SOUND OFF!


The purpose of this section is to provide a forum for our readers to voice their opinions and thoughts on issues related to OS/2. If you have an observation, concern, gripe or compliment regarding something, please feel free to send them to the OS/2 CONNECT editor for inclusion in this section, at: Title & Publisher or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

The opinions expressed in this section are those of the individual writer and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the editor or publisher of OS/2 CONNECT. NOTE: Letters may be edited for inappropriate or offensive language.


TO VOICE YOUR SUPPORT FOR OS/2 WARP 5...

To those who have stuck by OS/2 this is definitely for you.

There is a good possibility that while IBM has no plans to stop supporting the client version of OS/2 that there might not be another version of this great client. What this means is that while the OS/2 network server version 5 will be released in the first quarter of 1999 the client version of OS/2 that so many people have grown accustomed to will not have a version 5 or 6, etc; But rather be left as is with a few FixPaks along the way to make the transition easier. I use OS/2 as my main client because I appreciate it's power, stability, salability and much more it's usability. I believe this is an outrage and deserves the full attention of the OS/2 community as a whole. I have been searching of ways to express this outrage in a productive manner which may have an impact as well. What makes this of the utmost urgency is that while certain key figures associated with OS/2 like Richard Seibt stood by the OS/2 client they are making certain indications that there will not be an upgrade such as OS/2 5 for the client. So if you feel as strongly as I on this topic then you will definitely want to go to the two following sites so as to make an impact.

Write IBM's current CEO, Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., at: http://www.ibm.com/cgi-bin/email-lvg.pl and be sure to express your concern, outrage and whatever else you may feel towards the possibility of there not being another version of the OS/2 client.

Martin Alfredsson of Sweden plans on approaching IBM with an offer they can't refuse; see his web page at: http://www.jmast.se/warpx/21warp.htm. Go to the end of the page and enter your name, e-mail address and the amount of copies/licenses you would buy at $100 a piece if OS/2 version 5 was to be released. Then click the "If I had OS/2 Warp 5" button on the bottom, your vote is counted.

- Dr. Walter R. Thomas
Miami Beach, FL, USA
June 3, 1998

A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE IN IBM

Why do you believe IBM will continue to miss its opportunities to put Warp out there as a real contender with Windows 95 or 98? Gerstner has done a lot to turn things around, and I would hope he sees this open window!

I keep wondering if I ought to invest in Lotus SmartSuite for Warp just released. Lotus isn't compatible with Windows 95 software, so at work what I create in WordPro I have to save as a WORD file, open it in WORD, resave, then send via Lotus Notes. I already have the beta version installed, like it, and have had only one crash in the months I've been using it. Thanks for the web page and info; I'm still sold on Warp and always will be--I wish more others were!

- Doris Dippel
Bourbonnais, IL, USA
May 26, 1998

QUESTION ABOUT ICQJava

I too like OS/2 and will use it until my software dies. I teach at a local college here and for the life of me cannot see how anyone could possible like Windy 95 or 98 when there is such a great OS like OS/2 around. I do need a little help from someone though. I want to run ICQJava with OS/2 and just can't seem to get it set up right. Is there anyone out there that can help? I have been told by others it works and need to configure the ICQ.cmd file. I tried to follow the instructions, but unfortunately I am a computer dummy and can't seem to get it straight. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated.

- Richard McCuller
Shreveport, LA, USA
May 21, 1998

EDITORIAL FOLLOW-UP

I read your June editorial and unfortunately I can't agree more. IBM has known for years of it's wrong moves and handling of everything regarding OS/2 and related products.

However, please do not misunderstand me, I'm not defending IBM, it seems like in spite of everything, IBM has managed to survive. Many years ago, some MS oriented 'experts' announced that OS/2 will die and vanish in a few years. Well, not only did OS/2 survive, IBM continued to sign contracts about OS/2.

In contrast to MS, IBM is a multi-products company. IBM is the largest vendor of software solutions for PC platforms. MS products, still need to rely on some third-party products in order to gain a full networking solutions for clients. IBM cannot and probably will never bet it's entire strategy on one product such as OS/2. Therefore, IBM needs to be very conservative about how to attack MS and MS's products. Right now IBM, as it seems, is enjoying both worlds, NT and OS/2.

I think we all give IBM just a little more credit for their decisions, however, we owe it to ourselves, as dedicated OS/2 users, to continue and raise our voice, wishes, needs and desires for OS/2. Afterall, it is THE BEST operating system for the PC - that is a consensus !!!

- Eyal Kat
Israel
May 21, 1998

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Re your point in your June Editorial about the auto industry optional equipment becoming standard: I would comment that though no auto-maker says power windows are such an essential feature that the engine/power train would fail if they were not present; neither do they say that the main vehicle warranty is voided (and your life may be in danger!) if you fit a set of AKAI speakers rather than the originals in the doors!

As you say - Keep The Faith.

- John Angelico
OS/2 SIG, Melbourne PC User Group Inc.
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
May 21, 1998

ROADRUNNER SUPPORT FOR OS/2?

I decided that I would upgrade my connection to the internet since RoadRunner (Time Warner's Cable) is now available here in Columbus, Ohio. I wasn't prepared to hear that they were not supporting OS/2. In fact, the technician that I finally got to talk to told me that he had never even heard of OS/2. Is there any way that we will be able to avail ourselves of this faster connection to the web? Has anyone been able to hook up with Road Runner using OS/2? Please let me know. Thanks.

- John Gallucci
Retired
Columbus, OH, USA
May 20, 1998

READER's RESPONSE: The following has info on how to connect a cable modem under OS/2: http://www.os2ezine.com/v2n10/cable.htm.

- Jocelyn Doire
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
May 27, 1998

JUNE EDITORIAL

Your analysis of whether MS's problems with Department of Justice will aid OS/2 was insightful and interesting. A couple of points: Unless IBM actually pushed public awareness of OS/2, by substantial advertising and possibly announcing a program to help application developers, OS/2 should not gain much, if any, support as an alternative operating system. Furthermore, if it is in IBM's interest to see MS's anti-competitive practices shackled by the court, then it might not serve their best interests to announce that there is a viable, indeed, superior alternative operating system available to the public. I'm sure MS would like to make that statement to help their case, but they may calculate that the publicity given to OS/2 would direct public users to try it.

- David V. Cohn, Ph.D
Director, Health Sciences Center
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY, USA
May 20, 1998

REMINISCENT OF A FEW YEARS AGO

Just finished reading your June editorial on Microsoft and could not agree more; the issue is more than just incorporating their web browser into their OS. It seriously reminds me of the late seventy's or early to mid-eighties when a couple of brothers named Hunt tried to corner the silver market, wound up getting stepped on hard. Have enjoyed reading your newsletter for the first time. Keep up the good work

- Phil Ryan
May 20, 1998

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