IBM OS2 1.0 announcement

"IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition","IBM Announce",04-2-1987

The IBM Operating System/2(TM) Standard Edition

The IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition complements new hardware,
provides significant new function, offers enhanced ease-of-use, and
provides a platform for future application growth.  IBM Operating
System/2 supports large memory, multiple applications, graphics and
windowing capability, and IBM Disk Operating System Version 3.30
compatibility.  IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition will be
released in two stages:  Version 1.0 contains all the described
function except graphics and windowing, which is provided in Version
1.1.  IBM Operating System/2 supports the following advanced IBM
Personal Computer systems:  IBM Personal System/2, Models 50, 60 and
80, Personal Computer AT(R) 5170 Models 099, 239, 319 and 339, and PC
XT(TM) 5162 Model 286.

(TM)  Trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation.

(R)  Registered trademark of the International Business Machines
Corporation.

General Availability:

IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition -- First quarter 1988
      Version 1.0

The availability of the IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition
Version 1.1 will be announced fourth quarter 1987.

Program Number:

  6280196  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Version 1.0
            for 3.5-inch (1.44MB) Media

  6280198  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Version 1.0
            for 5.25-inch (1.2MB) Media

  6280194  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Version 1.1
            for 3.5-inch (1.44MB) Media

  6280195  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Version 1.1
            for 5.25-inch (1.2MB) Media

  6280197  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Transitional
            Offering to Version 1.0
            for 3.5-inch (1.44MB) Media

  6280199  IBM Operating System/2
            Standard Edition Transitional
            Offering to Version 1.0
           for 5.25-inch (1.2MB) Media

HIGHLIGHTS

o  16MB Addressable Random Access Memory Support

o  Concurrent Processing of Multiple Applications

o  High Level Programming Interface

o  Presentation Manager

o  Enhanced Ease of Use Facilities

o  Compatibility with IBM DOS, Version 3.30

o  Systems Application Architecture

o  New Service and Warranty

DESCRIPTION

Note:  The IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition is usually
referred to as the IBM Operating System/2.

16MB Addressable Random Access Memory Support

Operating System/2 supports up to 16MB of addressable random access
memory.  This enables application developers to take full advantage
of memory beyond 640KB for applications and data.  End users will
have the benefit of larger and functionally richer applications that
can process larger amounts of data such as spreadsheets and large
documents.

Operating System/2 implements virtual memory through segment
swapping.  An Operating System/2 application program can be larger
than available real memory.  Actual size is dependent on program
characteristics and the physical capacity of the system.  Operating
System/2 manages physical memory by swapping memory segments to a
disk file as required.

Concurrent Processing of Multiple Applications

New applications written to take advantage of the function provided
in Operating System/2 may be run and displayed concurrently for the
convenience and increased productivity of the end user.  Switching
between applications is fast and simple.  Productivity increases
because time previously spent starting and stopping, entering and
exiting applications in a single application environment, can now be
spent more productively actually processing data.  Applications can
also be written without knowledge of what other applications will
coexist.

High Level Programming Interface

IBM is addressing application development productivity and future
compatibility by providing application developers with a high level
CALL interface to Operating System/2.  Applications written to this
interface will be compatible with successive versions of Operating
System/2, and also with successive Personal System/2 systems.
Applications can also take advantage of a high level of device
independence.  This assists in upgrading to new IBM Personal System/2
systems, or to new versions of Operating System/2.

Application developers may choose to use a subset of the Operating
System/2 CALL interface which allows the same program to run under
DOS 3.30 and under Operating System/2.

Presentation Manager

The Presentation Manager provides windowing and graphics functions
along with an application enabling interface to improve productivity
when developing applications that support the Common User Access
definitions of the Systems Application Architecture.

Windowing allows multiple applications to be viewed by the end user
at the same time.  Each application can support multiple windows.
The user can control window size and position, and an application can
create or delete windows.  A clipboard function is provided to enable
the user or application to extract data from one window and move it
to another window, or from one application to another.

Graphics support enables the development of a broad range of
applications which take advantage of the supported all points
addressable (APA) devices.  There is a wide range of vector graphics,
raster operations, and extensive font support, including multiple
font styles and sizes.  Graphics orders can be stored which enables
the application to manage the picture data, and facilitates fast
redrawing of pictures.

Enhanced Ease of Use Facilities

Enhanced ease of use facilities in Operating System/2 make it easier
for the novice to learn and simpler for both the novice and the
experienced user to operate.  Operating System/2 provides
comprehensive Help information and descriptive written system
messages.  Much of this Help information is contextual in nature,
giving the end user the information needed to complete the task at
hand.  For beginners, there is a tutorial to assist in getting
started by learning how to perform basic operating system tasks.

Operating System/2 also provides an interface to the system commands
that support the IBM Systems Application Architecture conventions for
Common User Access.  Through this interface, applications can be
started and stopped, or added and deleted from the system as
required.  The size and position of the application windows can also
be controlled.  The user can control local print out on a printer or
a plotter.  Also, information and data contained in the Operating
System/2 file system can be accessed.

Compatibility with IBM DOS, Version 3.30

Operating System/2 provides a DOS environment that allows many
existing DOS applications to run unchanged.  This assists in the
transition from DOS to Operating System/2.

Applications which may not run in the DOS compatibility environment
include time dependent programs, such as communications and real time
applications, hardware specific routines, such as device drivers and
network dependent applications.

Operating System/2 uses many commands from the basic set of DOS
commands.  This also assists in the transition from DOS to Operating
System/2.  The user familiar with DOS commands need only learn the
Operating System/2 commands and concepts that support Operating
System/2's extended capabilities.

With the new Programmer Toolkit, it will be possible to create
applications that run on both DOS and Operating System/2, using a
subset of the full capability of Operating System/2.

Files created by the user under either DOS 3.30 or Operating System/2
are interchangeable.  This also assists in the transition from DOS to
Operating System/2.

Systems Application Architecture

Operating System/2 is a participant in IBM Systems Application
Architecture, a collection of selected software interfaces,
conventions, and protocols whose initial set of specifications is
planned to be published in 1987.  IBM Systems Application
Architecture is to be the framework for development of consistent
applications across the future offerings of the major IBM computing
environments:  System/370, System/3X, and the IBM Personal Computers.

IBM Systems Application Architecture consists of four related
elements, two of which are new (Common User Access and Common
Programming Interface), plus extensions to today's existing
communication architectures (Common Communications Support).  IBM
Systems Application Architecture establishes the basis for Common
Applications, developed by IBM to be consistent across IBM systems.

Operating System/2 participates in the following elements of IBM
Systems Application Architecture:

o  Common User Access
o  Common Programming Interface
   -  Presentation Interface
   -  Dialog Interface

New Service and Warranty

For the first time on an IBM Personal Computer operating system, IBM
is introducing service and limited warranty for Operating System/2.
In addition to the media warranty, IBM is providing a three month
program warranty that includes replacement, correction, or refund.
Program Services will be available for Operating System/2 until the
service expiration date provided at general availability.

IBM Operating System/2 Planned Enhancements

To assist end users in their planning, IBM plans to provide the
following enhancements to Operating System/2 Standard Edition:

o  Enhanced support for fixed disks to support partitions greater
   than 32MB

o  Application development facilities for the Dialog Manager
   Interface

Technical Information

This section gives additional technical information on the IBM
Operating System/2.  It is directed toward application developers and
technical planners.

IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.1 contains all the IBM Operating
System/2 functions.  Version 1.0 contains all the described function
except graphics and windowing, which are provided in Version 1.1.

IBM Operating System/2 and DOS Applications:  The IBM Operating
System/2 can run both IBM Operating System/2 and DOS applications.
IBM Operating System/2 applications can use all the capabilities of
the IBM Personal Computers which contain an Intel 80286 processor, or
an Intel 80386 processor running as a 80286 processor.  These
capabilities include memory addressability of up to 16MB,
multi-programming, and memory management.

The IBM Operating System/2 migration path for DOS users is a DOS
environment similar to IBM Disk Operating System (IBM DOS Version
3.30).  The end user can run many timing-independent IBM DOS Version
3.30 applications or program development tools in the IBM Operating
System/2 DOS environment.  Communication, network dependent, hardware
specific, and interrupt driven applications are timing dependent and
cannot be used in the IBM Operating System/2 DOS environment.

The end user, via a CONFIG.SYS parameter, specifies the DOS
environment size for the IBM Operating System/2.  The maximum value
for the DOS environment size is 640KB.  Minimum size is 100KB, or the
operating system can be specified to run only IBM Operating System/2
applications.  If the environment size parameter is changed, the new
environment size is obtained at the next IPL (Initial Program Load).
The IBM Operating System/2 applications, data files, and most
operating system modules reside in the physical memory above the
memory reserved for the DOS environment.

Concurrent running of both IBM Operating System/2 and DOS
applications is as follows:  When the end user runs a IBM DOS Version
3.30 application in the IBM Operating System/2 DOS environment, IBM
Operating System/2 applications may continue to run concurrently.
When a IBM Operating System/2 application is selected to be displayed
(that is, when it is brought into the foreground), the DOS
application is suspended.  Other IBM Operating System/2 applications
continue to run in the background.

A typical IBM Operating System/2 application cannot inadvertently
modify another application or the operating system.  On systems where
the DOS environment is defined, there is no memory protection for any
program (DOS application, IBM Operating System/2 application or
operating system) below the 640KB physical memory boundary.  All IBM
Operating System/2 programs (operating system and applications) and
data areas above the 1MB physical memory boundary are isolated from
inadvertent modification by IBM Operating System/2 application.

Installing a VDISK in the DOS environment does not interfere with
application and operating system protection above the 1MB physical
memory boundary.  VDISK is an IBM Operating System/2 device driver
which uses the operating system to allocate a block of physical RAM
memory for use as a virtual disk.

The DOS environment in IBM Operating System/2 is a migration
mechanism for running a DOS application.  It is anticipated that
usage of the DOS environment will diminish as many applications are
converted to IBM Operating System/2 applications to obtain the
advantages of larger memory and multi-programming.  The IBM Operating

System/2 DOS environment preserves the end user's existing software
investment during the migration to running only IBM Operating
System/2 applications.

Memory Management:  IBM Operating System/2 provides memory management
services to support the full physical addressability of the 80286
processor (up to 16 megabyte).  An application is no longer confined
to the DOS 640 kilobyte memory limitation; this limitation is
associated with the Intel 8088 processor and the real addressing mode
of the Intel 80286 processor.

Segment swapping routines in IBM Operating System/2 permit one or
more applications to run while exceeding total physical memory.  If
the system has more memory to run applications, there is less segment
swapping, and system performance is improved.  Segment swapping helps
protect the end user's current hardware investment until more memory
is obtained.

Memory can also be shared between applications, so applications can
be more tightly integrated.  Memory management dynamically allocates
and releases memory as needed, and collects fragmented memory as
appropriate.

Dynamic Linking:  Dynamic linking is a significant IBM Operating
System/2 feature which allows routines to be linked with far call
references to external libraries.  The application developer
determines during program development whether the far calls are bound
during either the program load or program execution time.  Dynamic
linking improves storage utilization, since the same common library
routines are not link-edited into many different load modules.
Performance may also be improved, since inactive segments (such as
exception processing modules) would not be loaded, unless needed.
The application developer can use dynamic linking techniques to
construct complex applications as libraries or subsystems.  Dynamic
linking removes the need to re-link an application (i.e., create a
new version for each application executable module) when other
external routines are changed or updated.

Multi-programming and Multi-tasking:  The multi-programming features
of IBM Operating System/2 allow a user to operate several
applications concurrently.  For most purposes, each application will
appear to have the entire system unit to itself, and may be designed
and coded in much the same manner as is done using DOS.

Multi-tasking is the sharing of the computer's resources (e.g., the
processor, display or keyboard) among tasks.  An application program
can create or control one or more tasks.  The foreground application
is the current user of the display, keyboard, or pointing device.  A
background application can be running or be suspended.  Multi-tasking
permits development of an application, which starts one or more tasks
and allows the operating system to manage the execution of these
tasks.

Multi-programming and multi-tasking use a priority based, time
slicing scheduler.

Interprocess Communication:  These functions allow processes to
communicate effectively with one another via pipes, semaphores,
queues, signals, and shared memory.  A programmer can use
interprocess communications to integrate the separate tasks of an
application into one "logical" application, as viewed by the end
user.  These functions significantly enhance programmer productivity
when creating complex applications.

System Interfaces:  The IBM Operating System/2 CALL interface is
designed for implementation of system extensions, device drivers, and
other programmer-defined functions.  The documented operating system
interface and application enabling interface allow application
developers to write programs which are not dependent on the internal
operating system and/or hardware interfaces.  The application
developer becomes more nearly independent of hardware and software
changes, and the end user's hardware and software investment is
protected.

Significant Impact on Application Programs:  The above functions will
significantly affect program development and programmer productivity.
Many DOS applications will be simpler and much smaller when converted
to IBM Operating System/2 applications.  Applications can use the
operating system's memory management and multi-tasking services,
instead of performing these functions in application code.
Furthermore, the application developer can use larger memory and
multi-tasking to define new types of applications.

Presentation Manager:  The Presentation Manager contains the
Presentation Interface.  The application developer can use this
interface to write IBM Operating System/2 applications which support
the Common User Access element of the Systems Application
Architecture.  The programmer can develop alphameric and graphic
applications which use IBM Operating System/2 function calls.  The
IBM Operating System/2 Programmer Toolkit and the IBM Operating
System/2 Technical Reference describe the functions, capabilities,
and application enabling interfaces for the Presentation Manager.
The IBM Operating System/2 Programmer Toolkit contains the necessary
development tools to write applications which use Presentation
Manager functions.

The Presentation Manager encompasses the following topics:

o  Windowing
o  Graphics
o  Program Selector
o  Enhanced Ease-of-use Facilities
o  Presentation Interface

Windowing:  Multiple IBM Operating System/2 applications written to
the Presentation Interface can be displayed via overlapping screen
windows.  Each application can support one or more windows, which are
organized in an hierarchical parent to child basis.  A child window
is contained within its parent, and lies on top of it.  Each pop-up
window has a higher priority than its parent window, and is used in a
dialog manner to display information to the end user.  An application
can use dialog boxes which can be dynamically updated.  Windows can
be scrolled, and window functions can be chosen using icon selection
or a menu bar.  A menu bar allows the end user to send commands
directly to the application or to select pull down menus.  An IBM
Operating System/2 application can specify the form of the window
frame, control the data which appears in each window, and select
which window is for input.

Graphics:  The IBM Operating System/2 has extensive graphics
functions.  IBM Operating System/2 supports All Points Addressable
devices:  displays, printers, and plotters.  An IBM Operating
System/2 application can draw graphics data on screen windows or
display the equivalent data using bitmaps.  A bitmap, which is used
to produce rapid changes on a screen, is similar to the screen image
but is created in memory.  IBM Operating System/2 supports both
retained and non-retained graphics.  An application can draw and fill
graphics objects, such as lines, arcs, font characters, and images.
An application can specify various attributes, such as color, line
style and area fill pattern.  IBM Operating System/2 contains
graphics transformations to change the object's size, position and
orientation.  IBM Operating System/2 contains many text functions and
standard fonts.  Alphameric extensions allow for loadable fonts and
features, such as underscoring of individual characters.

Program Selector:  A user of IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0 can
start and switch between applications with this easy-to-use, full
screen interface.  The Program Selector displays the names of IBM
Operating System/2 and Family applications.  (Family applications are
discussed in the Family Application Program Interface section.) The
end user can also select the DOS environment, if it exists, and then
enter the appropriate command(s) to start a DOS application.  The
Program Selector can be used to add, delete or rename a program on
the menu.  Input is from either a keyboard or pointing device.

There are two methods to switch between applications:

o  The end user uses a "hot-key" to display the Program Selector.
   The end user then positions the selection cursor on the desired
   menu item and presses the Enter key (or uses the mouse); this
   action invokes a different IBM Operating System/2 application or
   the DOS environment.

o  The end user uses another "hot-key" to change to another IBM
   Operating System/2 application, or to the DOS environment without
   displaying the Program Selector panel.

An IBM Operating System/2 application can be started from the Program
Selector menu or from the IBM Operating System/2 command line.  The
function of the Program Selector is incorporated into the Enhanced
Ease-of-Use Facilities provided with IBM Operating System/2 Version
1.1.

Enhanced Ease-of-Use Facilities:  Program selection in IBM Operating
System/2, Version 1.1, combines the function of the Program Selector
with additional easy-to-use capabilities.  A screen panel is

displayed when the end user starts IBM Operating System/2.  This
panel provides the function of the Program Selector in Version 1.0
consistent with other available panel selections.  Each IBM Operating
System/2 application which uses the graphics interface functions can
display one or more windows, and the end user can control the size
and position of the visible windows.  The end user can choose panel
options to print and plot combined alphameric and graphics data.

The end user can choose another panel option which performs IBM
Operating System/2 file commands such as copying and renaming.  The
end user can easily change default system parameters, such as the
background color on the screen.  The online help facility is always
available from the system panels.

Presentation Interface:  An IBM Operating System/2 application can
use this interface to display alphameric and graphics data on a range
of output devices:  displays, printers and plotters.  An application
can use the IBM Operating System/2 input handling functions to
process keyboard and pointing device information, and messages from
either the operating system or other applications.  When a pointing
device is attached, the mouse pointer is displayed on top of all
other data, and is always visible.  Window characteristics can change
the pointer shape and size.

Dialog Manager:  The Dialog Manager contains the Dialog Interface.
The text-oriented Dialog Manager is used by several operating system
functions, such as program selector, installation aid, and system
tutorial to present a consistent user interface.

Installation Aid:  The Installation Aid functions run in the
Operating System/2 environment, and include full screen, interactive,
installation menus with online field help.  The Installation Aid is
used to install system extensions.

Operating System/2 installation procedures are as follows:  One of
the Operating System/2 distribution diskettes is the Operating
System/2 installation diskette.  IPL can be performed on the diskette
which runs in the Operating System/2 environment, and contains the
installation program, installation support files, and supporting
Operating System/2 programs.  The end user places the diskette in
drive "A", and turns on the system.  Panels guide the user through
the installation process.  The user selects items, such as the
country and keyboard, printer, pointing device, preferred code page,
and tuning parameters (with defaults given) for the Operating
System/2 and DOS environments.  The install process warns the end
user that some existing DOS files will be replaced by Operating
System/2 files with the same names.  The installation process
displays a panel which allows the user to designate new names for
those existing DOS files.

System Installation uses high-capacity, diskette drive "A" and fixed
disk "C".  Additional information on operating system installation
can be obtained in the IBM Operating System/2 user guide.

Online Messages:  IBM Operating System/2 displays messages informing
the end user of system or program status and problems and prompting
the end user to perform necessary actions.   For many functions, the
end user may request "Help", which displays information about the
desired function and its use.

Tutorial:  An end user can invoke a IBM Operating System/2 online
tutorial.  Topics include:  tutorial use, IBM Operating System/2
menus, running an application, online message help, special IBM
Operating System/2 keys, system installation, and frequently used
commands.

Code Page Switching:  A code page is a set of characters and symbols
that is appropriate to a given country.  IBM Operating System/2
provides concurrent support for two code pages, which are determined
by the specified country during the IBM Operating System/2
installation process.

Large Fixed Disk Support:  A physical fixed disk greater than 32MB is
partitioned into multiple logical drives, each having a maximum size
of 32MB.

BASIC Interpreter:  The IBM BASIC Language Interpreter runs in the
DOS environment, and is included in the IBM Operating System/2.  The
interpreter is functionally equivalent to the IBM BASIC Language
Interpreter in IBM DOS Version 3.30.  The BASIC Interpreter is
described in the separately available BASIC Reference Version 3.30
(part number 6280189).

Family Application Program Interface:  The application developer can
use the Family Application Program Interface to obtain program
portability from IBM Operating System/2 to DOS.  A Family application
is an executable module that can run in all three environments:  IBM
Operating System/2, IBM Operating System/2 DOS, or IBM DOS Version
3.30.  A Family application has the same or similar capabilities of a
IBM DOS Version 3.30 application; a Family application cannot use the
new IBM Operating System/2 capabilities, such as larger memory
addressability, multi-tasking application program interface, or the
Presentation Interface.

The procedure for developing a Family application is as follows:  The
application developer writes an IBM Operating System/2 application
program following certain conventions, which include using a IBM
System/2 compiler or assembler.  The developer then uses the BIND
function.  The output from BIND is a single module which can be run
in all three environments:  IBM Operating System/2, IBM Operating
System/2 DOS, or IBM DOS Version 3.30.  The DOS application modules
created by the BIND function can be run on IBM PC hardware supported
by IBM Operating System/2 and IBM Personal Computer DOS Operating
System Version 3.30.  A Family application has the same capabilities
in both IBM DOS Version 3.30 and IBM Operating System/2 environments.

Device Drivers:  A device driver is a program which can pass
information between the operating system and an input or output
device.  The IBM Operating System/2 contains many device drivers,

although the application developer can write device drivers to
support additional hardware devices.  IBM Operating System/2 device
drivers can service requests in both IBM Operating System/2  and DOS
environments.  A new device driver can be easily installed; this is
especially important for new hardware support.

Operating system characteristics affect device driver design and
implementation.  Since IBM Operating System/2 is a multi-tasking
operating system, an IBM Operating System/2 device driver is
interrupt-driven and surrenders the processor while waiting for
input/output completion.  A DOS device drive is usually synchronous
and non-interrupt driven; an application cannot continue until the
input/output operation is completed.  A synchronous device driver
cannot be used in the multi-programming IBM Operating System/2
environment.  When developing a device driver, the application
programmer can use special interfaces in the operating system.  The
application developer can use information in the IBM Operating
System/2 Standard Edition Technical Reference Manual to write a
device driver.

Input/Output Services:  IBM Operating System Version 1.0 Input/Output
Services provide application program access to the output (display,
printer, and plotter) and input (keyboard and pointing device)
devices.  The developer can use this support asynchronously, and thus
overlap input/output operations with other application processing.
All support is in text mode.

IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.1 Input/Output Services contains
graphics support (All Points Addressable) in addition to the
capabilities of IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0.

Link Related Functions:  The IBM Operating System/2 Linker (LINK) and
Import Librarian (IMPLIB) utilities are used to create program
modules, dynamic link modules and libraries.  LINK runs in both the
IBM Operating System/2 and DOS environments.  LINK creates execution
modules which can run in the following environments:  IBM Operating
System/2, IBM Operating System/2 DOS, or IBM DOS Version 3.30.  The
IMPLIB utility runs only in the IBM Operating System/2 environment.

Timer Services:  IBM Operating System/2 has date and time
specification functions and control mechanisms for specifying the
following time intervals:  regularly occurring, asynchronous, and
sleep.  Timer Services help provide application independence from a
hardware clock speed.

Operating System Commands:  Most IBM DOS Version 3.30 commands and
utilities are also IBM Operating System/2 commands; this protects end
user investment in previous learning and in prior application design
and development.  IBM Operating System/2 also contains new commands
for user interaction with the multi-tasking, large memory
environment.

IBM Operating System/2 has command processors for the IBM Operating
System/2 environment and the DOS environment.  Both processors have
similar capabilities to the IBM DOS Version 3.30 command processor.

Migration:  Source code changes to an existing program may be
required before running that application in the IBM Operating
System/2 environment.  Programs written in a high level language must
at a minimum be recompiled and relinked.  All assembler programs must
be modified, reassembled, and relinked.  All timing-dependent
programs, such as communication, network dependent, hardware
specific, and interrupt driven applications, must be rewritten to run
in the IBM Operating System/2 environment.

Additional Information

IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.1, contains all the IBM Operating
System/2 functions.  Version 1.0 contains all the described function,
except graphics and windowing which are provided in Version 1.1.

PUBLICATIONS

The IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0 is distributed with the
following items which are not available separately:

o  Program License Agreement

o  Diskettes containing the IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0
   machine readable information.  Part number 6280196 contains
   1.44MB, 3.5-inch diskettes.  Part number 6280198 contains 1.2MB,
   5.25-inch diskettes.

o  User guide for Version 1.0.

   Provides introductory information for all users.  Topics include
   operating system installation and the Installation Aid, program
   selector, basic IBM Operating System/2 tasks, file management,
   operating environments for IBM Operating System/2 and DOS
   applications, and input/output redirection.

o  User reference for Version 1.0

   Provides additional information for the experienced user and
   programmer.  Topics include  multi-tasking, memory management,
   configuration parameters, IBM Operating System/2 commands, and
   batch file creation.

The BASIC Reference Version 3.30 (part number 6280189) is separately
available for a charge.

Packaging information for IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.1, will
be described at general availability of IBM Operating System/2,
Version 1.1.  Part number 6280194 will contain 1.44MB, 3.5-inch
diskettes.  Part number 6280195 will contain 1.2MB, 5.25-inch
diskettes.

Items may also be available to end users under the terms of the
revised Quantity Discount Agreement (QDA) Exhibits for IBM Personal
Computer Licensed Programs announced today.

SCHEDULE

General availability of IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, is
planned for first quarter 1988.

The general availability date for IBM Operating System/2, Version
1.1, will be announced fourth quarter 1987.

Note:  The IBM Operating System/2 Standard Edition is usually
referred to as the IBM Operating System/2.

IBM Operating System/2 is positioned as the new enhanced operating
system for IBM Personal System/2 Models 50, 60, and 80, the IBM PC XT
Model 286, and the IBM Personal Computer AT for those end users who
do not require the Communications and Data Base Managers of Operating
System/2 Extended Edition.  It supports the extended architecture
common to these products, and provides a foundation for eventual
migration to the expanded addressing modes of the IBM 80386 systems.

The extended memory addressability in IBM Operating System/2 removes
the previous 640KB memory restriction by supporting up to 16MB of
addressability.  Extended memory supports a new generation of
applications, and enables the coresidency of multiple applications.
IBM Operating System/2 supports concurrent operation of multiple
applications, which provides a more productive environment for the
user who must move among many applications to be productive.

IBM Operating System/2 provides a new level of consistency and ease
of use for multi-tasking operating systems with windowing, graphics,
online documentation, contextual help, and automated installation.

IBM Operating System/2 provides a DOS application environment which
allows operation of a single DOS application concurrent with
applications written or modified for IBM Operating System/2.
Applications which may not run in the DOS compatibility environment
include time dependent programs; such as communications and real time
applications; hardware specific routines such as device drivers, and
network dependent applications.

A transitional offering to IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0 will be
available to licensees of IBM DOS Version 3.X (versions DOS 3.0, 3.1,
3.2, and 3.30) for six months following general availability in the
United States.  This offering will allow licensees of IBM DOS Version
3.X to acquire IBM Operating System/2 at a reduced price, and permits
the end user to continue using IBM DOS Version 3.X, while using IBM
Operating System/2.  This offering:

o  Lowers cost to migrate to IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0

o  Allows continued support for programs that do not run in IBM
   Operating System/2 Version 1.0

o  Encourages the end user to purchase newly announced hardware now,
   rather than delay the purchase until availability of IBM Operating
   System/2 Version 1.0

This offering applies only to licensees of the IBM DOS Version 3.X
residing in the United States or Puerto Rico.  Ordering information
will be provided at general availability of IBM Operating System/2
Version 1.0.

In addition, licensees of IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0, in the
United States or Puerto Rico, are entitled to a free IBM Operating
System/2 replacement at availability of IBM Operating System Version
1.1.  Details will be provided at general availability of the
product.
A transitional offering to IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, will
be available to licensees of IBM DOS Version 3.X (Versions DOS 3.0,
3.1, 3.2 and 3.30).  Details on the transitional offering will be
published at general availability of IBM Operating System/2, Version
1.0.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Hardware Requirements:

Machine Requirements: The recommended minimum hardware configuration
for IBM Operating System/2 is:

o  IBM Personal Computer system unit with 1.5MB of memory when
   configured to run only IBM Operating System/2 applications, and
   2MB of memory when configured to run both IBM Operating System/2
   and DOS applications.

   -  IBM Personal System/2 (Models 50, 60 or 80)

   -  IBM Personal Computer AT (5170): Models 099, 239, 319, or 339

   -  IBM Personal Computer AT (5170): Model 068 with fixed disk to
      make the system unit equivalent to a Model 099.

   -  IBM Personal Computer XT (5162): Model 286

o  One diskette drive (high capacity)

o  One fixed disk drive

o  Keyboard

o  Display adapter and associated display

IBM Operating System/2 supports the following devices:

o  Diskette Drives

   -  IBM 3.5-inch high-capacity diskette drive (1.44MB)
   -  IBM 3.5-inch diskette drive (720KB)
   -  IBM 4865, Model 2.  IBM Personal Computer 3.5-inch External
      Diskette Drive (720KB)
   -  IBM 5.25-inch high-capacity diskette drive (1.2MB)
   -  IBM 5.25-inch diskette drive (360KB)
   -  Personal Computer 5.25-inch External Diskette Drive (360KB)

o  Fixed Disks

   -  IBM 20MB Fixed Disk Drive
   -  IBM 30MB Fixed Disk Drive
   -  IBM 44MB Fixed Disk Drive
   -  IBM 70MB Fixed Disk Drive
   -  IBM 115MB Fixed Disk Drive

      Note: The 44MB, 70MB and 115MB fixed disks are supported as
      multiple logical drives, each having a maximum size of 32MB.

o  One of the adapter and display combinations listed below:

   -  IBM Color/Graphics Monitor Adapter with IBM Color Display
      (5153).

   -  IBM Enhanced Graphics Adapter with one of the following
      displays:  IBM Enhanced Color Display (5154) or IBM Color
      Display (5153).

   -  IBM Personal System/2  Display Adapter for IBM Personal
      Computer AT or XT-286 with one of the following displays:  IBM
      Personal System/2 Color Display (8513), IBM Personal System/2
      Monochrome Display (8503), IBM Personal System/2  Color Display
      (8512), or IBM Personal System/2  Color Display (8514).

   -  IBM Personal System/2 system unit (Models 50, 60 or 80) with
      one of the following displays: IBM Personal System/2 Color
      Display (8513), IBM Personal System/2 Monochrome Display
      (8503), IBM Personal System/2  Color Display (8512), or IBM
      Personal System/2 Color Display (8514).

   -  IBM Personal System/2  Display Adapter 8514/A with one of the
      following displays:  IBM Personal System/2 Color Display
      (8513), IBM Personal System/2 Monochrome Display (8503), IBM
      Personal System/2 Color Display (8512), or IBM Personal
      System/2 Color Display (8514).

   IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, support for specific adapters
   is as follows:

   -  IBM Color/Graphics Monitor Adapter:  IBM Operating System/2
      only supports text mode (25 lines) in the IBM Operating
      System/2 environment and CGA compatibility modes in the DOS
      environment.

   -  IBM Enhanced Graphics Adapter:  IBM Operating System/2 only
      supports text mode (25 or 43 lines) in the IBM Operating
      System/2 environment, and CGA compatibility modes in the DOS
      environment.

   -  IBM Personal System/2 Display Adapter for IBM Personal Computer
      AT or XT-286:  IBM Operating System/2 only supports text mode
      (25 or 50 lines) in the IBM Operating System/2 environment, and
      CGA compatibility modes in the DOS environment.

   -  IBM Personal System/2 system unit (Models 50, 60 or 80):  Same
      support as for IBM Personal System/2 Display Adapter.

   -  IBM Personal System/2  Display Adapter 8514/A:  Same support as
      for IBM Personal System/2 Display Adapter.

   The IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.1, support for each adapter
   includes all Version 1.0 support for that adapter, plus All Points
   Addressable support in the IBM Operating System/2 environment.

o  Printers

   Note:  Parallel attached printers are supported in both the IBM
   Operating System/2 and DOS environments.  Serially (asynchronous)
   attached printers are supported in only the IBM Operating System/2
   environment.

   -  IBM 4201 Proprinter, Model 1

   -  IBM 4201 Proprinter II

   -  IBM 4202 Proprinter XL, Model 1

   -  IBM 4207 Proprinter X 24

   -  IBM 4208 Proprinter XL 24

   -  IBM 5152 Graphics Printer, Model 2

      Note:  The Graphics Printer is no longer marketed.

   -  IBM 5182 Color Printer, Model 1

      Note:  The Color Printer is no longer marketed.

   -  IBM 5201 Quietwriter(R), Models 1 & 2

   -  IBM 5202 Quietwriter III

   -  IBM 5216 Wheelprinter (parallel)

   -  IBM 5223 Wheelprinter E (parallel)

      Note:  IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, supports each of
      the above printers as an IBM Graphics Printer (5152, Model 2).
      IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.1, provides All Points
      Addressable support to the printers, where appropriate.

      (R)  Registered trademark of the International Business
      Machines Corporation.

o  Keyboard

o  Pointing Devices

   -  IBM Personal System/2 Mouse attached to the system pointing
      device port

   -  Serial pointing device

      -- Microsoft(1) Mouse for IBM Personal Computers, Part Number
         039-099, 100ppi

      -- Microsoft Mouse for IBM Personal Computers, Part Number
         039-199, 200ppi

      -- PC Mouse(2), Part Number 900120-214, 100 ppi

      -- Visi On(3) Mouse, Part Number 69910-1011, 100 ppi

         Note:  Serially (asynchronous) pointing devices are
         supported in only the Operating System/2 environment.

   -  Parallel pointing device for IBM Personal Computer AT and
      XT-286

      -- Microsoft Mouse for IBM Personal Computers, Part Number
         037-099, 100ppi Part Number 037-199, 200ppi

   -  InPort Microsoft Mouse for IBM Personal Computers AT and
      XT-286, Part Number 037-299, 200ppi

(1)  Registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

(2)  Trademark of Metagraphics/Mouse Systems.

(3)  Trademark of Visi-On Corporation.

o  Plotters

   Note:  Plotters are asynchronously attached, and can be supported
   only in the IBM Operating System/2 environment.  The IBM Operating
   System/2, Version 1.1 provides plotter support.  Plotter support
   for IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, must be provided by the
   application.  For example, the IBM Operating System/2 Graphics
   Development Toolkit supports the IBM 6180, IBM 7371, and IBM 7372
   plotters.

   -  IBM 6180 Plotter
   -  IBM 6184 Plotter
   -  IBM 6186 Plotter
   -  IBM 7371 Plotter
   -  IBM 7372 Plotter
   -  IBM 7374 Plotter
   -  IBM 7375 Plotter

   Note:  The IBM 7371, 7374 and 7375 Plotters are no longer
   marketed.

o  Other

   -  IBM Personal Computer AT Serial/Parallel Adapter Card
   -  IBM Personal System/2 Dual Asynchronous Adapter/A
   -  IBM Personal System/2 Multiprotocol Adapter/A  in asynchronous
      mode

   Note:  A maximum of three serial ports is supported on the IBM
   Personal System/2 (Models 50, 60, or 80) system unit.  One port is
   already on the system board.

   -  Math Co-processor (Intel 80287)
   -  Math Co-processor (Intel 80387)

   Note:  The availability date for support of the 80387 math
   co-processor on 80386 systems (supported as an 80287) will be
   announced in fourth quarter 1987.

   For additional memory for the IBM Personal Computer AT or XT-286,
   the end user can order one or two of the following combinations:

   -  Memory Expansion Adapter with 512K Memory installed (55X3560)

   -  Memory Expansion Adapter with 1MB Memory installed (55X3679)

   -  Memory Module Kit - 512K (55X3547)

   -  Memory Module Kit - 1MB (55X3681)

   For additional memory for the IBM Personal System/2 (Models 50 or
   60), the end user can order:

   -  512KB to 2MB Memory Expansion

   -  2MB Memory Expansion

   Note:  The IBM Operating System/2 supports these features as
   extended memory.

   For additional memory for the IBM Personal System/2 (Model 80),
   the end user can order:

   -  1MB System Board Memory Expansion

   -  2MB to 6MB Memory Expansion

Supported Hardware for Family Applications:  The application
developer can write a Family application which is portable from IBM
Operating System/2 to DOS.  A Family application is an executable
module that can run in all three environments:  an IBM Operating
System/2 environment that runs IBM Operating System/2 applications,
an IBM Operating System/2 environment that runs a DOS application, or
the IBM DOS Version 3.30 environment.  A Family application has the
same or similar capabilities as an IBM DOS Version 3.30 application;
a Family application cannot use the new IBM Operating System/2
capabilities, such as larger memory addressability, multi-tasking
application program interface, or the graphics and windowing
capabilities of the Presentation Interface.  Assuming there is
sufficient memory, display, and other appropriate hardware, a Family
application can run on all the systems units supported by the IBM
Operating System/2 and IBM Personal Computer Disk Operating System
Version 3.30.

Software Requirements:

Programming Requirements:  An application developer should purchase
the IBM Operating System/2 Programmer Toolkit and IBM Operating
System/2 Technical Reference.  The Toolkit is required to create an
IBM Operating System/2 application using many Presentation Manager
functions.  It is also required to create Family applications.

Compatibility:  Both IBM Operating System/2 and IBM DOS Version 3.30
can be run on the same machine, but not concurrently.  The same data
files can be accessed by programs or commands running under either
operating system.

Prerequisites:  The recommended minimum system unit memory size is
1.5MB when configured to run only IBM Operating System/2
applications, and 2MB when configured to run both IBM Operating
System/2 and DOS Version 3.30 applications.

The appropriate Personal Computer AT and PC XT Models must have
either 512KB or 640KB in the lower address space, and 1MB above the
one megabyte address space boundary.

End User Responsibilities:  The end user should:

o  Confirm that the Diskette Drive "A" is the same size (3.5-inch or
   5.25-inch) and capacity (1.2MB or 1.44MB) as the IBM Operating
   System/2 diskettes.

o  Ensure that fixed disk "C" has enough free space.  Space
   requirements are given in the next section.

o  Create a backup copy of the IBM Operating System/2 distribution
   diskettes.

o  Install IBM Operating System/2 on fixed disk using the automated
   installation procedure.

Installability:  The IBM Operating System/2 diskettes contain
procedures for installing the IBM Operating System/2, and the
Installation Aid for installing system extensions.  The operating
system installation uses diskette drive "A" and fixed disk "C".  The
IBM Operating System/2 installation and the IBM Operating System/2
Installation Aid are described in the attachment.  The IBM Operating
System/2 user guide contains instructions for system installation and
using the Aid.

IBM Operating System/2, Version 1.0, distribution diskettes contain
approximately 5 megabytes of information.  Additional disk space is
needed for system files, such as swap and history files.  The amount
of required disk space is dependent on the number of installed
applications and the amount of physical memory (which affects swap
file space).  The end user must ensure that fixed disk "C" has
sufficient space.

End user management is responsible for evaluation, selection, and
implementation of security features, administrative procedures, and
appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.

Warranty Period:  All media is warranted for three months.

The following items have enhanced services and some are warranted as
shown below:

Part                     3 Month     Program     Extended    Last
Number   Description     Warranty(1) Services(2) Support(3)  Date(4)

6280196  Oper. S/2       Yes         Yes         No
          Stand. Ed.
          Version 1.0
          3.5-inch Media

6280198  Oper. S/2       Yes         Yes         No
          Stand. Ed.
          Version 1.0
          5.25-inch Media

6280194  Oper. S/2       Yes         Yes         No
          Stand. Ed.
          Version 1.1
          3.5-inch Media

6280195  Oper. S/2       Yes         Yes         No
          Stand. Ed.
          Version 1.1
          5.25-inch Media

(1) 3 Month Warranty:  Available for three months following the date
    of delivery to the end user by the Dealer, but not later than the
    date shown under "Last Date."

(2) Program Services:  Defect-related service, including the IBM
    Support Center, will be available until 12 months after general
    availability, but not later than the date shown under "Last
    Date."  IBM does not guarantee service results or represent or
    warrant that all errors or program defects will be corrected.
    Instructions for reporting problems are included in the product
    publications.

    The Dealer will act as the interface between its end users and
    IBM.

    IBM will respond to a reported defect in the unaltered portion of
    the program by issuing defect correction information, such as
    corrected code.  One copy of a correction will be provided to the
    Dealer reporting the defect.  Dealers are responsible for making
    and distributing copies of the correction to their end users.

(3) Extended Support:  IBM Extended Support is available from IBM at
    a charge.  Licensed end users must subscribe to IBM Extended
    Support through a 12-month subscription.  For additional
    information, call the IBM Program Support Center, toll-free, at 1
    800 426-2266.

(4) This information will be provided when each product is available
    for shipment.

Transitional Offering Ordering Information:  The following two items
will be available to licensees of IBM DOS Version 3.X (Versions 3.0,
3.1, 3.2, and 3.30).  Payment will be $200.00 for each copy plus
applicable state and local sales taxes.  Details on the transitional
offering, and Dealer participation, will be published at general
availability of IBM Operating System/2 Version 1.0.

CHARGES



                                  Single
                                  Unit
Part                              License
Number    Description             Charge*

6280196   Operating System/2      $325
            Standard Edition
            Version 1.0

6280198   Operating System/2       325
            Standard Edition
            Version 1.0

6280194   Operating System/2       325
            Standard Edition
            Version 1.1

6280195   Operating System/2       325
            Standard Edition
            Version 1.1

* Single Unit License Charge
This reflects the license charges for a single unit acquired from IBM
and is subject to change without notice.  These charges are for
information purposes only and shall not limit in any way the Dealers'
ability to set their own charges for IBM products.