ARCHIVED: What is OS/2?

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IBM OS/2 Warp 4.0 is an inexpensive, full-featured operating system for PCs using the Intel 486 and compatible (or better) CPUs. In addition to running native OS/2 applications (both 16- and 32-bit), OS/2 4.0 can run 16-bit DOS and Windows 3.1 applications.

OS/2 is a very powerful operating system, supporting long filenames (using the High Performance File System), the built-in REXX scripting language, Adobe Type Manager and TrueType fonts, a 32-bit flat memory model, preemptive multitasking, excellent networking and Internet support, multithreading, advanced multimedia including software motion video, and robust communications, yet its Workplace Shell user interface makes it remarkably easy to use and flexible. Other features include support for technologies such as Java, OpenGL, ObjectREXX, NetREXX, and OpenDoc.

Warp 4.0 also contains the IBM Voice Type Navigation and Dictation system, allowing the user to control and interact with the computer using a microphone and voice commands. The Bonus Pack that comes with Warp 4.0 includes several useful applications, such as a spreadsheet, word processor, database, and personal information manager. The network support built in provides access to the Internet (via modem or network card), as well as support for IBM LAN Server, Novell NetWare, and Windows NT based networks. It also includes Peer-Peer Networking with other PCs running Warp Connect, or Windows for Workgroups/Windows 95.

Unlike older versions of OS/2 Warp, Warp 4.0 comes in only one flavor; it always includes Win-OS2 for supporting Windows 3.1 and Win32s 1.25 applications, as well as both modem and Ethernet/token ring card support.

In addition, Warp 4.0 comes with three additional CD-ROMs, (the Sampler Pack, the Device Drivers Pack, and Lotus Notes Mail). The sampler pack CD contains a large number of native OS/2 applications for a user to try before buying. These applications are mainly commercial software packages. The Device Driver CD contains drivers for a vast array of hardware devices; you can find updates for these drivers at:

   http://www-306.ibm.com/software/os/warp/nla/index.html

   http://www.mit.edu:8001/activities/os2/faq/os2faq0000.html