The OS Doesn't Matter?

2010-11-21 01:12:51 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecoshop.biz]

Jean-Louis Gassée published an interesting article some weeks ago: The OS Doesn't Matter?

We should follor some of his recommendations when working on new version of eComStation.

// We prepared russian translation of this article

Why do you use eComStation - OS/2?

2010-11-12 17:27:10 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

There was a survey in the end of 2006 года (announcement) about: "Why do you use eComStation - OS/2?"

Voting page.

Now we publish the comments of users: Why do you use eComStation - OS/2? -- comments (russian page but many english/german comments)

Review: eComStation 2 - installation

2010-11-08 13:38:55 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

vezhlys installed the operating system inside Oracle VirtualBox virtual machine: eComStation 2 - installation (source: http://tortoiseit.blogspot.com)

One more user goes publish the review of eComStation in the next few weeks. It's important to demonstrate the usage of the system and must-have applications.

Other reviews of eComStation 2.0:

• 2010/08 -- Howto: Install eCS 2 on modern Laptop keeping Preinstalled Windows 7
• 2010/09 -- (RUS) eComStation 2.0: Extending user interface
• 2010/10 -- (RUS) Installation and setup of eComStation 2.0

Bonuses for eComStation/Rus users

2010-10-12 13:47:52 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

eCo Software offers bonuses to the users of russian eComStation.

Moreover, we are trying stimulate the users which support eCo Market project, APeCS online catalogue.

For example, it's very difficult to collect screenshots and icons of eComStation / IBM OS/2 Warp applications. Today eComStation sites contain "dry" textual information only. To attract more users we should make eCS sites more vivid.

eComStation roadmap (September, 2010)

2010-10-04 13:08:14 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [Roderick Klein, Mensys BV]

// Update on eComStation from Mensys (including Flash10)

1) An update on Flash 10! Please also note the previous build was a technology preview. It would have been a whole lot easier if Flash 10 would be around in source code but its not :-) A large hold up for bringing out a new version was because after Warpstock Stralsund 2009 we had some mayor issue's with SMP support. The upcoming release (which can finaly been done this coming week!) will also allow you to make bug reports on. Its not going to be a technology preview the new Flash 10 release. It might still have defects but should work better! When its released please read the documents. You need to update your Uniaud audio driver. It will work of course with the proper version of eCS :-) eCS 2.0 and 1.2/1.2R.

We are working everywhere to get more developers working on projects to accelrate eCS developmen further. Some highlights:

2) A few weeks ago Steve Levine released danis506.add driver with new chipset support that was already in SVN. (Driver version 1.8.7)

3) Support for AHCI disc controllers is being worked on. AHCI is the follow up for SATA drive controller standard. Mensys does not yet have a driver in its hands. But the developers have reported the first builds of the driver (based on Linux code) run in a virtual machine. A time frame for release is not yet known.

4) Mensys has sponsored Richard Walsh to fix the printing issue's in the current Mozilla line of products (firefox, thunderbird etc).. This project is not yet finished but the first release of Firefox 4.0 has been released.

5) If you take a look at svn.ecomstation.nl we have projects on the way to support more network card drivers. First ethernet is in the pipeline and then Wifi. We are doing this by porting Linux source to OS/2. As a basis the driver from Nick is used that supports modern Nvidia network chipsets. On this driver the Intel e1000e.os2 driver has been based. Currently work is on its way to merge the 2 drivers. What is being done is that both drivers all common code is merged to make porting of other Linux NIC drivers easier. On top of that media sensing is being added. From driver level its then possible to send a signal to eComStation that the network cable is plugged back into the ethernet socket. We can then do a refresh of an IP address. Also we are working on supporting the wifi tool XWLAN that currently works with Genmac Wifi drivers. A generic interface is being build that Linux Wifi drivers ported can be used with XWLAN so the user interface ia always the same. With this common skeleton in C it will be much easier to support more network cards on OS/2 ported from Linux. The merge of the Nvidia and Intel driver has been done all code is GPL. Some access features to SVN still need to be sorted out. Next to that a new Realtek NIC driver for Gigabit ethernet will be created and possibly Broadcom. Cooperate customers need wired ethernet support primarly so that is where our focus is on. But we are also looking at porting a Linux kernel module that supports the current Intel Wifi chipsets. The company doing the development is analysing the source code for this but a time frame is not yet known.

6) New packages of ACPI will be released in about month time with new scripts to make install a lot easier. It will also contain scripts to collect standard logs and run standard tests on your system. New features for ACPI like proper throttle and suspend/resume support are being work done.

7) As you might have seen UNIAUD also received mayor updates. It has become a lot more stable and much less audio distortion is now happening. Please when downloading new builds from http://svn.netlabs.org/uniaud, don't backlevel either UNIAUD32 or UNIAU16.sys. Some changes have een made that where needed. Like buffer _underrun_ recovery. This can help with applications like Emperoar TV from the German company S&T.

8) As previously annouched. Java 6 support (command line support) has been put on netlabs.org as a download.

9) Open Office 3.2 will be released hopefully this week. It needs being packed and should then be ready to be send out to you guys as a download.

10) More work is happening on a new USB stack. But a release is not yet close.

Regards, Roderick Klein, Mensys BV

Status of eComStation 2.0 NLV versions

2010-09-18 14:08:01 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/eComStation/message/84782]

Alex Taylor reports:

German is targeted to be the first NLV release. I believe it's pretty close to being ready, at least code-wise.

It's planned to be released in conjunction with a minor refresh of the EN CD#1 which should fix a handful of installer issues. I can't tell you exactly when that will be ready -- hopefully soon -- because we're still doing some work to try and solve a problem involved with installing alongside Windows 7. (We know more or less what the solution is, but slotting it into the existing install framework without disruption takes a fair amount of leg-work.)

I expect Dutch will probably follow fairly soon after German, since it's mostly up to spec as well, and AFAIK the translation is substantially complete.

Italian is being worked on with some regularity, but I don't exactly know how far along it is.

Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Swedish and Russian are all at various stages of work. Most of them are up to spec technically (or could be made that way without too much more effort); they just require translation. (We could always use more people who are willing and able to translate, by the way -- the shortage of translators is mostly what's keeping these particular languages behind.)

Spanish, French, and Korean are largely stalled at this point, although if we had volunteers to pick them up we could probably do something with at least the first two. (Korean is up against some technical hurdles that have us largely stumped at the moment, unfortunately.)

Opinion exchange: eCS as server for "small gadgets"

2010-09-03 19:26:03 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

The 'founding fathers' (Andy Porro, Ed Durrant, ..) said: "it's necessary be friends with small gadgets" (with mobile devices), this will help to eComStation to survive and extend market.

Let's discuss: how to use eComStation as server for communicators, tablets, players and mobile phones?

• use eCS as file server?
• server for backups?
• more ideas?

(we are going accumulate all ideas at new web-page)

Roadmap of eComstation ahead (August 2010)

2010-08-30 17:25:40 -- Roderick Klein, Mensys BV [http://www.os2world.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,63/topic,2546.msg16732/topicseen,1/#new]

I'm posting this message because a discussion was running on OS2WORLD about a roadmap for eCS 2.0 and beyond. Please find my presentation from Warpstock 2009 in Stralsund and 2010 in Trier about eComStation 2.0 www.warpevents.eu for more details.

Mozilla: Mensys has provided funding so that Mozilla products like Firefox/Thunderbird will have printing support again (not created a PDF on the desktop). Expect a public release in the coming 2 to 3 weeks. These fixes will go of course into the public source tree so future builds will have printing support as well.

USB Stack: Work is still slowly on its way to improve the USB stack. But its a big job. At least another 2 to 3 months before a public release of a new driver package is to be expected. It will contain vastly improved USB host controller drivers for USB 1.1/2.0. USBD.SYS will have bug fixes and new versions of USBKBD.SYS and USBMOUSE.SYS have been made. It only makes sense to release this is a single package. Its after this that we will look at USB MSD support, that requires a whole lot more work. Currently USB 3.0 is not yet worked on since we need more stable base USB support. Currenly all USB 3.0 devices should be backwards compatible with USB 2.0.

Panorama VESA: Work to enhance Panorama graphics driver is still being worked on. Research in a generic wide screen enabler and a tool to always set MTRR registers on modern machines properly so you always have the proper performance. SNAP in that respect is not receiving updates for a different reasons. Part of these reasons is because we don't have the financial and human resources to support all graphics chipsets and the revisions.

Network card support: We just release the Intel NIC driver e1000e.OS2 that should support al current Intel gigabit chipset. We are looking at expanding this beyond to Realtek gigabit and Broadcom Gigabit. A new version of the Nvidia gigabit driver is on its way as well with bug fixes. No wireless support is currently planned as our cooperated customers have a need for wired support. Wireless support is planned to be worked on later this year.

Danis506: A new build of the Daniela IDE driver is being tested by a group of people. We hope to release that to hobbes within the next week or so. AHCI driver is right now under development. Time frame is hard to give when this driver is released. At Mensys we hope to receive a binary version of the driver within the next 2 weeks or so. But this binary build is for internal testing only.

Flash 10 plugin: Flash 10 required some extensive debugging but we hope todo a release within the next month. Some of the hangs on SMP where caused by a bug in ODIN.

Uniaud: Uniaud is still receiving updates and we have pretty good current audio support.

OpenOffice.org: In about 2 weeks time we will release OpenOffice 3.2 to the public (people who have an active software subscription can then download it).

More: More stuff on the way but as you can see plenty of stuff being worked. And some things have an uncertain time frame when its released. This to make certain the drivers/software simply have a decent level of functionality (that is not crashing).

So far 2010 is the best year in terms of sales to companies using eComStation. This has enabled us to even hire more people to get work done.

Installing eComStation 2.0 on computer with Windows 7

2010-08-04 15:34:09 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

Sigurd Fastenrath published an alternative method of eComStation 2.0 installation on the computer with Windows 7.

Howto: Install eCS 2 on modern Laptop keeping Preinstalled Windows 7 (english, german text)

BETAZONE updates

2010-08-01 14:54:52 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

1) UNIAUD - significant changes in Uniaud happened during spring/summer, many problems of HDAudio were fixed. You can download new version of driver from uniaud homepage

2) Unicode fix for SMP - use the fix if you have crashes of ProNews, Seamonkey or PM123.

3) Inform the developers of programs/drivers about bugs (via bug-trackers)

Coming soon:

• Waiting for danis506 updates
• NIC driver for Realtek is planned
• Waiting for updates of Panorama VESA
• Waiting for update of Flash player 10 for SMP computers

History of eComStation is updated

2010-07-31 13:31:32 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

History of eComStation / IBM / OS/2 Warp (russian texts)

New records added:

• information about www.os2world.com petitions
• more reviews of different versions of the OS
• more screenshots

What is the next step?

• Let's collect information about Esther Schindler
• Market share of OS/2 in 90-th?

It's necessary translate the text to english somehow.. Main question: how to syncronize the text in the future?

Frequently asked questions and answers about eComStation (+12)

2010-07-25 16:52:07 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

eCSFAQ - Frequently asked question about eComStation and IBM OS/2 Warp

The users continue to install new version of eComStation.. and what do we see? a) the users can't remember the tricks and tips how to setup IBM OS/2 Warp, b) + users are lacking of knowledge about new features of eComStation.

More questions and answers:

• SYS: Q-76: What are the improvements in eCS 2.0 to support modern hardware?
• SYS: Q-75: Questions about UDF driver
• SYS: Q-74: What to do if desktop doesn't respond, the program doesn't react
• SYS: Q: DOS program reports: "not enough disk space"
• NET: Q-54: Resolving troubles with TCP/IP
• NET: Q-53: Is it necessary disable IBM Peers if using Samba client? or disable Samba client to use IBM Peers?
• + USB: Imported records "USB, Common", including the topic "Q7: How to improve USB 2.0 read performance?" (thx Robert Lalla)
• USB: Q-11: How to enable support of two USB CD-ROMs?
• UTIL: Q-15: How to see Extended attributes (EA) of the file?
• SYS-UI: Q-01: How to adjust fonts in Mozilla/Firefox/Seamonkey
• CD1: Q-25: Boot fails, SYS01720, SYS02027
• HW: Q-24: (Hardware) Features and restrictions of eComStation?
• DRV: Q-01: Question about Genmac Wrapper

BETAZONE - Updates for eComStation users

2010-07-15 19:23:48 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

We are collecting bug-reports + download updates from BETAZONE.

Searching for victims:

• Does your PC hang on SCREEN01.SYS driver (with ACPI.PSD activated)?
• Do cdrtools work with your USB CD-ROM? or self-made USB CD-ROM (IDE CD-ROM + External HDD Enclosure / USB)
• Did you tested USB 3G/4G modems with eComStation? Please post a report to Hardware Database (mobile phones, modems)

Updated drivers, utilities and system components in BETAZONE: (what is betazone?)

1. FOC - replacement of system File Open Dialog

Version 2010/07

The development of new FileOpenDialog continues. New dialog increases comfort, it's easy to browse the directories and select files.

2. Widescreen activator

New version of widescreen-activator: 0.87, download

If you have troubles with Widescreen modes (flashing or squeezed desktop) then try new version of ATI ATOM widescreen activator.

• ATI ATOM -> 60 Hz
• additional modes for Intel adapters
• Robert Lalla have updated widescreen activator several times: there is support of new processors, new features were implemented.

3. JFS.IFS

eComStation 2.0 GA includes debugged version of JFS.IFS (more about JFS), request Mensys publish updated JFS driver in BETAZONE.

4. USB Dock

USB Dock - the database of devices is updated.

5. Panorama VESA (eCS 2.0 GA)

eComStation 2.0 GA includes debugged version of Panorama VESA, the driver was repacked, you can install Panorama Full over SNAP, VGA.

6: ACPI driver

The only way to understand the status of the driver - share information does it work on your notebook/desktop or not, which version works and which doesn't, send the report

Beta-versions of ACPI are available via Mensys -> Log in -> Downloads -> ACPI directory Current version: ACPI 3.18

7. Lucide document viewer

This popular viewer is available on Netlabs FTP-server

8. Intel PRO/1000 PCIe MAC Driver (e1000e)

supported adapters, internal testing goes well, the driver works on desktop computers and modern notebooks (Thinkpad T400, Thinkpad T510, etc). Wait for public version.

Status of eComStation 2.0

2010-07-05 00:39:03 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

The sites related to eCS 2.0 should be refreshed, betazone should be improved for eCS 2.0 users - this tasks require more time.

1) Bug-reports

If you have troubles with eCS installation then create the bug-reports. Every user has different model of PC, different configuration.

• ENG: ecomstation.com -> Log in -> Access bug-tracker -> ..
• Support page -> Bug-trackers

Known issues of eCS 2.0 which you can overcome/fix without extra efforts.

2) eComStation NLV

Are you interested to create NLV versions of eComStation?

• Step 1: translate LANGE based applications and utilities (http://ecomstation.ru/lange -> Applications)
• ..

3) Frequently asked questions and answers

eCo Software accumulated large database of Frequently Asked Questions and Answers about eComStation: List of questions (We are going add additional 500 records during the summer)

How to get access to on-line version of the database?

• you get access if you purchased eCSFAQ brochure in the past
• if you purchased a shareware program from eCo Software
• if you purchase eCSFAQ sponsor unit

Request the password via web-form (remind us what do you have? brochure | shareware program)

Replacement of system File Open Dialog

2010-07-04 21:06:14 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

One more update for eComStation users - replacement of system File Open Dialog (File Open Container)

New FOC it's a part of our (Mensys and eCo Software) efforts to modernize the User Interface of eCS. More changes are coming.

The users are impressed:

• "It's easy to find the file now"
• "It's comfortable to save documents"
• "I can upload the photos to internet site without headache now!"

What to test:

• Compatibility with existing applications
• Access to network drives

Send bug-reports to:

• via web-form
• Version of OS; which application called the FOC; data about disk; data about files and directories.

This update is available by subscription of eComStation today, you can download the package from BETAZONE (if you can't find the file then wait till the end of week, the problem will be fixes asap).

P.S. For developers: No need to implement own File Open Dialog, new FOC has all features needed, including preview. Contact us if you are going implement a plugin to preview special format of file.

Advice for eComStation 2.0 GA users

2010-06-17 02:18:59 -- Eugene Gorbunoff [ecomstation.ru]

eCo Software recommends:

A) Read eCS 2.0 GA Known issues before installation of eCS 2.0: eComStation Known Issues (official issues are described in the Installation Guide)

B) Does ACPI work on your eComStation PC? Did you tried different versions of ACPI sub-system (driver)? Please send ACPI reports (not bug-reports) to ACPI DB - this assistant is created for users and is aimed to monitor progress of the driver development. ACPI DB homepage

C) Which applications do you extract after eCS 2.0 install? We recommend: eComStation Essentials, read the suggestions from users - Queue page.

btw, How to switch eComStation to your language? (spanish / french / ..) -- eComStation Babylon