The OS/2 Page

This site will be under construction for some time (the foundations were poured on 26 July 1997).Feel free to offer constructive criticism and suggestions as to how this site should evolve and improve. I would also appreciate info on Australian OS/2 User Groups (meeting dates, times and places) that I can include on the page.

This Week's Best Quote: Windows 95 Defined

Windows 95: (win-doze) n. a 32-bit extension and a graphical shell for a 16-bit patch to an 8-bit operating system originally coded for a 4-bit microprocessor, written by a 2-bit company, that can't stand 1 bit of competition. [ME, f. ON vindauga].

This small corner of the world is designed to help the average Australian OS/2 user. Perhaps you're looking for a particular utility for your machine, perhaps you're after some info on User Groups in your area, or maybe you just want a little humour.

I consider myself to be an average OS/2 user. I know a little about this and that, but there are very many people in Oz and elsewhere who know a lot more about OS/2 than me. If I can't help you, try the appropriate link to help you find more detailed info, or drop me a note and I'll try to point you to some place where they may be able to help.

Have you ever wondered how MicroSoft Telephone Support Technicians manage to have all those intelligent suggestions available at their fingertips? Look no further. This image has just been stolen from the MicroSoft "Employee of the Month" Hall of Fame.

IBM Web Servers

IBM has continued to release updates of their Internet Connection Secure Servers (ICSS) -- the current version is 4.2.1.5. These should be seriously considered by anyone wanting to run a web server (from the largest companies to small intranets to home users wanting to run their own website from home). One of the best reasons I can think of is that, unless you want to permanently run the SSL encryption functions, they're free! That's right--they cost absolutely zilch. You can download the latest version from IBM and for the 60 day evaluation period, you can use the Secure Socket Layer (SSL). After that, the SSL is disabled and you have a fully functional, normal web server. There are versions for various OS's available, but I can vouch for the stability, reliability, ease of use etc for the OS/2 version. Want another good reason? In a recent head-to-head competition conducted by InfoWorld(see here for the report), the ICSS beat all competitors on all different platforms. The competitors were asked to select their own choice of hardware and software for the servers.

IBM's ICSS lacks nothing in features. It is capable of Server Side Includes (SSI), and, of course, runs CGI, Perl scripts and Java. It has excellent protection to limit particular users access to specific drives, directories and even files. Only want to allow certain IP masks to access your server or certain areas? -- no problem. It can also be run as a proxy or caching server.

IBM also host and provide input into a forum for novice and advanced users who are having any difficulties. Chances are, the answers to your questions have already been provided. To get your free copy of ICSS 4.2.1.5 or more information, visit the IBM ICSS pages. Unfortunately, there is just one minor hitch. As the download file size for most versions is approx 7.5 MB, make sure you have an hour or so to spare.

Are You a Techno-Junkie?

You know you are if:

You get uptight when you see people running their monitor at a 60hz refresh rate
You eavesdrop on computer salespersons talking with customers and butt in to correct him; and then spend the next 20 minutes answering customer questions while the salesperson stands by silently, nodding his head
You actually put a :) or <> in snail mail
Dots per inch is more important than miles per gallon
You can't sit through a movie without having at least one device on your body beep or buzz
When you go to stores or go for travel, you try to see what software they are running on their PC's or terminals
You get upset if your friends aren't using the same operating system as you
You have a set of itty-bitty screw-drivers that you actually use
You no longer ask people for their "phone number", you now ask for their "voice" number
You're more interested in the number of gadgets your car has on the interior rather than the horsepower of the engine

For more lists, see the Stardock pages.

Team Warped

You've probably already heard about the RC5 Effort to crack a 56-bit encryption code. Until a week or so ago, Team Warped and the Linux Team were going head-to-head for leadership in the e-mail team contest. Since then, Linux has slipped in the rankings (they're probably just regrouping). Just when OS/2 was about to consolidate its lead, out of the blue came the Evangelist Apple Team. They are now consistently working on about twice as many key blocks as OS/2. Show your colours and support the Team Warped effort. It costs you nothing. The cracking client only uses spare CPU cycles and it doesn't interfere with or slow down other apps. If an app wants processor time, the cracking client takes a back seat. For more information, visit the Bovine Team Warped page.

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August 8, 1997

The views on this page (probably) do not reflect those of the service provider. To send flames, please use the email link provided.