Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp provides the latest web browser support to the OS/2 operating system, and supports the deployment of new Java and Web technologies. This version of Netscape Communicator includes the core components from Netscape Communicator Standard Edition 4.6 for Windows, as well as some OS/2-specific features. Here are some of the features contained in this product:
For more information about Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp, and to register and download the preview, please visit http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/netscape/
Subsequently, IBM withdrew all disk image files dated June 30th, and reposted them all on July 1st. Apparently, there were some missing pieces in some of the disk images. Anyone who downloaded the June 30th files is strongly advised to dump them and download the July 1st releases.
Dick Kurtz, OS/2 Fix Distribution in Austin TX, advises how to tell which release you have if you didn't note the posting date:
NOTE: Beginning with this Warp 4 FixPak-11 and Warp 3 Fixpak-41, most OS/2 device drivers will be moved to separate Device Driver FixPak. The first such Device Driver FixPak will be XR_D001, scheduled for release at a later date.
There are 16 disk image files: xr_m011.1dk to xr_m011.gdk. The first disk includes 4 readme files, which are also posted for separate download.
Corrective Service Facility F.141, (now known as a FixTool) is required for installation of FixPak-11. Filename is cs_141.exe, 714819 bytes. Do not attempt to install with an earlier version. You can download cs_141.exe from:
ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixtool/english-us/
I strongly recommend FastKick or QuickFix for installation. They allow direct installation from your hard drive and eliminate the need for the tedious, time-consuming task of making diskettes from disk images and installing from the floppies.
If the latest version of FastKick (updated for CSF F.141) is used, then it's not necessary to also use cs_140.exe.
The updated FastKick file and instructions for installation of FixPak-11 via hard drive or RSU may be found on Dan Casey's Abraxis web site at: http://members.iquest.net/~dcasey/
Click on "OS/2 EZ Reference" at the top of the frame on the left side of the Abraxis home page; then click again on the "Applying FixPaks ..." item. Now select either the Image Files or RSU installation method, which will bring up detailed installation instructions. It's a good idea to print this.
In either case, the updated FastKick is needed. Click on the highlighted area of line "1. You'll need FastKick 141" to download fastkick141.zip.
The most recent Version 1.1 of QuickFix, QF11.ZIP, can be downloaded from Hobbes. The main difference between QuickFix and most others is that QuickFix uses an image unpacking tool which performs CRC validation of the diskette images before applying what could otherwise be junk to your finely-tuned and previously functional OS/2 system. Many users believe this to be a most worthwhile safety factor to prevent problems arising, especially from corrupted disk image files.
I used FastKick's image files from the hard drive method. Installation was easy and fast. In the previous FixPak-10 installation, there were 10 instances detected of installed files of newer vintage than files of the same name in FixPak-10. But in FixPak-11, there was only one single instance of this. I chose not to overwrite the more recent file.
In the few days since FixPak-11 was installed, Warp 4 operation has remained stable, with no noticeable problems.
IBM's got just the handy little utility for you: Desktop On-Call. And you can download it NOW!
Desktop On-Call can be installed on OS/2 Warp, Warp Server, WorkSpace On-Demand Manager, or Windows PCs. Then, using any Java-enabled web browser, simply "point" to your PC, type in your ID and password (for security), then go ahead and control the desktop. Copy a file from your PC to your web client if you like. It's the next best thing to being there!
Desktop On-Call offers some great benefits:
- access your office system from home;
- manage your servers securely through a dial-up connection;
- help users remotely from any web client on the network;
- "run" OS/2 Warp applications on Windows systems or vice-versa.
Download Desktop On-Call now by visiting IBM Direct at http://www.direct.ibm.com/. Search for "Desktop On-Call" (it's IBM part number 31L2729). The cost is only US $39.95 retail. You won't have long to wait -- the download is only about 2 MB. What a great value!
FOLLOW-UP (note recieved pursuant to the above announcement)
Desktop On-Call seems to be generating quite a bit of excitement, but some of you have reported problems downloading the correct version from IBM Direct.
When you visit IBM Direct (www.direct.ibm.com) and search on "Desktop On-Call" you should find the Desktop On-Call order page. Currently the order process is "hard wired" to download the Windows (Win32) version. So you can control a Windows PC from a Java-enabled web browser running on any platform (including OS/2 Warp).
However, many of you are also asking for the OS/2 Warp platform version (to control an OS/2 Warp PC remotely). Stay tuned for further information.
If you did download the wrong platform version, visit IBM Direct at www.direct.ibm.com and click on Customer Service. One of the options allows you to request a full refund, per the terms and conditions specified in the IBM Direct agreement.
Some of you have also asked about whether there's a trial version, in addition to the generous refund policies IBM Direct offers. While there is not currently an English trial version of Desktop On-Call, folks in Japan may wish to try the Japanese trial version. Japanese trial versions for either Win32 or OS/2 Warp can be downloaded from ftp://ftp.ibm.co.jp/pub/pspj/dtoc25/trial. (Desktop On-Call is developed in Japan and then translated into English.)
Sorry for the confusion! I hope we'll have it cleared up very soon.
May 6th update
As I mentioned in my last update, Desktop On-Call is produced by IBM Japan. IBM Japan translates the Japanese version into English, but sometimes that takes a bit of time.
Right now, Desktop On-Call Version 2.0 is available in the U.S. exclusively through "electronic software delivery" (ESD). That means you can order it and download it online, and (subject to the terms and conditions of your online dealer), get a refund if you erase it.
Version 2.0 is designed to install on Windows 95, 98, or NT. Then, using any Java-enabled web browser (including Netscape Communicator for OS/2 Warp), you can control that PC's desktop. It's a great way to manage remote servers, your office PC from home, etc.
To order Desktop On-Call Version 2.0, visit any of the following Internet sites:
http://www.direct.ibm.com/
http://www.beyond.com/PKSN101846/prod.htm
http://www.digitalriver.com/zones/desktop
Version 2.5 adds a version for OS/2 Warp, so you can control an OS/2 Warp desktop from your favorite Java-enabled web browser. That version is not yet available for sale in the U.S. Stay tuned for further information.
For those of you interested in the Japanese versions of Desktop On-Call, including evaluation versions, please visit http://www.ibm.co.jp/pspjinfo/javadesk.
By the way, IBM Japan also produces a great little web browser for DOS. In Japan it's called "Webboy," and in the U.S. it's called "Homepage Surfer for DOS." Yes, Homepage Surfer runs on IBM's "Year 2000 Ready" PC-DOS 2000, so you can put older hardware back into productive use on the Internet or your intranet. It works with both dial-up and LAN connections.
Stay tuned for further information on this remarkable software -- I'll pass along more information when I have it. But if you just can't wait (and if you can read Japanese), take a look at http://www.ibm.co.jp/pspjinfo/webboy.
Of course I'm happy to answer questions about these two new products if I can.
Builds Base for Secure, Universal Access
OS/2 Warp Server for e-business gives employees, customers, and partners universal access to information systems. The Journaled File System makes the server highly available and scalable. Java and LDAP toolkits enable the transition to network computing. The new product provides a solid foundation for e-business transformation.
See: http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/warp-server/
Summary of Functions
A summary of functions in the new OS/2 Warp Server for e-business covers the Journaled File System, Logical Volume Manager, enhanced TCP/IP, base OS/2 function, and Java.
See: http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/warp-server/summary/
Business Partner Videos
In three new videos, IBM Business Partners tell about the advances and advantages in OS/2 Warp Server for e-business. In another new video, an IBM manager covers OS/2 Warp Server for e-business services.
See: http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/products/aurora/videos/archive/
Third-Party Promotional Products
Celebrating the release of OS/2 Warp Server for e-business, seven vendors offer complementary products for desktop management, information navigation and search, maintenance and recovery of disk volumes, utilities, fax and voice, graphical presentation, and customized chat rooms.
See: http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/warp-server/promotions.html