EDITORIAL PAGE

PROPOSED "OS/2 UPDATE" PROGRAM & OS/2 JAVA CORNER

    PROPOSED "OS/2 UPDATE" PROGRAM

    Years ago, when OS/2 Warp 3.0 came out, IBM shrewdly put out the Device Driver Pak on the Internet, thereby simplifying the search for OS/2 related drivers. They even went so far as to issue FixPaks via the Internet, then Java, and then a lot of other things. Back in the mid-1990's, IBM was cutting-edge and way ahead of the game in terms of software delivery, all courtesy of the Internet. Alas, this is another area they have woefully fallen behind in. Let me explain.

    Recently, I had to upgrade different versions of Windows (98 and XP, Home & Professional) both on regular PC's and laptops. Inevitably, I had to learn about Microsoft's "Windows Update" command which, regardless of what you think of Microsoft, is not a bad little Internet based program to deliver updates to the operating system. Instead of having to hunt high and low for the software I need, as is the case with OS/2, "Windows Update" reads the computer's configuration, determines what software is required, then downloads and installs it very painlessly for the consumer. Basically, it takes the guesswork out of the Installation process. The user is allowed to download three things: Critical updates required to support the operating system, Optional updates (nice little goodies the user can pick and choose from), and the latest set of drivers. From the user's perspective, it makes a nice diagnostic and support tool. Its simple and effective, and makes for a happy user. I've seen similar support tools provided by Norton and Netscape.

    With all of the work IBM has invested in Internet software delivery over the years, I'm surprised they haven't implemented anything like this already. An "OS/2 Update" should, of course, be written in Java for portability, but more importantly, should be able to diagnose and fix the following:

    • Check OS/2 version level and FixPaks or Convenience Paks
    • Check Java level
    • Pertinent drivers
    • Web browser and plugins

    Is it necessary to install full FixPaks/Convenience Paks? Maybe, but probably not. As in Windows, core OS/2 components could be implemented as opposed to whole service paks with critical and optional corrections.

    I know its a stretch to get IBM to do anything related to OS/2, but perhaps there is an enterprising OS/2 programmer with an entrepreneurial spirit out there who would want to tackle such an assignment. I realize IBM now charges for Convenience Paks, but the diagnostic side of an "OS/2 Upgrade" program which, in turn, directs users to pertinent locations on the Internet to download software components would be a lucrative product. I know many newbie OS/2 users in our Discussion Group would love such a product.


    OS/2 JAVA CORNER

    We have been posting Java related Web sites in OS/2 CONNECT for a long time now. But Roger Troost has taken it a step further recently with his OS/2 Java Corner. What's different? For starters, he's compiled a list of 110 Java applications (and some applets) that have been reported to run well with IBM Java 1.1.8, 1.3.0 or 1.3.1 for OS/2 and eComStation. In his list, there are programs for: Communications, Development, Games, Graphics, Multimedia, Scientific, and Business. There is also the usual Java links as found herein. This is an impressive web site and definitely worth a look.

    Keep the Faith!

   

- Tim Bryce
Editor, OS/2 CONNECT

Please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail