OS/2
OS/2 is an operating system from IBM that attempted to succeed DOS as the operating system for personal computers. It was initially developed jointly between Microsoft and IBM, until the former decided to follow its path with Windows 3.0 and IBM took care of OS/2 alone.
It is an operating system developed prioritizing robustness, so its adoption was much broader in the industry than in end users.
OS/2 1.0
Version 1.0 appeared in 1987 and was 16-bit, although it worked exclusively in the protected mode of the Intel 80286 processor. Shortly after, version 1.1 appeared, which incorporated the first version of the Presentation Manager, the OS window manager. /2, with an appearance identical to that of the then non-existent Windows 3.0. Two new versions appeared shortly after, 1.2 and 1.3, also 16-bit. It was then that discussions began between IBM and Microsoft, as the former wanted to develop a 32-bit version for Intel 80386 and later processors, while the latter proposed improving the current 16-bit version.
OS/2 1.0
Date: December 19, 1987
Code Name: CP/DOS
Features:
- Multitasking support.
- The Operative system was text, allowed multiple applications running at the same time although it could only display an application at the same time on the screen.
- It allowed a DOS session.
- The maximum size of supported disks was 32MB.
- The Operating System is designed to run on 80286 equipment but was also able to run on 80386 systems.
OS/2 1.10 Standard Edition (SE)
Date: October 3, 1988
Code Name: Trimaran
Improvements in this version:
- The Presentation Manager (PM), a graphical interface very similar to that of the still non-existent Windows 3.0, was added.
- Support for larger hard drives in FAT format. The total maximum size was 2GB performing logical partitions and an updated system was added.
OS/2 1.10 Extended Edition (EE)
Date: 1989
Code Name: Trimaran
Improvements in this version:
- A relational database called "Database Manager" was included
- The "Communication Manager" was included, allowing sessions with mainframes (emulation 5250 and 3270)
OS/2 1.20 SE and EE
Date: November 1989
Code Name: Sloop
Improvements in this version:
- Improvements in Presentation Manager
- The "High Performance File System" (HPFS) file system was included, which was much more efficient than the FAT.
- It includes the language interpreted REXX as a system scripting language.
OS/2 1.30
Date:
OS/2 2.0
IBM published OS/2 version 2.0 in 1992. This version was a major improvement over OS/2 1.3. It incorporated a new object-oriented window system called Workplace Shell as a replacement for Presentation Manager, a new file system, HPFS, to replace the DOS FAT file system also used in Windows, and took full advantage of 32-bit capabilities. of the Intel 80386 processor. It could also run DOS and Windows programs in multitasking, as IBM had retained the rights to use DOS and Windows code as a result of the breakup. Unfortunately, its stability was poor due to the problems IBM had in releasing it alone. This was followed by versions 2.1 and 2.11, the latter offering an extremely good level of stability.
OS/2 2.0
Date: November 1991 (Test version - Limited Availability)
Date: March 1992 (final version - General Availability)
Code Name: Arceda
Features:
OS/2 2.1
Date: May 1993
Name Code: Borg
Improvements in this version:
OS/2 for Windows
Date: November 1993
Name Code: Ferengi
Features:
Improvements in this version:
- New video controllers for S3-based cards.
OS/2 2.11
Date: February 1994
Improvements in this version:
- Patches were included to improve problems in version 2.1.
OS/2 2.11 SMP
Date: June 1994
Features:
- Support for Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP).
- Support up to 22 processors. Interconnected at UL
OS/2 Warp 3
In mid-1994 IBM introduced OS/2 3.0, also called OS/2 Warp which was sold in 20 3.5-inch diskettes. This version possessed multitasking capabilities, significantly improved machine performance with 4 MB in RAM memory (minimum memory to be able to execute it) and added an Internet connection kit, a reduced version of the TCP/IP protocol of server and office computer versions. This version was very publicized on television, emphasizing its advantages over Windows 3.11. It was also the first operating system that offered Internet connection, through the IBM Global Network access points, a network that was later sold to AT strangerT and is now part of its business area called ATTS Business. Shortly afterwards Warp Connect appeared, with the complete TCP/IP protocol and connectivity to NetBIOS systems.
It was a very stable product that was used in several ATM models worldwide.
Among the many advantages over its contemporary (although OS/2 was on sale long before) Windows 95, were the expulsive multitasking with all applications either DOS or Windows, 16 or 32 bits. Windows 95 could only do this while Win16 applications were not executed, when the cooperative multitasking took control. Windows 95 was never able to make multitasking expulsive with 16-bit DOS applications.
OS/2 emulated Windows 3.11, so to speak, and DOS. In addition, every virtual session of DOS could have its own AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS, something unthinkable in a Microsoft product. Several of these sessions could be executed, and all of them ran in the OS/2 expulsive multitasking (preemptive).
OS/2 Warp 3 features
Date: October 1994
Name Code: Warp
Improvements:
- Compatible with Windows 3.11
- Performance in machines with 4 MB RAM memory.
- Includes BonusPak (Internet and Multimedia Software Package)
- More controllers were included.
- Improved graphical interface (Workplace Shell)
OS/2 Warp Connect Features
Date:May 1995
Improvements:
- Network support (TCP/IP) as the basis of the Operating System.
- Remote access to Networks.
- Internet support.
- Inclusion of Lotus Notes Express license
Characteristics of OS/2 Warp for PowerPC
Date: December 1995
This product was only available for a limited number of IBM customers and never went to the market "massively".
Features:
- Designed for PowerPC processor architecture
- Basa on the MACH Microkernel
OS/2 Warp Server
Date: 1996
Features:
- It includes Warp 3 functionality with IBM LAN Server 4.0 Network capabilities.
Improvements in this version:
- Print and file services.
- Inclusion of SystemView for OS/2.
- Remote access.
- Backup applications.
OS2 Warp version 4
In 1996, OS/2 Warp 4 appeared, which included the complete TCP/IP protocol and multiple internet tools, as well as intelligent and appropriate aesthetic assistants. Almost matching its appearance on the market with that of the Microsoft operating system, Windows 95, IBM carried out from this moment and still maintains a policy of detachment for its own product that provoked the criticisms of broad sectors of the user community. The server version called OS/2 Warp Server for e-business, version 4.5 and client version OS/2 Warp 4.
OS/2 Warp features version 4
Date: September 1996
Code name (beta): Merlin
Improvements:
- Java Support with Java Runtime Environment 1.1.x
- The VoiceType was added for voice command recognition.
OS/2 Warp Features 4.51 (Convenience Pack 1)
Date: November 2000
Code Name: Merlin Convenience Pack (MCP)
Improvements:
- OS/2 Warp patches were included in version 4, directly from the Installer. At this time there were already many patches for Warp 4.
- Support was included for the Journal File System (JFS) together with HPFS and FAT.
- Inclusion of USB drivers.
- Hard drive support greater than 8 GB.
- The Logical Volume Manager (LVM) was included as a replacement of the Fdisk in the OS/2 client version.
Features of OS/2 Warp 4.52 (Convenience Pack 2)
Date: 17 December 2001
In April 2002, IBM added to this version a support patch to the Pentium 4 processor.
Improvements:
- Improves USB drives.
- Improvement in Hard Drivers.
- Includes IBM Web Browser for OS/2 v1.1 (based on Mozilla)
- Controllers for UDF/DVD and improvements in COM drivers.
- Includes Java 1.1.8 and 1.3
- kernel enhancements: Includes the presence of the ALT+F4 key combination, to pause the boot and ask for verification
OS/2 Warp Server Features for e-business (4.5)
Date: 1999
Code name (beta): Aurora
Improvements:
- New file system based on Journal File System (JFS)
- Support for the year 2000 (Y2K)
- Support for the Euro.
- It included the Netscape Communicator, version 4.04.
- Hard drive support greater than 8GB.
- It included the Logical Volume Manager (LVM) as a replacement to the FDisk for JFS support.
OS/2 Warp Server Features for e-business 4.51 (Convenience Pack 1)
Date:
Improvements:
- USB controllers included.
OS/2 Warp Server for e-business 4.52 (Convenience Pack 2)
Date: 17 December 2001
In April 2002, IBM added to this version a support patch to the Pentium 4 processor.
Improvements:
- Improves USB drives.
- Includes IBM Web Browser for OS/2 v1.1 (based on Mozilla)
- Controllers for UDF/DVD and improvements in COM drivers.
- Includes Java 1.1.8 and 1.3
- Included in the ALT+F4 key combination functionality kernel, to pause the boot and ask for verification.
EComStation
Serenity System International in 2001 made an agreement with IBM, and was allowed to create the OS/2 Warp Convenience Pack-based eComStation operating system. Serenity made a series of changes to the system, adding improvements and more applications. Serenity Systems established among its objectives greater attention to the demands of users.
eComStation integrates the latest version of the original IBM product (the so-called Convenience Package) with other products that IBM distributes separately for some reason, such as USB controllers and various software developments, many of them open source, to offer the user an updated, more complete and simple system to install than the original. By the end of 2005 IBM withdrew OS/2 from the market.
In 2005 Serenity Systems and Mensys presented eComStation 1.2R with great improvements regarding previous versions and the eComStation 2.0 beta 3 version was presented in September 2006. It has boot from JFS partitions and other improvements.
EComStation 1.0
Beta version date: September 29, 2000
Date: 10 July 2001
Features:
- New operating system installer with ease of use.
EComStation 1.1
Date: May 24, 2003
Several versions were released based on the OS/2 Convenience Pack 2.
- eComStation Entry: The base of the operating system.
- eComStation Application Pack: The extra application package offered by Serenity.
- eComStation Multi Processor Pack: Support up to 16 customer processors.
- eComStation Server Edition: Includes "IBM's Warp Server for e-business" and WiseServer
Improvements in this version:
- The eWorkPlace (based on XWorkpalce) was included to improve the Workplace Shell.
- Facility in System Installation.
- Support for reading NTFS partitions.
- The eCenter, the enhanced system menu bar, was included.
- Desktop Pager was included for virtual desktops.
- The multiprocessor version (eComStation 1.1 Multi Processor Pack) was also released.
The "eComStation 1.1 Application Pack" is also sold, which includes:
- Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 version 1.7
- HobLink X11 server. Unix app access from the desktop.
- Sti Applause + Scanner Controllers.
EComStation 1.2 / 1.2R
Date:12 August 2004 (1.2)
Date: November 4, 2005 (1.2R "Media Refreshed")
Features:
Improvements in this version:
- Mozilla 1.7-based web browser updated
- Includes Innotek WebPack, with the Flash 5 support component, Java 1.4, Acrobat Reader 4.05 and Anti-Alias font support.
- XWorkplace updated and refined.
- New Text editor with improved interface (AE)
- Updated Laptops Support
- The "EscapeGL" screen protector was included with OpenGL support.
- The "PMVNC" was added for the remote control of the station.
- Also on sale a version for more than one processor (eComStation Multi Processor Pack)
The "Application Pack 1.2" is optionally included:
- Serenity Virtual Station (SVISTA) - Program to perform virtual machines from other OS/2 operating systems.
- Lotus SmartSuite 1.7
- OpenOffice 1.1.4
- The Application Pack was discontinued as version 1.2R was released. Some old pack programs can be purchased separately, such as OpenOffice.com 3.1 (formerly OpenOffice versions 1.1.5 and 2.4).
The edition "Academic Edition" was presented exclusively for teachers and students that includes eComStation 1.2R and OpenOffice at a lower price than the standard edition of eComStation.
EComStation 2.0
Date Beta 1:22 December 2005
Date Beta 1b:11 January 2006
Date Beta 2:11 April 2006
Date Beta 3: December 2006
Date Beta 4: February 28, 2007
Date Release Candidate 1: June 2007
Date Release Candidate 2: September 2007
Date Release Candidate 3: November 2007 (Warpstock Europe 2007 Release)
Date Release Candidate 4: December 2007
Date Release Candidate 5:July 2008
Date Release Candidate 6th:December 2008
Release Date Candidate 7 "Silver": August 28, 2009
Release Date 2.0: May 2010
EComStation 2.1
Date Release: May 20, 2011
- Support AHCI
- Updated installer
- Updated various opensource applications: Mozilla Firefox, OpenOffice 3.2
Arks
- new Symmetric Processing Kernel (SMP)
- New boot start menu
- New graphical installer with USB support and network installation
- New or upgraded device handlers
- Improvements to the WPS environment
- Update to printer support via CUPS
- Update to PostScript printer driver pack
- Support to languages other than English.
- The final name was changed to ArcaOS and started in version 5.0, released in 2016
Features of ArcaOS version 5.0
Date: 3Q 2016
Code Name: Blue Lion
Among the differences that occurred with respect to eComStation or Warp 4 is the type of versions with which it was launched, a commercial version and other staff, being the costs of $99 USD for the staff and 229 for the commercial.
There have been minor maintenance versions that are:
| Release | Date | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0 | 2017-05-15 | First version of ArcaOS |
| 5.0.1 | 2017-07-09 | Update of handlers and installer |
| 5.0.2 | 2018-02-10 | USB installer boot |
| 5.0.3 | 2018-08-19 | Updates to drivers and built-in software |
| 5.0.4 | 2019-07-21 | It facilitates the update of ArcaOS without having to reinstall |
| 5.0.5 | 2020-06-06 | USB 3.0/xHCI support |
| 5.0.6 | 2020-08-31 | Improvements to the installer |