OS/2 is created byMicrosoftandIBMA set of operating systems jointly created by the company and later independently developed by IBM.OS/2 is the abbreviation of "Operating System/2" because it is the second generation of IBMpersonal computerPS/2The ideal operating system of the system product line is introduced.stayDOSAfter the great success on PC and under the influence of GUI trend, IBM and Microsoft jointly developed and launched OS/2, a new generation of operating system on advanced personal computers at that time.At first, it was mainly developed by Microsoft. Due to the differences in many aspects, Microsoft finally abandoned OS/2 and turned to developing Windows.The largest release is OS/2 Warp 4.0, which was released in 1996, and is named afterStar TrekRecord the Warp drive in the movie.
The largest release of OS/2 is OS/2 Warp 4.0 released in 1996, named after Warp drive in the Star Trek movie, to represent its stable and fast features.This version is the first to run onx86SystematicPCAbove32-bit operating system, earlier than MicrosoftWindows 98Listing.Warp has improved the interface and enhanced the driver support for peripherals. The system also includes a group of 12 types called "Bonus Pak"application program, such as word processing andFax softwarewait.
The subsequent upgrade is OS/2 Warp 3 Connect, a version with enhanced network support.OS/2 Warp version 4, code named Merlin, is the lastpublic offeringOS/2 version of.In the competition with Windows, OS/2 finally failed.subsequentlyIBMSeveral versions of the upgrade have also been released, but only for a small range of use.It is said that in the financial and banking industries, some systems still use OS/2.
1.x
OS/2 1.0 was launched in December 1987.It can execute several OS/2 programs and oneDOSProgram, but only one program running screen can be seen on the screen at a time, and onlyText Mode。In October 1988, IBM launched OS/2 1.1 standard version, adding graphical interface Presentation Manager to OS/2,Hard disk capacityUp to 2GB can be supported.In 1989, IBM released Extended Edition, adding Database Manager and Communication Manager.The former is aMultitaskingOfrelational databaseThe latter allows mainframe customers to connect PCs to mainframes through 3270 and 5250 simulations.
OS/2 version 1.2 addedHPFS(High Performance File System) to supportLong file nameandHigh capacityHard disk, disk function is better than DOSFATMuch better.OS/2 1.2 Extended Edition addedREXXword-for-word translationprogramming language, likeUnixLike Shell Programming: REXX can be used as a batch language of DOS, or it can be used to write simple programs.
At this time, IBM began to divide OS/2 into two product lines: in order to give play to the power of Intel's 80386 chip being designed, OS/2 2.0 will no longer be required to be compatible with 80286. At the same time, IBM positioned OS/2 3.0 as a networkServer operating system。
In 1990, when IBM and Microsoft were stillCooperative developmentIn the next version of OS/2, Microsoft also developedWindows 3.0And mass sales.Gradually, Microsoft's resources, manpower and attention gradually shifted from developing OS/2 to developing Windows.Due to the disagreement and mutual distrust between the two vendors, IBM decided to take over the development of OS/2 1. x and OS/2 2.0 to ensure the smooth progress of OS/2 development, while Microsoft was responsible for Windows and OS/2 3.0.Before long, OS/2 3.0 was renamed by Microsoft asWindows NTHas.
OS/2 1.3 is the first product that IBM is solely responsible for. Except for the original program code, all newly added functions are IBMSelf developmentOf.Version 1.3 is faster than the previous version, and the program itself is smaller. It is easier to install and configure than before, and Adobe Type I vector scaling font is added to supportScreen resolutionIt is increased to 1024 × 768.In terms of functions, IBM has also improved the algorithm for replacing files, and added delayed writing to the hard disk.
2.x
OS/2 2.0 is the first true PCMulti task operating system。In 1992, OS/2 2.0 was officially released, and IBM proudly labeled this version of OS/2 as "a better DOS than DOS and a better Windows than Windows".From a technical point of view, this is true: through the virtual 86 mode of the 80386, OS/2 2.0 allows each DOS program to be executed on its own virtual DOS machine (VDM, Virtual DOS Machine), just as the user has several PCs to execute these programs at the same time.Not only has priorityOperating mode, no program will occupy allsystem resourceDo not put, and any DOS programDowntime It will not cause other programs to hang up together.Because Windows is also a kind of DOS program, it is executed through the VDM of OS/2Windows ProgramsThe above advantages can also be obtained, and different programs can still be provided through OS/2DDEExchange data with ClipBook.
OS/2 2.0 alsoGraphical interfaceIt was renovated and introduced a set of completely object-oriented operation interface: Workplace Shell (WPS), which not only materialized the objects of the operating system, but also connectedfile systemAlso included.In contrast, the Windows systemWindows 95The whole interface becomes more object-oriented.
In 1993, IBM made persistent efforts and released OS/2 version 2.1, which willgraphics systemRewrite and cooperateWindows 3.1, in Win OS/2 (a modified Windows included with OS/2, where Windows programs can be executed)TrueType FontSupport;MultimediaDevelopment trend, joined Multimedia Presentation Manager（MMPM/2) , providing stable sound and image capabilities;coordinationNotebook computerThis version also supportsPCMCIA、Advanced Power ManagementPower managementAbility.In order to reduce the price of the product, IBM also released OS/2 version 2.11. When this version is installed on a machine with Windows 3.1,erection sequenceThe original Windows will be automatically modified for use with OS/2.
3.x
In October 1994, OS/2 3.0 was officially renamed OS/2 Warp 3.0.This name is derived from the code in the original development.Warp is a noun borrowed from "Star Trek", which means that this version is as fast as the speed of light.Warp's originaldesign goal It can be successfully executed on a PC with 4 MB of memory, but if you do, you will be tired!However, with 8 MB of memory, Warp 3 can run smoothly.This version provides quite a variety ofDriver, improved many functions, and addedTCP/IPInternet Access Kit, including dial-up networking, a set of browsers (WebExplorer)TCP/IPTools（E-mail、FTP、TelnetEtc.).More importantly, a set of BonusPak CD has been added to provide several sets of OS/2 version application software, such as IBM Works, which is an integrated application software, including table processing, word processing, database andStatistical chartAnd other functions.
In 1995, IBM released Warp Connect 3. This version adds LAN functions, and can be used with Novell Netware and IBMLANServer connection, shared printerdisk spaceAnd other resources.In 1996, IBM merged Warp and Lan Server into Warp Server to form a complete networkServer operating system, functions includePrint server、File server、remote access, System View for OS/2, etc.
4.x
Warp 4 (Merlin) was officially launched in September 1996.In addition to the comprehensive renovation of Workplace Shell (a bit like Macintosh andLotusA hybrid of Smart Center, the developers are the formerAppleEmployees), and added a bunch of new functions.Warp 4 is the first embeddedJava、speech recognitionIBM positions Warp 4 as a universal client operating system, which can be connected to anynetwork environment 。Embedded Java allows you to avoid using the browser and otherAuxiliary toolsJava program can be executed throughspeech recognition system The operating system can be operated directly with voice.Built inLANDistance allows mobile computers to call back to the company through the phone and use the company's internal network, just like the users inside the company.The installation program has also been greatly improved so that installing OS/2 is no longer a difficult task.
after
On December 23, 2005, IBM announced that it would no longer sell and support the OS/2 system.Supporters of OS/2 ask IBM tosource codeto open up.Although OS/2 still has a part of the market, IBM has announced that since 2006, special reservations are required to obtain further informationtechnical support。Sales of all OS/2 products will stop on December 23, whileMulti task operating systemIt will also stop selling before December 31, 2006, and begin to sellLinuxSystem transfer.
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IBM stopped selling the OS/2 operating system on December 25, 2005, and will stop supporting the OS/2 operating system on December 31, 2005.However, a large number of companies and individuals are using the OS/2 operating system, and they are looking for ways to keep OS/2 alive.
In April 2006,OS/2. The website OS2WORLD initiates a petition. The purpose of this petition is to allow IBM to open OS/2 source code, so that OS/2 users can continue to use and develop this operating system.In November, the OS2WORLD website collected 12000 petition signatures and handed them to IBM'sCEOPalmisano, but IBM has not responded to the petition.
However, whether IBM will eventually open the OS/2 operating system or notsource codeThere are other institutions that continue to maintain the life of OS/2.For example, Serenity Systems International in the United States has developed the OEM version of OS/2, called eComStation, which supports many software, such asOpenOfficewait.EComStation operating system will also integrate a series of new graphicsDriver, add support for sound effects, and add support fromWindows operating systemNetwork card driver and wireless device driver.Obviously, although IBM has abandoned OS/2, there are still enthusiasts who continue to develop OS/2.
However, if OS/2 and eComStation developers can access the OS/2 source code, it will help them in their research and development.The OS2WORLD website also hopes to further contact IBM to arrange the continued development of OS/2.
Many computersEnthusiastTrying to find out the reason why OS/2 failed, everyone jokingly said that IBM took the wrong name:
The driver problem is similar to that of installing Leopard on a PC.The OS/2 drivers in those years were also very laborious. It was not until OS/2 Warp 3 that some improvements were made, but on the whole, they were not as good as Windows.
two
Memory requirements are high.Naturally, there is no problem.When OS/2 was installed that year, more than 60000HPThe serverMemoryHowever, it was 64MB. At that time, it had already shouted "Long live!", but the mainstream models were still around 8MB.
