Description: The history of GUI systems is a fascinating journey, tracing back to the 1960s and leading to the development of personal computers and operating systems in the 1980s and beyond. A key part of this story is the role of IBM's OS/2, which was shaped both by its collaboration with Microsoft and its independent development after their split.
1960s: Douglas Engelbart and the Invention of the Mouse
The concept of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) began with Douglas Engelbart in the 1960s. Engelbart and his team at the Stanford Research Institute invented the mouse in 1963, enabling users to interact with graphical elements on the screen through point-and-click actions. Engelbart's vision, demonstrated in his 1968 "Mother of All Demos," introduced early versions of interactive windows and laid the foundation for GUI systems.
1970s: Xerox PARC and the Xerox Alto
Building on Engelbart’s ideas, researchers at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) developed the Xerox Alto in 1973. This computer was the first to feature a GUI with windows, icons, menus, and a mouse, offering a revolutionary way to interact with computers. Although the Alto never saw commercial release, its innovations strongly influenced future GUI systems, including Apple's and later IBM's projects.
Early 1980s: Influence on Apple Macintosh and OS/2
Apple embraced the GUI concept after Steve Jobs visited Xerox PARC and saw the Alto. The first manifestation of this was the Apple Lisa in 1983, followed by the more affordable and successful Apple Macintosh in 1984. The Macintosh popularized the use of graphical elements, making computing more accessible to the public.
Meanwhile, IBM and Microsoft were collaborating on the development of a new operating system, initially meant to supersede MS-DOS and take advantage of the IBM PC’s expanding hardware capabilities. This partnership led to the creation of OS/2, which debuted in 1987. OS/2 featured a text-based interface in its early versions but was intended to eventually support a GUI.
Mid-1980s: Microsoft's Split and GUI in OS/2
As Microsoft's Windows operating system was maturing (starting with Windows 1.0 in 1985), the collaboration between IBM and Microsoft began to show signs of strain. Microsoft saw potential in continuing with its own Windows project, while IBM pushed forward with OS/2. The OS/2 1.x versions, developed jointly with Microsoft, featured a text-based interface, but by OS/2 1.1 (released in 1988), the Presentation Manager GUI was introduced. This GUI was comparable to Windows but was designed with more advanced multitasking capabilities, reflecting IBM's enterprise focus.
1990s: The Divergence of Windows and OS/2
The split between IBM and Microsoft became official in 1990, and from there, the two companies pursued separate development paths. Microsoft focused on its increasingly popular Windows platform, with Windows 3.0 (1990) achieving widespread adoption.
IBM, on the other hand, continued to develop OS/2 independently. OS/2 2.0 (released in 1992) introduced the Workplace Shell, a more advanced and flexible GUI than Windows offered at the time. OS/2 had strong multitasking features, a robust file system (HPFS), and support for both Windows and DOS applications, giving it significant technical advantages. However, despite these strengths, OS/2 struggled to gain traction in the consumer market due to competition with Windows, aggressive marketing by Microsoft, and IBM's own business decisions.
Conclusion
The development of GUI systems involved many key players, from Douglas Engelbart's early work with the mouse to Xerox Alto, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft Windows, and IBM OS/2. While the Apple Macintosh popularized GUIs, the partnership between IBM and Microsoft created OS/2, which offered enterprise-level power and innovation. After the split with Microsoft, IBM continued to develop OS/2, making it a technically advanced operating system, though it ultimately did not achieve the same commercial success as Windows. However, OS/2’s legacy lives on in systems like ArcaOS, maintaining its influence in niche markets to this day.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_graphical_user_interface
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 22:36:45
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 22:36:45
Description: The partnership between IBM and Microsoft in co-creating OS/2 was a significant chapter in the history of personal computing, aimed at providing a competitive answer to Apple’s Macintosh. Here's a detailed history of their collaboration:
The Origins: IBM and Microsoft's Early Collaboration
In the early 1980s, IBM was dominating the business computing world with its personal computers (PCs), which were powered by Microsoft's MS-DOS operating system. MS-DOS was a text-based operating system that became the standard for early IBM PCs. However, as Apple launched the Macintosh in 1984 with its revolutionary Graphical User Interface (GUI), the personal computing industry shifted towards more user-friendly interfaces.
IBM, realizing that it needed an advanced operating system with a GUI to compete with Apple, sought to continue its successful partnership with Microsoft to develop the next generation of PC software. Together, they embarked on a project to create OS/2, which was intended to replace MS-DOS and offer a sophisticated alternative to Apple's Macintosh.
The Formation of OS/2: 1985–1987
In 1985, IBM and Microsoft formally began their collaboration to develop OS/2. The name stood for Operating System/2, reflecting the idea that it was the second generation of PC operating systems, following MS-DOS. Their goal was to create an operating system that would support advanced multitasking, a graphical user interface (GUI), and take advantage of the IBM PC's new Intel 80286 processor, which could support more memory than previous models.
Initially, the focus was on creating a robust operating system for business users. The first version of OS/2, OS/2 1.0, was released in December 1987. However, this early version was purely text-based, similar to MS-DOS, and lacked a GUI. Despite the absence of graphical capabilities, OS/2 was designed to be more advanced than MS-DOS, with features like better memory management and multitasking.
The Introduction of the GUI: OS/2 1.1 (1988)
With the release of OS/2 1.1 in 1988, IBM and Microsoft introduced the Presentation Manager, a GUI similar to that of Windows, but with improved functionality. This GUI was designed to give IBM's systems a more user-friendly interface to compete with the Apple Macintosh, which had popularized graphical interfaces among consumers. The Presentation Manager allowed users to work with windows, icons, and menus, just like Apple's system.
During this time, Windows 2.0 was released by Microsoft as a graphical add-on for MS-DOS, but it was not yet seen as a direct competitor to OS/2. Microsoft was still committed to OS/2 as the future of business computing.
Growing Tensions and Divergence: 1989–1990
By the late 1980s, tensions between IBM and Microsoft began to emerge. Microsoft had been simultaneously working on its own GUI system, Windows, alongside OS/2. While OS/2 was originally intended to be the successor to MS-DOS, Microsoft saw increasing potential in Windows as a mainstream operating system for both business and consumer markets.
Microsoft’s Windows 3.0, released in 1990, became a commercial success and gained widespread adoption. Unlike earlier versions, Windows 3.0 was stable, visually appealing, and accessible, which allowed it to rapidly gain market share. This success led Microsoft to prioritize Windows over OS/2, which it had developed in partnership with IBM. As a result, Microsoft began pulling resources away from OS/2, while continuing to promote Windows as a competitive product.
At the same time, IBM remained focused on OS/2, which was still considered an advanced operating system, especially for business environments. IBM's vision for OS/2 was as a high-powered, enterprise-grade platform, but the growing success of Windows began to strain the relationship between the two companies.
The Breakup: 1991
The divergence in vision reached a breaking point in 1991, and IBM and Microsoft officially parted ways on the OS/2 project. By this time, both companies had conflicting priorities: Microsoft was fully committed to expanding Windows, and IBM wanted to push OS/2 forward independently.
Microsoft walked away with the rights to Windows, which was becoming increasingly popular with consumers, and IBM retained the rights to OS/2. From this point forward, IBM would continue to develop OS/2 on its own, without Microsoft’s involvement.
IBM's Continued Development of OS/2:
1992 and BeyondAfter the split, IBM released OS/2 2.0 in 1992, which introduced a new and highly advanced GUI called the Workplace Shell. This version was significantly more powerful than Windows at the time, featuring advanced multitasking, a robust High-Performance File System (HPFS), and the ability to run MS-DOS and Windows applications. Technically, OS/2 was ahead of Windows in many respects, and it became popular in enterprise and business environments, especially in banking and large organizations that valued its stability and performance.
Despite its technical superiority, OS/2 struggled to gain widespread consumer adoption for several reasons:
Aggressive marketing by Microsoft and the success of Windows 3.0 and later Windows 95 overshadowed OS/2.IBM's marketing strategy was less effective, and they often focused on their enterprise customers rather than the mass consumer market.
Third-party developer support for OS/2 was limited compared to Windows, making it harder to attract a large software ecosystem.
Conclusion
The partnership between IBM and Microsoft to create OS/2 started with high hopes of challenging Apple’s Macintosh and offering a powerful alternative to MS-DOS. Initially, both companies collaborated to build a robust, enterprise-oriented operating system with a GUI, but as Microsoft saw more success with Windows, their priorities diverged. By 1991, the partnership dissolved, and both companies pursued their own paths: Microsoft with Windows, which became the dominant operating system, and IBM with OS/2, which carved out a niche in enterprise environments but struggled to compete in the broader market.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 22:47:02
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 22:47:02
Description: After the split between IBM and Microsoft in 1991, the two companies continued to have a complex relationship, particularly because IBM’s OS/2 still needed to support running Windows applications to remain competitive in the marketplace. IBM continued developing OS/2 independently, but it also relied on certain Windows technologies, specifically the ability to run Windows 3.x applications through a feature called WinOS2. Meanwhile, Windows 3.x succeeded in the marketplace due to a combination of factors, despite OS/2's technical superiority. Here's a breakdown of their post-split relationship and why Windows thrived:
IBM’s Relationship with Microsoft After the Split
WinOS2 Compatibility Layer:
After the split, IBM developed OS/2 further with versions like OS/2 2.0 (released in 1992), which included the WinOS2 compatibility layer. WinOS2 allowed OS/2 to run Windows 3.x applications natively within its operating environment. This feature was critical because by the early 1990s, a large number of business and consumer software applications were being developed for Windows 3.x. IBM recognized that, in order to keep OS/2 relevant, they needed to offer compatibility with the vast Windows ecosystem.
To achieve this, IBM licensed some portions of Windows code from Microsoft to include WinOS2 in OS/2. However, this put IBM in a difficult position: while OS/2 was technically superior, it relied on Microsoft’s Windows technology to remain competitive in the marketplace, meaning that even as IBM tried to differentiate OS/2, it still had to maintain some level of cooperation with Microsoft.
Continued Technical Development:
IBM continued pushing OS/2 forward, making it more powerful and business-oriented with features like preemptive multitasking, memory protection, and support for advanced file systems like HPFS. It was seen as a stable and powerful operating system, particularly for enterprise environments. However, IBM's efforts to promote OS/2 were primarily targeted at businesses, leaving consumers with little incentive to switch from the more familiar Windows environment.
Why Windows 3.x Succeeded in the Marketplace Despite OS/2's SuperiorityDespite OS/2’s technical superiority, Windows 3.x became wildly successful in the marketplace, and several key factors contributed to this outcome:
Widespread Software Support:
One of the biggest reasons for Windows 3.x’s success was its massive third-party software ecosystem. After the release of Windows 3.0 in 1990, a wide range of software developers began creating applications for the platform, from word processors to games. The availability of software became a critical factor in its adoption. Developers flocked to Windows because of its growing user base, creating a positive feedback loop: more users attracted more developers, and more developers attracted more users.
Aggressive Marketing by Microsoft:
Microsoft aggressively marketed Windows 3.x to consumers and businesses alike. Windows 3.0 was positioned not only as an affordable and easy-to-use operating system but also as a solution for both home and business use. This contrasted with IBM’s OS/2 marketing, which was more focused on the enterprise market and lacked the same widespread appeal to consumers. Microsoft also maintained strong partnerships with PC manufacturers, ensuring that Windows came pre-installed on a large number of PCs, increasing its reach.
Ease of Use and Familiarity:
Windows 3.x was designed to be accessible to a broad range of users. It built on the MS-DOS user base, providing a graphical interface that was easy to learn for people already familiar with DOS commands. While OS/2 was more powerful, it was also more complex and resource-intensive. Windows 3.x was less demanding on system hardware, making it more practical for the average consumer and businesses with lower-end PCs.
Pricing and Availability:
Windows 3.x was more affordable than OS/2, and its compatibility with existing MS-DOS applications made it an easier choice for consumers and businesses looking for a straightforward upgrade path. Additionally, Windows PCs were more readily available at retail outlets, and Microsoft maintained excellent relationships with PC manufacturers. This widespread availability contributed to Windows' dominance.
Microsoft’s Shift in Focus:
After the split, Microsoft turned all of its resources toward developing Windows. This singular focus allowed them to rapidly iterate on the Windows platform, leading to improvements in Windows 3.1 (released in 1992), which added better performance, improved stability, and support for multimedia. In contrast, IBM was dividing its attention between developing OS/2 and competing in the hardware market, which diluted its ability to aggressively promote OS/2.
Perception and Momentum:
By the early 1990s, Windows 3.x had built significant momentum, particularly in the consumer space. Even though OS/2 was technologically superior, perception mattered. Windows 3.x had gained the reputation of being "good enough" for most users, and businesses that had already invested in Windows saw little reason to switch to OS/2. In addition, Windows 3.1 became the de facto standard for running business applications, which ensured that it became entrenched in both consumer and corporate environments.
Conclusion
While OS/2 was a technically superior operating system, with advanced features like multitasking, memory protection, and the powerful Workplace Shell GUI in later versions, Windows 3.x succeeded due to its broader software ecosystem, easier user experience, aggressive marketing, and lower hardware demands. IBM's relationship with Microsoft after the split continued through the WinOS2 compatibility layer, which allowed OS/2 to run Windows applications, but this also meant that OS/2's success was tied to the very platform it was trying to compete against.
Ultimately, Windows’ market dominance was cemented not by being the best technology, but by being the most accessible, widely supported, and well-marketed operating system at the time. OS/2 found its niche in enterprise environments but never reached the mainstream adoption it needed to challenge Windows on a large scale.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 22:54:40
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 22:54:40
Description:
1. Windows NT 3.51 (1995)
Perception: At this point, OS/2 supporters largely viewed Windows NT as an immature and less capable system compared to OS/2. While Windows NT was designed for enterprise use like OS/2, OS/2 had superior multitasking, stability, and a more mature architecture. Enthusiasts felt that NT was technically inferior and that Microsoft was aggressively pushing it without the same level of robustness as OS/2.Key Issue: OS/2 supporters believed that Microsoft was leveraging its market power to push NT over OS/2, rather than letting the better technology win.
2. Windows 95 (1995)
Perception: Windows 95 was seen by many OS/2 enthusiasts as a consumer-focused, "dumbed-down" operating system that was flashy but technically lacking compared to OS/2. While Windows 95 introduced features like a more user-friendly GUI and the Start menu, it was still built on top of the MS-DOS kernel, which lacked the stability and multitasking of OS/2.
Key Issue: OS/2 enthusiasts criticized Windows 95 for its poor stability and dependency on MS-DOS, considering OS/2 Warp to be a more reliable and professional-grade alternative.
3. Windows NT 4.0 (1996)
Perception: With NT 4.0, Microsoft started to combine the Windows 95 user interface with the Windows NT kernel, bringing better stability to enterprise users. OS/2 supporters acknowledged that NT 4.0 was a step forward in terms of enterprise capabilities, but they still saw OS/2 as more advanced, particularly in terms of its Workplace Shell, superior multitasking, and memory management.
Key Issue: There was still a belief that OS/2 was technically superior, but that Microsoft was winning the market purely through aggressive marketing and bundling deals with PC manufacturers.
4. Windows 98 and Windows Me (1998–2000)
Perception: Windows 98 and Windows Me were viewed with disdain by OS/2 enthusiasts. These releases were considered consumer-focused, unstable, and still based on MS-DOS, which OS/2 supporters saw as an outdated and inefficient platform. Many OS/2 users viewed these systems as mere "patches" on a flawed architecture.
Key Issue: OS/2 enthusiasts felt that Windows 98 and Me were unreliable and highlighted that OS/2 was still a far more stable and enterprise-ready system.
5. Windows 2000 (2000)
Perception: Windows 2000 marked a turning point. It was seen as a legitimate competitor to OS/2 in the enterprise space because it was built on the NT kernel and included improved stability, security, and networking features. OS/2 supporters acknowledged that Windows 2000 was technically strong, though some still felt that OS/2 had better multitasking and stability under heavy loads.
Key Issue: OS/2 was starting to fall behind in terms of hardware support and third-party applications, while Microsoft had made significant improvements with Windows 2000.
6. Windows XP (2001)
Perception: Windows XP was perceived by OS/2 supporters as a well-polished consumer and enterprise system. It blended the stability of the NT architecture with a more refined and user-friendly interface. OS/2 supporters respected the fact that XP had become a stable platform, though many still believed OS/2 had been sidelined unfairly by the market rather than based on technical merit.
Key Issue: The main complaint from OS/2 supporters at this point was that Windows had gained dominance due to market forces, OEM deals, and aggressive bundling, while OS/2's technical advantages were overlooked.
7. Windows Vista (2007)
Perception: Windows Vista was largely viewed as a misstep by Microsoft, and OS/2 supporters felt vindicated. Vista was seen as bloated, slow, and resource-heavy. OS/2 enthusiasts saw this as evidence of Microsoft's technical inefficiency and its focus on appearance rather than performance.
Key Issue: Vista reinforced the OS/2 community's belief that OS/2 was more efficient, especially on limited hardware, and that Microsoft was sacrificing quality for a more visually appealing interface.
8. Windows 7 (2009)
Perception: Windows 7 restored Microsoft’s credibility. It was viewed by OS/2 supporters as a well-designed, efficient operating system with good hardware support and a clean interface. By this point, however, OS/2 was largely a legacy system, and many of its supporters had come to see Windows 7 as the new standard for modern computing, albeit with some lingering nostalgia for OS/2's better multitasking and shell.
Key Issue: OS/2 enthusiasts acknowledged that Windows had matured, but they continued to view OS/2 as a system that had been unfairly abandoned in favor of Windows.
9. Windows 8 (2012)
Perception: Windows 8 was widely panned, not just by OS/2 enthusiasts, but by the broader market due to its radical user interface changes. The introduction of the Metro UI and removal of the traditional Start menu alienated many desktop users, including OS/2 fans. OS/2 enthusiasts viewed Windows 8 as another example of Microsoft prioritizing form over function.
Key Issue: Many OS/2 enthusiasts felt that Windows 8 compromised usability, especially for desktop users, something that OS/2 had always maintained as a core strength with its Workplace Shell.
10. Windows 10 (2015)
Perception: Windows 10 was seen as a course correction after the failure of Windows 8. It restored the Start menu and improved stability and performance, leading OS/2 supporters to view it as a competent operating system. However, some in the OS/2 community remained critical of Microsoft's increasing reliance on telemetry and cloud integration with Windows 10, seeing it as invasive compared to OS/2's privacy-focused, local control.
Key Issue: The OS/2 community saw Windows 10 as an improvement, but some disapproved of its heavy reliance on cloud services, data collection, and frequent updates that sometimes disrupted the user experience.
11. Windows 11 (2021)
Perception: Windows 11 has been seen by OS/2 supporters as an evolution of Windows 10, with a modernized interface and better support for newer hardware technologies (e.g., TPM 2.0). Some OS/2 enthusiasts feel that Microsoft has moved too far toward a locked-down, cloud-centric operating system, further distancing itself from the local control and customization that OS/2 offered. The design overhaul of Windows 11, while polished, is seen by some as another example of Microsoft focusing on visuals over the deep customization and efficiency that OS/2 was known for.
Key Issue: OS/2 enthusiasts continue to criticize Windows 11 for its strict hardware requirements and the trend towards cloud dependency, feeling that OS/2’s legacy of giving users full control of their environment is being lost.
Conclusion
From the perspective of OS/2 supporters, Microsoft Windows has always been seen as technically inferior to OS/2 in many respects, particularly in the early years when OS/2 offered better multitasking, stability, and flexibility. Over time, however, many enthusiasts have acknowledged that Microsoft has improved Windows, especially with Windows 7 and later releases. Nonetheless, the OS/2 community continues to harbor resentment over how Microsoft outmaneuvered OS/2 in the market, often attributing Windows' dominance to marketing, bundling, and OEM deals, rather than technical superiority. The shift in Windows toward a cloud-centric, telemetry-heavy model in Windows 10 and 11 remains a key point of criticism from OS/2 fans, who still appreciate the privacy, efficiency, and control that OS/2 offered.
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:34:24
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:34:24
Description: After the split between IBM and Microsoft in 1990, IBM continued the development of OS/2 independently. Here’s a brief history of its development after Microsoft left:
OS/2 2.0 (1992)
IBM Takes Over: After the split with Microsoft in 1990, IBM continued OS/2 development alone. OS/2 2.0, released in 1992, was the first major version solely under IBM’s control.
32-bit System: OS/2 2.0 featured a true 32-bit architecture, offering enhanced performance and stability.
Windows Support: OS/2 2.0 could run Windows 3.1 applications alongside DOS programs, making it attractive for users who needed compatibility with existing software.OS/2 Warp 3.0 (1994)
Consumer Push: With OS/2 Warp 3.0, IBM aimed to penetrate the consumer market. It featured a more user-friendly interface and built-in Internet tools.Partial Success: While OS/2 Warp 3.0 saw some adoption, it couldn't compete with Windows 95's dominance.
OS/2 Warp 4.0 (1996)
New Features: OS/2 Warp 4.0 added innovative features like voice recognition and enhanced networking capabilities. The Workplace Shell (GUI) was further improved.Enterprise Focus: Though IBM marketed it to consumers, OS/2's strength lay in enterprise environments, particularly in banking and finance, where its stability and security were prized.
OS/2 Warp 4.5 (2001)
Final Major IBM Release: OS/2 Warp 4.5 was IBM’s last major version, with improvements to performance and networking. IBM began phasing out consumer support, shifting focus to enterprise customers still reliant on OS/2 for specialized applications like ATMs and point-of-sale systems.
eComStation (2000-2015)
OS/2 Lives On: With IBM winding down active development, a company called Serenity Systems licensed OS/2 and released eComStation (eCS) around 2000. eComStation was essentially OS/2 with enhancements, designed to extend the life of the OS for existing OS/2 users.
Enhanced Compatibility: eComStation included modern drivers, updated hardware support, and improved networking features. It was aimed at companies and individuals still reliant on OS/2 but in need of better hardware and software compatibility.Niche Appeal: Though it saw limited widespread adoption, eComStation found a niche audience in industries where OS/2 was deeply entrenched, such as banking, retail, and embedded systems like ATMs.
Last Version: The final release of eComStation was in 2011 (version 2.1), though some minor updates followed. However, development slowed significantly by the mid-2010s, paving the way for another successor.
ArcaOS (2017-Present)
A New Era: In 2017, Arca Noae, a company specializing in OS/2 development, released ArcaOS, a modernized continuation of OS/2.
Modern Hardware Support: ArcaOS includes updated drivers, modern filesystem support (including USB and large drives), and better networking capabilities, making it a viable solution for legacy OS/2 environments.
Target Market: Like eComStation, ArcaOS serves industries still dependent on OS/2, such as banking, retail, and other embedded systems.
Active Development: Arca Noae continues to release updates, ensuring that OS/2 (through ArcaOS) remains relevant in its niche markets.
Key Challenges:
Windows Dominance: OS/2, despite its technical merits, never achieved the widespread adoption that Windows did, largely due to Microsoft's aggressive marketing and broader software ecosystem.
Limited Software Availability: A smaller library of applications compared to Windows hurt OS/2’s adoption, especially in consumer markets.
Niche Market: Over time, OS/2 became relegated to niche markets, particularly in industries where its stability and legacy application support were crucial.
Legacy:
Embedded and Enterprise Systems: OS/2 and its successors (eComStation and ArcaOS) have left a lasting legacy in industries like banking, retail, and manufacturing, where reliability and compatibility with older systems are essential.
ArcaOS: Today, ArcaOS continues to provide long-term support and modern updates for OS/2 users, particularly in legacy systems that require stability and ongoing maintenance.eComStation played a vital role in keeping OS/2 alive after IBM moved on, acting as a bridge until ArcaOS took over as the modern evolution of the OS/2 platform.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcaOS
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:00:55
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:00:55
Description: eComStation (eCS) was introduced as a response to the gradual phasing out of IBM's OS/2, particularly after IBM's last major release, OS/2 Warp 4.5, in 2001. Here's a brief history of eComStation and why it was created:
Background: OS/2’s Decline
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, IBM had shifted its focus away from OS/2 in favor of other platforms like Windows and Linux. Although OS/2 was still being used in various enterprise settings, particularly in banking, retail, and embedded systems, IBM was no longer actively developing new features or major updates for the OS.IBM's support for OS/2 became increasingly limited, leading many organizations still dependent on the platform to seek alternatives or ways to maintain their existing OS/2 systems.
Introduction of eComStation (2000)
Serenity Systems recognized the need to maintain and modernize OS/2 for the many users and industries that continued to rely on it. In collaboration with IBM, Serenity Systems licensed OS/2 and developed eComStation as a commercial product, with the first version released in 2000.
Purpose: eComStation was created to extend the life of OS/2 by providing updated hardware support, enhanced software compatibility, and continued maintenance. It was designed to serve both existing OS/2 users and industries that required a stable, reliable operating system for their legacy applications.
Key Features of eComStation
Updated Drivers: eComStation included modern drivers, supporting newer hardware that OS/2 was not originally designed to handle, such as USB devices and modern network cards.
Improved Networking: eComStation enhanced OS/2's networking capabilities, making it more compatible with contemporary network protocols and systems.User-Friendly Interface: While based on OS/2 Warp, eComStation introduced a more polished and user-friendly interface, with improved installation processes and additional utilities.
Compatibility: eComStation aimed to be compatible with existing OS/2 applications while also incorporating updates that allowed it to run newer software and operate on modern hardware.
Market and Impact
Niche Adoption: eComStation found a niche market among enterprises and users who had significant investments in OS/2 and needed ongoing support. This included sectors like banking, retail, and manufacturing, where OS/2 was deeply integrated into critical systems.
Legacy Support: eComStation became a key solution for organizations needing to maintain legacy OS/2 systems without completely overhauling their infrastructure.
Transition to ArcaOS
End of eComStation: By the mid-2010s, development of eComStation had slowed significantly. The last major version, eComStation 2.1, was released in 2011. As the need for more modern support grew, Serenity Systems eventually stopped further development.
ArcaOS Emergence: In 2017, Arca Noae launched ArcaOS as the next evolution of OS/2. ArcaOS was designed to continue where eComStation left off, offering even more modern hardware support, updated drivers, and active development.
Why eComStation Was Important
eComStation played a critical role in keeping OS/2 alive during a time when IBM had moved on, ensuring that organizations dependent on the OS could continue to use and maintain their systems effectively.
Legacy Preservation: By extending the usability of OS/2 through modernization and maintenance, eComStation preserved a legacy operating system that was essential to many industries, delaying the need for costly and complex migrations to other platforms.
In summary, eComStation was created to maintain and modernize OS/2 for its users during a time when IBM had ceased active development, ensuring that critical systems relying on OS/2 could continue to operate smoothly.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EComStation
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:16:03
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:16:03
Description: Arca Noae was founded to continue the development and support of IBM's OS/2 operating system after IBM formally ended its development and support for the platform. The result of Arca Noae's efforts was the creation of ArcaOS (originally codenamed Blue Lion), an operating system based on OS/2 that is still actively maintained and updated for modern hardware. Here's a breakdown of why and how Arca Noae came into being, and how it led to the creation of ArcaOS:
Why Arca Noae Was Created
End of IBM Support for OS/2:
By the late 1990s, OS/2 had already lost much of its market share to Microsoft's Windows. Despite its technical superiority in certain areas, such as multitasking and stability, IBM failed to market it effectively, and developer support waned. IBM officially ended support for OS/2 Warp in 2006, leaving many businesses and users—especially in industries like banking and retail—without a clear upgrade path.
Continued Use in Niche Markets:
Even though IBM discontinued OS/2, many organizations, especially in specialized industries (e.g., ATMs, banking systems, and manufacturing environments), were still using OS/2 because of its reliability and stability. These businesses needed ongoing support, updates, and drivers to keep the system functioning on newer hardware.
Community and Demand for Updates:
The OS/2 community, though small, remained passionate about the platform. Over time, several independent developers and companies tried to fill the void left by IBM by providing support and software updates. eComStation (developed by Serenity Systems) was one such project, offering an updated version of OS/2. However, over time, the need for a more modern and actively developed solution became clear, especially as hardware evolved and existing systems aged.
Formation of Arca Noae:
In response to this demand, Arca Noae, a company composed of former OS/2 developers and enthusiasts, was formed in 2014. The company's mission was to continue developing and updating OS/2 for modern hardware while maintaining compatibility with existing OS/2 applications. Arca Noae recognized the importance of supporting legacy systems while also enabling users to continue using OS/2 on modern platforms.
How Arca Noae Created ArcaOS (Blue Lion)
Licensing the OS/2 Codebase:
Arca Noae did not directly own the rights to OS/2. However, they licensed critical components from IBM, including the OS/2 Warp 4 codebase and other proprietary technologies. This licensing agreement allowed Arca Noae to continue working on OS/2 and create a new distribution with necessary updates and improvements.
Modernizing OS/2:
ArcaOS, originally codenamed Blue Lion, was designed to bring OS/2 into the modern era. This involved:
Updating drivers for modern hardware, such as USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and modern graphics cards.
Improving compatibility with current hardware, including UEFI support for newer motherboards and hardware virtualization for running ArcaOS on virtual machines.
Maintaining legacy support for existing OS/2 and DOS applications, which was essential for businesses that still relied on older software.
Providing a stable, supported platform for both individual and enterprise users who wanted to continue using OS/2 in their operations.
Building a Support Ecosystem:
Arca Noae didn’t just develop ArcaOS but also built an ecosystem around it. They provided long-term support, security updates, and driver development for users. This helped ensure that users could keep running critical systems with confidence that their operating system would remain functional and secure.
Launch of ArcaOS:
ArcaOS was officially launched in May 2017, under the branding ArcaOS 5.0. The operating system was well-received by the OS/2 community and businesses that needed a continued OS/2-like environment. ArcaOS retained compatibility with legacy OS/2 applications while adding much-needed updates for modern computing environments.
The Role of ArcaOS Today
ArcaOS continues to serve niche markets that rely on OS/2, such as retail, banking, and manufacturing, where the platform’s stability, security, and reliability are valued. ArcaOS provides:
Compatibility with OS/2, DOS, and Windows 3.1 applications.
Support for modern hardware that would otherwise be incompatible with older OS/2 versions.
Active updates and long-term support, including security patches and new drivers.
Arca Noae remains committed to evolving ArcaOS by providing updates, improving its user experience, and expanding hardware support. Although it is not a mainstream operating system, ArcaOS fills a vital role for legacy systems and industries that continue to rely on the OS/2 platform.
Conclusion
Arca Noae was created in response to the continuing need for OS/2 support and modernization, even after IBM had discontinued the platform. By licensing key OS/2 technologies from IBM and building a community-driven approach to development, Arca Noae was able to produce ArcaOS as a modern continuation of OS/2. This system allows businesses and enthusiasts to continue using OS/2 in modern computing environments, ensuring its legacy lives on in specific, mission-critical applications.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArcaOS
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:20:28
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:20:28
Description: The HAL-PC NT-OS/2 Shootout was a notable event held by the Houston Area League of PC Users (HAL-PC) in the early 1990s. It became famous for its unexpected outcome, which caused embarrassment for Microsoft and underscored the competitive tensions between IBM's OS/2 and Microsoft's Windows NT. Here's a summary of the event and its aftermath, including why Microsoft demanded the destruction of event recordings.
Context: The Rivalry Between OS/2 and Windows NT
By the early 1990s, both IBM and Microsoft had parted ways after their collaboration on OS/2. IBM continued to develop OS/2 as an advanced, enterprise-level operating system, while Microsoft moved on to develop Windows NT, a more powerful and business-oriented version of its Windows operating system. Windows NT was intended to compete directly with OS/2 and demonstrate Microsoft's strength in the high-end, enterprise computing market.
The HAL-PC NT-OS/2 Shootout was organized as a public comparison between these two operating systems. Both IBM and Microsoft were invited to showcase the capabilities of their respective platforms, with the event being attended by tech enthusiasts, IT professionals, and corporate decision-makers.
The HAL-PC NT-OS/2 Shootout Event
At the HAL-PC event, both Windows NT and OS/2 were demonstrated in a series of real-world tests that included performance benchmarks, multitasking, stability, and hardware compatibility. The shootout was intended to give each operating system a chance to shine and help users make informed decisions about which platform to choose for enterprise and professional use.
During the event:
OS/2 consistently outperformed Windows NT in terms of stability and multitasking. OS/2's advanced kernel allowed it to handle multiple tasks smoothly, and it managed system resources more efficiently. This reflected IBM's long-standing focus on making OS/2 a robust system for business environments.Windows NT, on the other hand, faced issues with performance, crashing multiple times during the demonstration. NT struggled with multitasking and stability, which undermined its ability to compete with OS/2 at the event.
The shootout's results were embarrassing for Microsoft, as OS/2 was widely perceived to be the superior system based on the live tests. Given that the event was attended by influential figures in the tech community, this was a public relations disaster for Microsoft, which was attempting to position Windows NT as a serious competitor in the enterprise market.
Microsoft’s Reaction and the Aftermath
Following the HAL-PC event, Microsoft demanded that the event recordings, including videotapes of the OS/2-Windows NT comparison, be destroyed. This demand likely stemmed from the fact that the shootout had exposed significant weaknesses in Windows NT at a time when Microsoft was heavily promoting it as the future of enterprise computing. The tapes' existence threatened to undermine Microsoft's marketing efforts and could have damaged the company's credibility among IT professionals and businesses.
Microsoft's actions to have the tapes destroyed suggest that the company recognized the potential for negative publicity if the footage had been circulated widely. At the time, Windows NT was still in its early stages of development and had not yet matured into the more stable and popular versions that would come later, like Windows NT 4.0.
Although OS/2 gained favorable recognition at the HAL-PC event, it still struggled to gain widespread market share. Despite its technical superiority, OS/2 faced challenges from Microsoft's aggressive marketing and the growing popularity of Windows, particularly in the consumer space. Over time, Windows NT improved significantly and went on to become the foundation for later versions of Windows, including Windows 2000 and Windows XP.
Conclusion
The HAL-PC NT-OS/2 Shootout highlighted the technical advantages of IBM's OS/2 over Microsoft's Windows NT, particularly in the areas of stability and multitasking. However, the event also became infamous for Microsoft's response, with the company demanding the destruction of all tapes to prevent the public from seeing its system's shortcomings. This moment was emblematic of the intense rivalry between the two companies and the pressures Microsoft faced in promoting Windows NT as a legitimate competitor in the enterprise computing space.
Ultimately, while OS/2 won the shootout, Windows NT improved over time and, with Microsoft's marketing prowess and focus on the consumer market, eventually overtook OS/2 in terms of market dominance.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DAojx2Hgec
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:10:43
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:10:43
Description:
Team OS/2 was a grassroots community of passionate OS/2 users, developers, and advocates who played a pivotal role in promoting and supporting IBM's OS/2 operating system throughout its lifecycle and even long after IBM officially ended its development. The group's creation, its activities, and its continued existence after IBM abandoned OS/2 can be attributed to a combination of shared enthusiasm, technical appreciation, and a sense of community among its members.
Here's a detailed history of Team OS/2 and why it has persisted for so long:
Creation of Team OS/2
Team OS/2 was founded in the early 1990s by a group of enthusiastic OS/2 users who were deeply committed to the operating system. IBM initially introduced OS/2 in 1987 in collaboration with Microsoft, but after the partnership dissolved, IBM continued to develop the OS independently. Despite its technical merits, OS/2 struggled to gain the widespread popularity of Microsoft Windows, primarily due to limited marketing, lack of software support, and Microsoft's dominance in the consumer and enterprise markets.
IBM recognized that a growing number of users were passionate about OS/2 and saw potential in cultivating a community-driven movement to promote the platform. This led to the formation of Team OS/2, which became an official, IBM-sanctioned user group of volunteer advocates who promoted OS/2 in various capacities.
Purpose and Goals of Team OS/2
The primary goals of Team OS/2 were to:
Promote OS/2: Team members were tasked with promoting the operating system in their local communities, workplaces, and online forums. They were evangelists for the system, highlighting its technical superiority over Windows in areas such as stability, multitasking, and performance.
Provide Support: Team OS/2 members helped others with technical support, troubleshooting, and answering questions about OS/2. Many of the members were technically proficient and would often write guides, develop utilities, or assist in solving problems that users encountered.
Encourage Software Development: The group actively worked to encourage developers to create software for OS/2. Given that OS/2 lacked the extensive third-party software ecosystem of Windows, the community played a key role in fostering a vibrant, albeit small, development scene for applications, drivers, and utilities compatible with OS/2.
Participate in Events: Team OS/2 members often attended trade shows, tech conferences, and events where they would give presentations, distribute promotional materials, and demonstrate the advantages of OS/2 to potential users and businesses.
Foster a Global Community: Team OS/2 was international in scope, with users and chapters around the world. The group utilized early online forums, bulletin board systems (BBS), and mailing lists to stay connected and share resources.
Peak of Team OS/2's Influence
During the early to mid-1990s, Team OS/2 gained considerable traction. The group was known for its enthusiastic volunteerism. Many of its members were passionate enough to spend significant amounts of personal time advocating for OS/2, creating software, and providing support. They often engaged in guerrilla marketing tactics, such as:
Flyering and distributing promotional materials at trade shows.
Setting up demonstrations to showcase OS/2’s capabilities at local tech events.
Writing letters and articles for tech magazines and online forums, countering negative or incorrect coverage of OS/2.
Their efforts were critical in raising awareness about OS/2 in an era when IBM's marketing efforts were often inconsistent or lackluster compared to Microsoft’s aggressive promotion of Windows. Team OS/2 also played a significant role in OS/2 Warp, the most popular version of the operating system, gaining traction in business environments and niche markets.
Decline of IBM's Support and OS/2's Market Share
Despite the efforts of Team OS/2, IBM struggled to compete with Microsoft Windows, which had established itself as the de facto standard for personal computing.
By the late 1990s, it became clear that OS/2 was losing the battle for market share, and in 1996, IBM officially stopped marketing OS/2 to the general public. The company shifted its focus to its enterprise business, leaving OS/2 primarily as a niche platform for specific industries like banking and manufacturing, where it had a loyal base.
IBM officially ended support for OS/2 in 2006, effectively marking the end of the operating system as a commercially viable product.
Why Team OS/2 Continued After IBM Gave Up
Despite IBM’s abandonment of the platform, Team OS/2 persisted for several reasons:
Loyalty to the OS: OS/2 had a loyal following because of its technical strengths. Many Team OS/2 members believed that OS/2 was a superior operating system, especially for enterprise-level multitasking, stability, and performance. Even after IBM gave up on it, these enthusiasts continued to use it and support one another.
Niche and Legacy Systems: OS/2 remained widely used in certain industries, particularly in banking (ATMs) and retail (point-of-sale systems). Many businesses were reluctant to switch to newer operating systems, and members of Team OS/2 continued to provide crucial support, updates, and customizations for these systems.
Sense of Community: Over the years, Team OS/2 had fostered a strong sense of community among its members. Even after IBM discontinued support, the members of the team continued to interact via online forums, mailing lists, and websites dedicated to OS/2. This sense of camaraderie and shared purpose helped keep the group going.
Development of eComStation and ArcaOS: After IBM's support ended, Serenity Systems launched eComStation, a derivative of OS/2, to provide continued support for businesses and enthusiasts who needed OS/2 compatibility on modern hardware. Later, Arca Noae developed ArcaOS (based on OS/2 Warp 4) to keep the platform alive, adding new drivers and features for modern systems. Team OS/2 members supported these efforts, helping to promote and develop these modern derivatives of OS/2.
Open-Source Movement: Some OS/2 enthusiasts became involved in open-source projects that aimed to replicate or maintain OS/2-like environments. These efforts were aimed at preserving the principles of OS/2 even as the market shifted toward Windows and Linux.
Legacy of Team OS/2
Though the active promotion of OS/2 largely faded after IBM's departure from the market, Team OS/2's legacy endures. The passion and dedication of the OS/2 community ensured that OS/2 and its descendants like eComStation and ArcaOS continued to serve users with niche needs well into the 21st century.
In particular:
ArcaOS, maintained by Arca Noae, continues to support modern hardware while offering compatibility with legacy OS/2 applications.
OS/2 community forums and websites still exist, providing support and updates for enthusiasts who continue to use the operating system.
Conferences and events, such as the Warpstock conference, have kept the spirit of OS/2 alive by bringing together fans and users of the system.
Conclusion
Team OS/2 was created out of a shared love for OS/2 and a belief in its technical superiority. Even after IBM gave up on OS/2, the group's dedication helped keep the OS alive through community-driven support, advocacy, and technical development. The members of Team OS/2 played a key role in preserving the operating system's legacy and ensuring that OS/2, and its descendants like ArcaOS, continue to be used and appreciated by a small but dedicated community today.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_OS/2
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:40:25
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:40:25
Description: WarpStock is an annual conference dedicated to OS/2 and its community, providing a space for users, developers, and enthusiasts to gather, share knowledge, and discuss the future of the platform. Since its inception in 1997, WarpStock has continued to be held annually and has been hosted in various countries and cities. Here's a brief history of its development and why it remains active:
Inception and Early Years (1997–2000s)
WarpStock was conceived in 1997 as a way for the OS/2 community to come together in the wake of IBM reducing its support and marketing for the platform. At this time, the Team OS/2 group, along with other dedicated users, felt that there needed to be a centralized event where OS/2 enthusiasts could meet, discuss the system's future, and promote OS/2-related projects.
The first WarpStock event took place in Diamond Bar, California, in 1997 and was a great success. It attracted a large number of OS/2 users, developers, and companies still working with OS/2. The event featured technical sessions, workshops, and vendor exhibits, focusing on keeping the OS/2 ecosystem alive and growing.
Global Expansion and Locations
WarpStock grew in popularity and started to move around to different locations, primarily in the United States but later expanding internationally. Some key locations and
milestones include:
1998: Chicago, Illinois, USA
1999: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2000: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
2001: Toronto, Ontario, Canada (marking the first event outside the USA)
2002: Austin, Texas, USA
2004: Denver, Colorado, USA
2005: Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
2006: Windsor, Ontario, Canada
2007–2010: Various locations across North America
As the years went on, WarpStock began holding events outside North America as well. For example:
WarpStock Europe was established, with the first event in Boeblingen, Germany in 2000. Over the years, WarpStock Europe has been held in cities like Dusseldorf, Utrecht, and Cologne.
The dual conferences (North America and Europe) allowed for more global engagement with the OS/2 community.
The Purpose of WarpStock
WarpStock serves several key purposes:
Knowledge Sharing: The event is filled with presentations, workshops, and sessions that cover topics such as OS/2 software development, ArcaOS updates, hardware compatibility, and technical troubleshooting.
Community Building: It provides a meeting place for OS/2 users, developers, and businesses to come together. Many attendees have been long-time users of OS/2 and share a passion for keeping the platform alive.
Vendor Exhibits and Support: Various vendors still providing support or software for OS/2 (such as Arca Noae) participate in WarpStock, offering solutions and updates to users.
Continued Support for Niche Systems: OS/2 remains a crucial system in some specialized industries like banking, manufacturing, and retail. WarpStock helps provide continuing education and resources for those who maintain these systems.
WarpStock Today
WarpStock continues to thrive, even decades after IBM ended its support for OS/2. One of the main reasons it remains active is the continued existence of ArcaOS, an updated OS/2-based operating system maintained by Arca Noae. ArcaOS has injected new life into the OS/2 ecosystem, and WarpStock remains an essential gathering place for users and developers of this modern OS/2 variant.
WarpStock's ongoing success is also due to the tight-knit community that has formed around OS/2. The shared passion for the platform, along with the nostalgia for its innovative past, keeps the event relevant. WarpStock continues to be held in different cities, with recent years seeing both in-person and virtual events to accommodate a global audience.
Countries and Cities Hosting WarpStock
Over the years, WarpStock events have been held in a variety of locations, including:
USA: Diamond Bar, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Austin, Hershey, Denver, etc.
Canada: Toronto, Windsor
Germany: Boeblingen, Cologne
Netherlands: Utrecht
Conclusion
WarpStock has continued to remain active because of the strong sense of community among OS/2 and ArcaOS users, the technical knowledge shared at the events, and the ongoing support for legacy systems. Its global presence and adaptation to modern challenges, such as virtual events, ensure that WarpStock continues to serve as a vital hub for the OS/2 community.
Link: http://www.warpstock.org/index.php
Author: pagetelegram
Date Added: 2024-08-16 23:45:15
Date Modified: 2024-08-16 23:45:15