the highest performance server in the industry.
Windows Myths
-------------
Some claims and beliefs about Windows have gained popularity. They
often do not stand up to closer examination.
MYTH #1: THE MARKETPLACE HAS CHOSEN - WINDOWS IS THE STANDARD.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Windows has been an impressive sales success with Microsoft claiming
to have shipped 10 million copies. However, the independent consultant
groups, Creative Strategies and IDC, estimate that only 55% or 30%
(respectively) of Windows licenses are in use. Windows magazine has also
questioned Microsoft's number and estimated the number of copies of Windows
in real use at about 4.5 million.(12) Any of these independent estimates
reveal 5% or less of the close to 100 million installed base of PCs are
using an installed copy of Windows, far from being a standard.
MYTH #2: EVERYONE IS USING WINDOWS APPLICATIONS.
-----------------------------------------------
Many software vendors have invested a lot of money developing Windows
applications, and, as a result, much attention has been focused on these
products. However, in 1991, the Windows applications market was smaller
than the Macintosh applications market (according to the Software
Publishers Association). In the nine months to June 1992 there were never
more than 5 Windows applications in the "Top 20" best selling
applications(13)
Personal Computer Magazine in May 1992 said "Companies that have
invested a lot of money in developing Windows applications are battling for
a small share of what is a small pie".
Users continue to use, and buy, the tried and trusted DOS applications
making compatibility with DOS applications a key requirement for any
personal operating system. That is one of the things that OS/2 excels at
and this DOS compatibility is one of the areas that should be of most
concern to users considering Windows NT in the future.
MYTH #3: WINDOWS IS FASTER AND LEANER THAN OS/2
-----------------------------------------------
OS/2's design is optimized for multitasking, making OS/2 better than
Windows in most multitasking scenarios. What is not well known is that
OS/2 can also outperform DOS and Windows when running some DOS applications
individually. OS/2 has a superior file system that gives a significant
performance advantage to programs that do a lot of I/O for instance,
database programs. Microsoft has drawn considerable attention to the
different minimum hardware requirements of DOS/Windows and OS/2. However,
Windows can run in more than one "mode". The Windows mode with the
smallest hardware requirements offers the fewest benefits to users (more
limited multitasking of DOS applications, for instance).
What Microsoft is saying about OS/2 2.0
---------------------------------------
Microsoft has published a number of documents that compare Windows 3.1
and Windows NT to OS/2 2.0. Some of the titles include:
o "A Guide to Evaluating Microsoft Windows Operating System Version 3.1
for The PC Desktop With Comparisons to OS/2 2.0"
o "Microsoft Windows N
T Operating System - A Technical Comparison With
OS/2 2.0"
o "Microsoft Windows or OS/2 2.0"
These documents from Microsoft contain many statements regarding OS/2
that are incorrect or could mislead users. To help IBM's customers make a
more informed choice of operating systems, the following are clarifications
to some of Microsoft's statements:
o OS/2 WILL RUN ON LESS THAN 2% OF THE WINDOWS CAPABLE-MACHINES, CITING
INFOCORP AS THEIR DATA SOURCE.
According to Microsoft's data, approximately 200 thousand (1.38% of
18 million) machines are capable of running OS/2. Microsoft's
information is obviously incorrect since there have been over 1
million copies of OS/2 2.0 shipped in the first 120 days of
availability.
IDC has stated that at least 28% of the installed base of PCs are OS/2
capable. Almost 50% of machines shipping in 1992 and 66% of machines
to be shipped in 1993 are OS/2 capable signaling a trend in the
marketplace. In addition, OS/2 can run on many of today's notebook
and laptop computers.
o OS/2 IS NOT SUITABLE AS A NETWORK CLIENT BECAUSE OF THE "RELATIVELY
FEW NATIVE DESKTOP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE."
OS/2, as the Integrating Platform, runs DOS, Windows and OS/2
applications. No company has more experience and capability in
networking than IBM. IBM believes OS/2 is the industry's best desktop
client for connecting to complex enterprise networks. It is an ideal
solution for mission-critical networked applications.
o OS/2 HAS LIMITED HOST CONNECTIVITY BASED ON THE NUMBER OF NATIVE
COMMUNICATIONS PACKAGES.
That is not correct. The OS/2 Communications Manager has a very
comprehensive set of host connectivity options and current DOS and
Windows based packages work on OS/2 as well.
o WINDOWS HAS MORE DEVELOPMENT TOOLS THAN OS/2
OS/2 has a full complement of more than 250 development tools,
although Windows has more native development tools. Many of today's
leading edge tools originated on OS/2 which is why OS/2 is the
preferred development environment for many vendors.
o THE DOCUMENT "MICROSOFT (R) WINDOWS NT (TM) OPERATING SYSTEM - A
TECHNICAL COMPARISON WITH OS/2 (R) 2.0" CONSISTENTLY USES THE PRESENT
TENSE, "WINDOWS NT IS... "WINDOWS NT SUPPORTS...", "WINDOWS NT
MEETS..."
Windows NT has not been shipped for general availability, therefore
the use of the present tense is inaccurate. The actual ship date of
the first release is not certain. In addition, Microsoft expressly
does not guarantee that all of the function that has been described as
part of Windows NT will be delivered in the first release.
o MICROSOFT STATES THAT OS/2 RUNS MULTIPLE DOS APPLICATIONS BY STARTING
A VIRTUAL DOS MACHINE OR VDM. MICROSOFT GOES ON TO SAY THAT THIS IS A
FEATURE OF THE 386 DESIGNED TO SUPPORT OLDER REAL MODE APPLICATIONS
AND THAT THIS FEATURE HAS BEEN USED FOR SOME TIME BY A NUMBER OF DOS
EXTENDERS. THE READER MIGHT INFER THAT THIS IS A LIMITATION OR
SHORTCOMING IN OS/2.
This misses the point and could be misleading. It is precisely
because OS/2 uses the hardware isolation VDMs provide that OS/2 can
offer superior crash protection. HARDWARE protects each application in
a VDM from taking down an application or operating system in another
VDM. Since Windows does not use this feature, the Windows
Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAE ) and General Protection Faults
(GPF - a UAE by another name) can and sometimes do crash the operating
system and other applications.
OS/2 also provides support for more DOS applications than is planned
for Windows NT. Microsoft has confirmed that Windows NT will have
limited support of DOS applications because it does not plan to
support the v86 mode of the hardware the same way that OS/2 does. PC
Week reported that many programs that support fAX, scanner, MIDI,
terminal emulator and LAN cards (that today run under OS/2 2.0) will
not run unmodified on Windows NT. In addition, DOS programs that
support VGA or higher graphics will not run in a window on the Windows
NT desktop.(14)
o THE NEW OS/2 WORKPLACE SHELL IS DIFFICULT TO USE. HAVING WINDOWS
APPLICATIONS RUNNING ON THE OS/2 DESKTOP WILL CONFUSE USERS AND DRIVE
UP SUPPORT COSTS.
This argument is very difficult to understand, especially in our
industry where new innovations are constantly bringing better products
to consumers.
The Workplace Shell represents a second generation of graphical user
interface and is a major advance over the Windows and previous OS/2
interfaces. These older generation interfaces basically put a
pictorial face on the menus of OS/2 1.x and Windows 2.0. Instead of
working with operating systems constructs like File Managers and
Program managers, you work with a desktop with pictures (icons) of
familiar things such as letters, folders and appointment books.
Instead of working with directories, paths and print commands, you
just pick up the picture of the letter and put it on the printer.
OS/2 also allows users to preserve the command prompt or menu
interface. IBM's OS/2 gives you the choice.
Microsoft has also recently demonstrated a future (1994) Windows NT
user interface, codenamed "Cairo", that adds object oriented functions
to Windows NT which bears a resemblance to the OS/2 Workplace Shell.
o OS/2 2.0 DOES NOT RUN WINDOWS 3.1 APPLICATIONS, WHICH LEADS TO
DEFICIENCIES IN THAT IT WILL NOT USE TRUE TYPE(R) FONTS, HAS LIMITED
NETWORKING SUPPORT, PERFORMANCE AND RELIABILITY.
Support of Windows 3.1 applications in OS/2 2.0 has been demonstrated
at various trade shows and is now in beta test with customers. IBM
intends to make the Windows 3.1 application support generally
available near the end of 1992.
With respect to TrueType fonts, OS/2 2.0 offers built-in Adobe Type
Manager (ATM) font technology for both OS/2 and Windows modes. Adobe
is widely used in the industry while TrueType is still proprietary.
In addition, there are thousands more fonts available for Adobe than
TrueType. TrueType support for Windows 3.1 applications will also be
included in OS/2 in the near future.
OS/2 currently provides more networking options than does any
generally available version of Windows, and OS/2's reliability and
performance when performing many simultaneous tasks are hard to match.
Several vendors, such as Novell, have networking products available
for OS/2 2.0 today, with more coming from other vendors. In addition,
OS/2 can run many DOS-based LAN products in its DOS sessions.
With OS/2's entry-level hardware requirements and its superior
communications extensions, both from IBM and other vendors, OS/2 is
ideally suited for both the client and server ends of communications,
thus keeping all systems consistent and homogeneous.
o THE INSTALLATION OF OS/2 2.0 CAN BE DIFFICULT
Installing 15 to 20 diskettes can seem complex at first, but OS/2 does
an admirable job of making it easy and of migrating existing
applications. The installation process can even be accomplished
across a local area network or eliminated entirely by choosing OS/2's
remote IPL capability. In addition, many new systems are pre-loaded
with OS/2 and a CD-ROM version is planned for availability soon.
o OS/2 2.0 OFFERS LIMITED RELIABILITY WHEN RUNNING MULTIPLE WINDOWS
APPLICATIONS IN THE SAME SESSION.
Actually, OS/2 has a big advantage over Windows 3.1 when it comes to
reliability. Under Windows, an errant application can disable other
applications or even Windows itself. OS/2 provides protection which
can prevent a failing application from bringing down another or the
whole system.
Under OS/2 2.0, if a user runs several Windows applications in the
same session and two or more conflict, the user can simply specify
them to run in separate sessions to protect one from harming the
other. Of course this may use more memory, but the gain is the
reliability that Windows 3.1 does not offer.
o APPLICATIONS RUNNING IN SEPARATE OS/2 SESSIONS DO NOT FUNCTION
PROPERLY.
This is incorrect. Windows applications function just fine when run
together in the same OS/2 session or in different sessions. This
includes applications that use the clipboard, NETBIOS, Dynamic Data
Exchange (DDE), Named Pipes or Object Linking and Embedding (OLE).
o DATA EXCHANGE OF GRAPHICS BETWEEN WINDOWS AND PRESENTATION MANAGER
APPLICATIONS DOES NOT WORK.
This too is incorrect. Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and the clipboard
functions work fine for graphics.
o OS/2 2.0 HAS LIMITED VIDEO SUPPORT IN THAT A WIN-OS2 WINDOW WILL ONLY
RUN IN VGA GRAPHICS MODE.
In the initial shipment of OS/2 2.0, this is true. However, there are
SVGA board makers who have already produced WIN-OS2 window (seamless
window) drivers for their SVGA boards and IBM's 32-bit XGA and SVGA
high-resolution seamless drivers are also available in the market.
o CONFIGURING OS/2 2.0 IS DIFFICULT BECAUSE USERS MUST CONFIGURE BOTH
THE OS/2 AND THE WINDOWS SIDE OF THINGS.
Some users may want to customize the configuration of their Windows
applications but OS/2 is generally self-configuring. Once the user
installs fonts and other tools, it runs seamlessly.
o NT WILL BE BETTER IN ITS SUPPORT OF 16-BIT WINDOWS APPLICATIONS. NT
WILL RUN THESE APPLICATIONS IN ONE ADDRESS SPACE WITH PARAMETER
VALIDATION.
We disagree that this provides better protection. In contrast, it
should provide no more protection than the current Windows version and
still far less than OS/2 2.0.
Since the applications will only run in one address space, they can
still conflict with each other. The parameter validation in Windows
3.1 simply gives users a little more information on what went wrong.
Windows can have difficulty recovering from such a situation and users
may still have to reboot their system when a General Protection Fault
(UAE) occurs. There is no advantage in this.
When a Windows application fails under OS/2, one only need stop and
restart the failed session. There is no reason to reboot the entire
system. Additionally users have the advantage of running the
applications in separate sessions to avoid conflicting with another
application.
o NT IS MORE OF AN "ADVANCED OPERATING SYSTEM" THAN OS/2 2.0
This is a very subjective statement! Both NT and OS/2 2.0 are
pre-emptive, multithreaded, prioritized multitasking systems and ONLY
OS/2 IS A FULL PRODUCT IN THE MARKETPLACE TODAY.
o OS/2 FALLS SHORT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE A FULL 32-BIT ARCHITECTURE.
In the current release of OS/2 2.0, the operating system code contains
a mixture of 16- and 32-bit code. Due to the native support for DOS
and Windows applications, 16-bit code must be present. The APIs
provided however are full 32-bit implementations. This allows
developers to write full 32-bit native applications and have total
compatibility with OS/2 2.0 as more of the internal subsystems are
migrated to 32-bit. In particular, a 32-bit graphics engine which will
offer improvements in performance, function and stability is already
in beta test. IBM's intentions are to deliver this new graphics engine
to end-users later in 1992.
o PRESENTATION MANAGER RUNS IN A SHARED ADDRESS SPACE WITH ITS
APPLICATIONS AND THUS CANNOT PROTECT ITSELF.
Presentation Manager does not really "run", it is a set of routines
that provide functions to applications which run in their own address
space. A failing PM application will only hurt itself, not PM or any
other program. PM and the rest of the operating system code remain
intact.
o OS/2 CANNOT SUPPORT SYMMETRIC MULTIPROCESSING MACHINES.
It is true that OS/2 does not yet support symmetric multiprocessing,
but very few people have true SMP machines today. What some customers
have today are systems that support multiple processors (MP) and IBM
plans to ship, in the near future, an extension of the LAN Server (LS)
that will support up to five loosely coupled processors. This LS/MP
extension will support IBM's new PS/2 Model 295.
It is IBM's intention to also support multi-threaded SMP applications
in the future.
o OS/2 FALLS SHORT BECAUSE, AS A MIXED 16/32-BIT SYSTEM, IT CANNOT BE
PORTED TO RISC PROCESSORS.
This is incorrect. It is part of IBM's strategy to port OS/2 to the
RISC platform and maintain compatibility with existing OS/2 32-bit
applications. Only sections of OS/2 required to maintain compatibility
with existing 16-bit DOS and Windows applications will remain 16-bit.
o OS/2 DOES NOT HAVE A DESYNCHRONIZED INPUT MODEL.
OS/2 has a mechanism to interrupt "ill-behaved" applications that
might "hog" the message queue and inhibit user input. Most OS/2
applications are written so that this is not a problem.
With OS/2's modular design, a desynchronized message queue can be
implemented as a replacement subsystem and added to the system in the
future.
o OS/2 FALLS SHORT BECAUSE IT HAS LIMITED ASYNCHRONOUS I/O.
OS/2 has full support for asynchronous I/O and with its enhanced FAT
and HPFS file systems, along with device drivers for communications
and other peripheral ports, it is a very powerful and efficient system
for synchronous and asynchronous I/O.
o OS/2 SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS APPS IS MORE LIMITED IN THAT IT RUNS MODIFIED
WINDOWS 3.0, NOT 3.1 AND WILL NOT RUN 32-BIT WINDOWS APPS. THESE ARE
SHORTCOMINGS GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE INSTALLED BASE OF WINDOWS
First, there are no 32-bit Windows (Win32) applications today. OS/2
can add this support if there is demand for it. As stated earlier,
OS/2 has been demonstrated running Windows 3.1 applications. The code
is in beta test now and is planned for availability before the end of
1992.
Finally, there is a fairly large Windows application install base and
OS/2 2.0 runs virtually all of those Windows applications today.
o THERE ARE ONLY ABOUT 300 GRAPHICAL APPLICATIONS FOR OS/2 AVAILABLE.
Since OS/2 can run all the OS/2 and the majority of the DOS and
Windows applications, most of the 6500 Windows applications should be
added to the list of what OS/2 will run.
While these applications were not written to take advantage of OS/2's
native protected mode, they will run well under OS/2 nonetheless.
Windows 3.1 cannot run a number of these applications without changes.
In addition, Microsoft has published a compatibility list describing
more than 30 applications written for Windows 3.0 that will not
function properly on Windows 3.1 but run on OS/2 2.0.
Following Microsoft's logic, Windows NT will be in the same situation
as OS/2, in that the 6500 Windows and thousands of DOS applications
were not written for its native mode. Microsoft has also stated
recently that it will only focus on support efforts on "major" DOS and
Windows 3.1 applications for Windows NT.(15)
o THERE ARE SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES TO CODING FOR THE WIN32 SUBSET
(WIN32S) FUNCTIONS, TO HAVE CODE THAT RUNS AND IS PORTABLE UP TO
WINDOWS NT ONCE WINDOWS NT SHIPS.
While this may appear to be a sound technical idea, there are some
severe shortcomings in this approach.
Applications coded only to the Win32s API will not exploit many
advanced operating system features (multi-threading, preemptive
multitasking, etc) on either Windows 3.1 or Windows NT. On the other
hand, applications coded only to the full Win32 API may not run on
Windows 3.1 at all.
Essentially, the Microsoft strategy forces developers to make a choice:
- Sub-optimize either the Windows 3.1 clients or the Windows NT servers
...or...
- Maintain separate source libraries for each, significantly increasing
development costs.
OS/2, however, has a single, consistent 32-bit API for developers to
build both client and server applications.
o OS/2'S SCHEDULER WILL NOT PREEMPT A TIME SLICE ONCE IT HAS BEEN
STARTED WHILE WINDOWS NT WILL, LEADING ONE TO CONCLUDE THAT OS /2 IS
LESS EFFICIENT FOR TIME-CRITICAL APPLICATIONS.
OS/2 is ideal for time-critical applications, and indeed, is being
used in many sites today to control plant floors, loading docks and
medical equipment. OS/2 was also used at the 1992 Summer Olympic
Games to control data and has been used to gather and report real-time
data at the Indianapolis 500 car race for several years now.
o WINDOWS NT WILL SUPPORT 2 GIGABYTES OF ADDRESS SPACE PER APPLICATION
WHILE OS/2 2.0 ONLY SUPPORTS 512MB.
OS/2's architectural limit per application is 4 gigabytes, the current
implementation is 512Mb. Today, there are very few applications that
come anywhere near 512Mb of memory and very few computers that even
have 100Mb of real memory.(16)
o WINDOWS DEVELOPERS CANNOT LEVERAGE THE INVESTMENTS MADE IN THEIR
WINDOWS-BASED PROGRAMS IN OS/2.
In OS/2, Windows developers can gain great benefits and leverage their
investments in Windows code in several ways:
1. Users can continue to run their Windows applications under OS/2 while
developers work on OS/2 versions. OS/2 2.0 can run the majority of the
Windows applications that Windows 3.1 does not.
2. Windows and OS/2 have a number of things in common. Many of the
programming interfaces are similar and in many cases, the structures
and APIs are virtually interchangeable. If a user understands Windows
programming, he will understand OS/2's Presentation Manager. Dealing
with multitasking and multiple threads is something he would have to
learn for Windows NT and OS/2 2.0.
3. There are porting tools available today, for the initial port from
Windows code to OS/2. Many large applications can be ported in an hour
or two. Then developers can begin to optimize the code for OS/2's
advanced features.
Once application code runs on OS/2, it has been able to run on future
versions of OS/2. IBM has been able to maintain this commitment to
protect customer investment in applications since version OS/2 version
1.0. Microsoft has forced developers to upgrade code with virtually
every revision of Windows. Microsoft has already published a document
on porting Windows 16 bit applications to the Windows 32 bit APIs.
o WINDOWS NT CAN SHARE PRINTERS AND OS/2 CANNOT.
OS/2 can share printers with any of several network products
available. It appears that Windows NT will have some networking
features built into the base system. This can have advantages and
disadvantages.
The advantage is that users will not have to purchase extra network
products to use the most basic of networking functions.
The disadvantage is that users who do not want network functions are
bogged down with the extra disk and RAM required to keep this code
around. This may also limit compatibility with other vendors'
networking offerings.
OS/2 2.0 offers it all... TODAY.
OS/2 2.0 is a fully preemptive, prioritized, multitasking,
multithreaded operating system with a superior object-oriented
graphical interface, networking and host connectivity support along
with compatibility with most other software written for Intel based
PCs and compatibles, and best of all, it's available today.
The prioritized, preemptive multitasking of OS/2 utilizes the
processor more efficiently than Windows 3.x. The connectivity support
along with its entry-level hardware requirements make it an ideal
platform for both client and server computing.
OS/2 2.0 provides:
o 32 bit virtual memory, allowing applications up to 512 megabytes per
application, limited only by the size of the user's hard disk.
o Multitasking support, allowing many applications to run simultaneously
with excellent performance.
o Multithreading to allow those applications wishing to perform many
simultaneous tasks to do so.
o An easy-to-use and easy-to-program context-sensitive online help
system.
o Protection among applications and protection to enhance operating
system integrity. Users have the option of running applications in
separate sessions, or combining them as resources and the situation
dictate, while the operating system is protected from errant code.
o Extendable subsystems, allowing programmers to add new system services
and create custom, enterprise-wide applications while remaining
flexible for the small company or home user.
o International language support (currently 17 languages) including
bidirectional languages for Hebrew and Arabic.
o A state-of-the-art, object-oriented user shell that integrates
applications with the shell, providing consistent interfaces across
the entire system.
o Compatibility. OS/2 will run:
- 16-bit and 32-bit OS/2 applications
- Most DOS applications
- Most Windows 3.0 and Windows 2.0 applications; and Windows 3.1
applications soon
- Connectivity with various network systems along with host environments
OS/2 2.0's compatibility with applications written for previous
versions of OS/2, DOS and Windows is unsurpassed. Even Windows 3.1 will not
run a number of applications written for Windows 3.0, forcing developers to
update their code and users to purchase upgrades. OS/2 will run many of
these applications, preserving users software investments.
OS/2's programming interface has not changed from earlier versions.
With any new functions that have been added, only minor changes are needed
to source code to recompile on OS/2 2.0, and programs that ran on a
previous version of OS/2 will run on OS/2 2.0 unchanged. The only need to
recode for any upgrade of OS/2 is to take advantage of new features, again
preserving programming investments.
IBM Multimedia Presentation Manager/2 (MMPM/2) has been released to
provide multimedia capabilities for OS/2 systems for sound, CD-ROM and MIDI
support as well as advanced graphics.
Many applications have already taken advantage of OS/2's powerful
multitasking and multithreaded features in their 16-bit versions. Vendors
such as Lotus, Describe, Aldus and Novell have 16-bit OS/2 applications.
32-bit applications will, in most cases, run even better and faster due to
OS/2's new 32-bit flat memory model along with its other features. There
are more than 200 32-bit applications available now and more than 1000
software vendors have committed to delivering 32-bit OS/2 applications in
1992.
OS/2 2.0 offers users and developers alike powerful multitasking
features, with limitless possibilities for the future. Best of all, OS/2
2.0 is available on the desktop today.
APPENDICES
----------
Appendix A. OS/2 2.0 compared to Windows 3.1 and Windows NT
The following charts compare key operating system features for Windows
3.1, Windows NT and OS/2 2.0. Some of the entries under Windows NT are
marked with an asterisk, "*". This is because Windows NT is a not
generally available and therefore IBM does not have the current
specifications for all items. For the same reason, the data on Windows NT
may change at any time.
+------------------------------------------------+
| Table 1. OS/2 2.0 compared to Windows 3.1 and |
| Windows NT |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | Windows | Windows | OS/2 2.0 |
| | 3.1 | NT | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Available | Today | * | Today |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Price (low - | $49 - | $400 - | $79 - |
| high) | $149 | $500 | $149 |
| | | (estimate| |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Applications Base |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| DOS | 30,000+ | * | 30,000+ |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Windows | 5,000+ | * | 5,000+ |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| 16-bit OS/2 | 0 | * | 2,500+ |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| 32-Bit OS/2 | 0 | * | 600 |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| --- TOTAL --- | 35,000+ | * | 38,000+ |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Hardware |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Processor | 286 and | 386DX | 386SX |
| | higher ¶ | (33Mhz) | (16 Mhz) |
| | | and | and |
| | | higher | higher |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Minimum RAM | 2 MB | 8 MB | 4 MB |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Recommended | 4 - 6 MB | 12 - 16 | 6 - 8 MB |
| RAM | | MB | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Minimum hard | 9 MB | 40 MB | 13 MB |
| drive | | | |
| (approximately| | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Hard drive | 11 MB + | 100 MB | 28 MB |
| for full | ý | · | |
| install | | | |
| (approximately| | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Largest hard | 1 GB | 17 | 64 GB |
| drive | | Billion | (HPFS) |
| | | GB | |
| | | (NTFS) | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Largest file | 1 GB | * | 2 GB |
| size | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| SCSI | No | Yes | Yes |
| exploitation | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| File System | FAT only | FAT, | Enhanced |
| options | | HPFS, | FAT or |
| | | NTFS | HPFS |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Memory |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Virtual | 4 x | 2 GB per | 512 MB |
| Memory Limit | Physical | process | per |
| | Memory | | process |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Memory Model | Segmented| Flat | Flat |
| | (64 KB) | memory | memory |
| | | objects | objects |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Multi-tasking |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Multi-tasking | Time | Preemptiv| Preemptiv|
| - DOS | Slicing | Time | Time |
| Applications | | Slicing | Slicing |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Multi-tasking | Co-op | Preemptiv| Preemptiv|
| - Windows/PM | | | |
| Apps | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Priority | Static | Dynamic | Dynamic |
| | (set by | | |
| | user) | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Dispatchabilit| Process | Thread | Thread |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| System | Serial | Parallel | Parallel |
| Services | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Reliability/Protection |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Protection | Limited | Some ¸ | Yes |
| between | | | |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Kernel | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| protection | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Remains in | No - | Yes | Yes |
| protect mode | access | | |
| | to real | | |
| | mode | | |
| | possible | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Application Compatibility |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Multiple | Yes | Some * | Yes |
| Concurrent | (enhanced| | |
| DOS | mode | | |
| Applications | only) | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Windows 2.x | No | No | Yes |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Windows 3.0 | Most æ | Some * | Most |
| Applications | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Windows 32 | Some | Yes | No |
| Bit | | | (Possible|
| Applications | | | Future) |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Clipboard | Windows | Windows | Windows, |
| support | and DOS | and DOS | DOS and |
| | only | only | OS/2 |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| DDE support | Windows | Windows | Windows |
| | apps | apps | and OS/2 |
| | only | only | apps |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| OLE support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| 16-bit OS/2 | No | Partial | Yes |
| Applications | | (char | |
| | | mode | |
| | | only) | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| 32-bit OS/2 | No | No | Yes |
| Applications | | (Possible| |
| | | Future) | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Printing and Fonts |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Print | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| spooling | » | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Adobe Type | No | No | Yes |
| Manager | | | |
| standard | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Network | Some | Yes | Yes ¼ |
| printing | | | |
| support | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Background |Unpredict-| * |Predictable
| printing |able | | |
| performance | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| National Language Support |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Number of | 12 | * | 17 |
| Language | | | |
| Versions | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Data | SO8859 | * | CP850 |
| Interchange |(different| |(consistent
| | from | |throughout|
| | DOS) | | OS/2) |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Host | 3rd | 3rd | Included |
| connectivity | party | party | in |
| | | | Extended |
| | | | Services |
| | | | for OS/2 |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Code Page | Single | Unicode |Selectable|
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Other Factors |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Full 32-bit | No | Yes | Yes |
| APIs | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Concurrent |Unreliable| * | Yes |
| High Speed | | | |
| Comms | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Background |Unreliable| * | Yes |
| Comms | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| OEM Hardware | Yes | Some ½ | Yes |
| Support | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Development | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tools | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Command | .BAT | .BAT, | .BAT, |
| Language | | Basic | .CMD and |
| | | | REXX |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Installation | Limited | * | Yes |
| migration for | | | |
| existing apps | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| User Interface |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| CUA | Graphical| Graphical| Workplace|
| compliance | Model | Model | Model |
| | ('89) | ('89) | ('91) |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Icons | No | No | Yes |
| representing | | | |
| non-loaded | | | |
| files on | | | |
| desktop | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Place icons | No ¶µ | No ¶µ | Yes |
| anywhere on | | | |
| desktop | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Group windows | Single- | Single- |Multilayer|
| | layer | layer |hierarch. |
| | only | only | folders |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Customise GUI | No | No | Yes |
| look | | |(Workplace|
| | | | Shell, |
| | | | Windows |
| | | | 3.x, |
| | | | OS/2 |
| | | | 1.x) |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Context Menus | No | No | Yes |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Object | No | No | Yes |
| Management | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Graphical | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Install | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Intelligent | Windows | Same as | Yes |
| fonts | 3.1 - | Windows | (Adobe |
| | Yes | 3.1 | Type |
| | (TrueType| | Manager |
| | - 650 | | for PM & |
| | fonts) | | Windows |
| | | | - 1200 |
| | | | fonts) |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Long file | No | Yes | Yes |
| names | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Applets | Yes | Yes | Yes |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Consistent | No - | Yes | Yes |
| GUI logon | requires | | |
| | Network | | |
| | vendor | | |
| | utility | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Interactive | Yes | * | Yes |
| Tutorial | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Command | No | * | Yes |
| Reference | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Advanced Connectivity ¶¶ |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Client and | No | No ¶ý | Yes |
| Server | | | |
| platform | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Multiple | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Concurrent | | | |
| Protocols | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| SNA LU6.2 | 3rd | 3rd | Yes |
| | party | party | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| APPN | 3rd | 3rd | Yes |
| | party | party | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| TCP-IP | 3rd | 3rd | IBM |
| | party | party | TCP-IP |
| | | | for OS/2 |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| Systems | 3rd | LAN Man | Various |
| Management | party | NT | from IBM |
| | | (future) | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| SQL Server | MS SQL | SQL | OS/2 |
| | Server | Server | Database |
| | (requires| NT | Mgr |
| | OS/2) | (future) | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| SQL Client | 3rd | Yes | Yes |
| | party | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| NFS | 3rd | 3rd | IBM |
| | party | party | TCP-IP |
| | | | for OS/2 |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
| | | | |
+---------------+----------+----------+----------+
Notes:
1. Although Windows 3.1 will run on a 286, doing so limits the features
available to the user (multitasking DOS applications, demand paging,
32 bit support.)
2. An additional 50% of the remaining partition is used for the swap
file. This is the default.
3. This includes a mandatory 20 MB swap file
4. Windows NT runs existing Windows 16-bit applications in a single
address space. If one of these applications goes down, all of the
applications in the address space could go down as well.
5. Windows NT has been shown to have compatibility problems with some
classes of DOS and Windows applications. See PC Week, July 27, 1992.
6. Windows 3.1 will not run some Windows 3.0 applications, which will
need updates. Compatibility notes are listed in the APPS.HLP file.
Several Windows 3.0 applications need updated versions to run on
Windows 3.1. OS/2 2.0 runs virtually all Windows 3.0 applications, as
well as all the Windows 2.x applications that Windows 3.1 will no
longer support (no Real Mode support provided)
7. Print spooling is not provided by Windows 3.1 for DOS applications,
only for Windows applications. OS/2 2.0 provides print spooling for
DOS, Windows and OS/2 applications. OS/2 2.0 has extensive user print
management capabilities (40 APIs vs 12 APIs in Windows 3.1) for
querying, holding, releasing and deleting jobs (including a graphical
view of job and queue status).
8. OS/2 has been shown to outperform Windows 3.x with background print
operations, in multitasking environments
9. Early feedback on Compuserve of the pre-beta SDK is indicates that 386
processors with a B0 or B1 stepping are incompatible with Windows NT.
Several common BIOS chips have also been found to be incompatible.
10. In Windows, files only exist in the File Manager, programs in Program
Manager, etc. There are no icons for printers.
11. OS/2 2.0's 'Yes' answers here are all using Extended Services for OS/2
except where stated. It is important to note that the Windows column
refers to Windows specific programs (i.e. written to explicitly take
advantage of Windows GUI, memory addressability, or time-slicing).
Although there are many DOS connectivity options, and they may be
usable under Windows, the integration of these complex subsystems and
any co-residency of two or more options (eg TCP/IP and SNA) is
completely the responsibility of the customer as a custom integration
effort.
Moreover, Windows on DOS has architectural limitations (less memory,
less protection, and less multitasking support) which make multiple
network connections more difficult to integrate than under OS/2.
OS/2's base environment provides tools and system support designed to
allow this type of multi-connectivity installation. Besides, all the
extra software required for these functions under OS/2 comes from IBM,
and one can therefore anticipate a greater degree of integration.
12. The projected system requirements for Windows NT may be too large for
many of today's client machines.
Appendix B. Windows 3.1 Application Incompatibilities
When a vendor ships new software, minor incompatibilities often
accompany the new function. Windows 3.1, for example, has problems running
dozens of Windows 3.0 applications, including Microsoft applications.
Support for Windows 2.x applications has been removed entirely.
OS/2 2.0 will run Windows 2.0 and 3.0 applications concurrently. It
will also run nearly all of the 30+ Windows 3.0 applications that Microsoft
warns will not run properly under windows 3.1 and would require upgrades or
fixes:(17) These include:
o Ace Software AceFile
o Adobe Illustrator
o Adobe TypeAlign
o Aldus FreeHand 3.0
o Aldus Persuasion
o Bitstream FaceLift 1.2
o Borland C 3.0 WInsight
o Campbell Services OnTime 1.0
o Central Point Software PC Tools
o Channel Computing Forest and Trees 2.0a
o Claris Hollywood
o Coda Finale
o Computer Support Arts & Letters
o Software Publishing Harvard Graphics for Windows
o Computer Support Picture Wizard
o First Byte Monologue for Windows
o hDC First Apps Memory Viewer 1.0
o Hewlett-Packard NewWave
o Lotus Ami Pro
o Microsoft Bookshelf for Windows
o Microsoft PowerPoint 2.0e
o Microsoft Productivity Pack 1.0
o Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1
o PowerSoft Powerbuilder 1.0
o SofNet FAXit for Windows
o PFS:WindowsWorks
o NBI Legacy
o Norton Desktop 1.0
o (ALL Windows 2.x applications)
(1) At the time of this writing, the suggested retail prices of MS-DOS 5.0
MS-DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1 and OS/2 V2.0 are $99.95, $69.95, $149.00 and
$149.00 respectively.
(2) A Grand Tour of Windows NT - Microsoft Systems Journal, Jul/Aug 1992
(3) Microsoft Windows NT - An Overview - April 1992
(4) PC Week - Windows and OS/2 Supplement - August 17,1992 - Page S/1.
(5) Gartner Group - Personal Computer Research Notes, P-230-853, July
31,1992
(6) PC Week, July 27, 1992 - Page 1
(7) PC Week - Windows and OS/2 Supplement - August 17, 1992 - Page S/9
(8) Microsoft Windows NT Operating System - A Comparison with OS/2
(9) Microsoft Operating Systems Directions - Presented by Dwayne Walker at
Spring Comdex 1992
(10) Windows Magazine, October, 1992, Page 20
(11) Microsoft Windows Strategy - An Overview - Page 5
(12) Windows Magazine - October 1992 - Page 16
(13) Data from Romtec, Ingram-Micro, Software Unlimited, PC Connection
(14) PC Week, July 27, 1992 - Page 1
(15) PC Week - July 27, 1992 - Page 1
(16) Remember: the virtual memory limit for ANY system is it's real
(physical) memory plus all free disk space.
(17) PC Week, March 23, 1992. The article says that these products were
taken directly from the Win 3.1 on-line help system.
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STReport's "EDITORIAL CARTOON"
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> A "Quotable Quote" "Words of Wisdom"
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"VE GET TOO SOON OLD....
...UND TOO LATE SCHMART!"
... unknown
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> DEALER CLASSIFIED LIST STR InfoFile * Dealer Listings *
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ABCO COMPUTER CONSULTANTS
=========================
P.O. Box 6672
Jacksonville, Florida 32236-6672
Est. 1985
1-904-783-3319
ATARI-AMIGA-PC-CLONES-MAC
HARDWARE, SOFTWARE & SUPPLIES
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COMPUTER STUDIO
===============
WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTER
40 Westgate Parkway - Suite D
Asheville, NC 28806
1-800-253-0201
Orders Only
1-704-251-0201
Information
Authorized Atari Dealer
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EAST HARTFORD COMPUTER
======================
202 Roberts St.
East Hartford CT. 06108
1-203-528-4448
Authorized Atari Dealer
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MEGABYTE COMPUTERS
==================
907 Mebourne
Hurst, TX 76053
1-817-589-2950
Authorized Atari Dealer
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SAN JOSE COMPUTER
=================
1278 Alma Court
San Jose, CA. 95112
1-408-995-5080
Authorized Atari Dealer
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CompuSeller West
================
220-1/2 W. Main St.
St. Charles, IL., 60174
Ph. (708) 513-5220
Authorized Atari Dealer
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(DEALERS; to be listed here, please drop us a line.)
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STReport International Online Magazine
-* [S]ilicon [T]imes [R]eport *-
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STR Online! "YOUR INDEPENDENT NEWS SOURCE" July 02, 1993
Since 1987 copyright (c) 1987-93 All Rights Reserved No.9.27
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Messages quoted in whole or in part are done so under the Fair Use
provision of the US Copyright Laws. USPC Title 17. Views, Opinions and
Articles Presented herein are not necessarily those of the editors/staff of
STReport International Online Magazine. Permission to reprint articles is
hereby granted, unless otherwise noted. Reprints must, without exception,
include the name of the publication, date, issue number and the author's
name. STR, STReport and/or portions therein may not be edited in any way
without prior written permission. STR, STReport, at the time of
publication, is believed reasonably accurate. STR, STReport, its staff and
contributors are not and cannot be held responsible for the use or
misuse of information contained herein or the results obtained therefrom.
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