Re: [Thinkpad] What is OS/2?

Hi Matt,

Whilst it's true to say that OS/2 is "aged" in the sense that it's been
around a long time it's not like Microsoft operating systems that come
and go with the usual problems.

OS/2 is supported by IBM and available. OS/2 is available through IBM's
Passport Advantage Programme. It is updated - the kernal and driver
support. It's true to say thet there are some things one can't do on
OS/2 - like good navigation software - radio e-mail satellite tracking.
As a captain, these tasks are useful.

However for everyday business with security, stability and multitasking
global warehousing etc. OS/2 will do it all as will Linux. Microsoft
offer no multitasking operating system security or stability, but there
is the same range of business applications.

OS/2 will run on 99.99 per cent of laptops. It's happy in a wireless
world. It's easy to learn great server side apps and desktop apps. Today
people make that choice will first have to remove Microsoft from their
laptop. The good news is that they big guys that make laptops desktops
realise there's a market for those that want choice.

Why make a choice in operating systems? Most are happy with what they
are given. They don't think too much. They don't have any choice in most
cases as it's pre-loaded - that last fact does not mean is 2right"
"good" etc..

The issue is what you value, what you see as benefits. Security,
reliability, multitasking, an environment with no hackers, no "blue
screen of death" and the absence of the realisation that Microsoft may
not support your operating system next year or the next version of
Office will not support previous releaes. IBM will be supporting OS/2
over the next 15 years because it has major clients that see real
benefits in keeping it.

Some people value long term support for an operating system that's tried
and tested, reliable, stable and true multitasking free from bugs which
does not need fixing, protecting every week. These values may not be
supported by IT staff or not in people's minds when in the computer store.

I well recognise that security is not a major consideration of people
that use Microsoft operating systems. It just comes pre-loaded with what
they buy, or what's on their desk at work.

As to what is OS/2 - there's this:

OS/2 Warp-4 is a true 32bit multitasking operating system with the
ability to connect to anything, anywhere with a universal network client
which allows simultaneous connectivity to LAN Server, Warp Server,
Windows NT Server, Novell Netware, Netware Directory Services, PCLAN
Program, IPX-SPX, LANtastic for DOS or OS/2, Warp Connect, Windows NT
Workstation, Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups - in fact any Microsoft
operating system, or any other, TCP/IP (including DHCP, DDNS, FTP, TFTP,
Telnet, SLIP, PPP, SMTP, and SNMP), SNA, NetBIOS at a time when
WIN95/WIN98 etc where just playing at being a Graphical Interface.

It is this universal connectivity and it's strengths as a secure
reliable, stable multitasking operating system that made it attractive
to banks, and large and small companies around the world. At one time
all ATMs (Cash point machines) ran on OS/2 - industry world wide
recognized its security and stability in transaction processing. OS/2
was the choice of business and still is for those companies that want
quality, stability and security within their business transactions.

Warp-4 came with the added bonus of Sun Corporations Java so end users
could immediately run powerful applications across the business
enterprise and right across the world wide web with ease. OS/2 provided
the industry standard for integrated Java client and server side for
those whose business was global. Another first from IBM's OS/2 Warp-4
was the integration of VoiceType speech recognition making Warp 4 the
only operating system in the world to allow voice navigation and
dictation with no additional software. There are something like 20
million users and growing.

As stated it's a question of values. Much of what comes in the basics of
OS/2 has to be added on by third parties, or by Microsoft as it tries to
catch up with standards set 10 years ago. I find it strange when
Microsoft users think they are getting something new from Microsoft
which plays catch up to OS/2 and Linux - without the stability security
etc..

Guess what, I have a 100 per cent hack proof system here - total
stabilty realiability and security for 12 happy years on server side and
desk tops and laptops. People have differing values - based on choices -
they see different benefits to meet their needs based on the availabilty
of application software.

Regards,

David

Matt wrote:
> Well, I've used most versions of OS/2, with the exception of the Serenity
> Systems version.
>
> While aged, it does have some great features, and can be run on older (read
> slower) systems quite well.
>
> My last install was on a PIII 300 minitower, to run Seti. Rock solid
> performance.
>
>
> Matt
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Thinkpad mailing list
> Thinkpad@stderr.org
> http://stderr.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/thinkpad
>

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