# EDITORIAL PAGE

FALSE START FOR FIXPAK 9

In early November I learned that IBM had released FixPak 9. Dutifully, I downloaded and implemented the FixPak without a problem on three different machines. I had no sooner finished the installation when I received an e-mail from Larry Lavins, the OS/2 SIG Leader of the Philadelphia Area Computer Society warning that IBM had suddenly removed FixPak 9 without a public explanation. I went back to the FTP site where I downloaded the FixPak and found, indeed, IBM pulled it from public access.

I've heard that early user feedback of the FixPak indicated everything seemed to be running fine. Personally, I've experienced no problems whatsoever. However, one user heard that it hangs if you use certain packages, such as: BackAgain/2, UniMaint, or some of the Stardock products. It was subsequently reported that the major culprit was a new PMWP.DLL file included in FixPak-9.

IBM restored FixPak 9 on November 11th; the U.S. version is available at: ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m009/

There is a new file, PMWP.ZIP, which includes the PMWP.DLL file from FixPak 8. IBM recommends that if you have already installed the first release of FixPak 9 and experiencing problems with the WPS, you can manually replace the PMWP.DLL from FixPak 9 with the one from FixPak 8. This may resolve the problem.

This false start of FixPak 9 may cause users to become reluctant about installing it and wait for FixPak 10 instead. We must remember that FixPak 9 represents the fifth such enhancement introduced by IBM this year. Perhaps they've tried to put too much out this year. I believe users would rather see quarterly updates as opposed to a more frequent timetable causing installation/distribution headaches.

LEAKED IBM DOCUMENT

Sm@rt Reseller reports that an IBM document, dated July 30th, has been leaked outlining the company's plans to combat Microsoft over the desktop. Basically, the document stated IBM is going to use Java to fight Microsoft and its allies. This is something we, as OS/2 users, have known all along (see the October editorial). However, this document represents the first hard evidence from the vendor that IBM does indeed plan on backing away from OS/2. For example, it is IBM's plan to ensure that at least 50% of PCs in 2003 run 100% pure Java applications. To accomplish this, IBM is shifting its financial resources to Java and away from OS/2 (look for OS/2 R&D to drop radically).

As we said last October, IBM has no alternative in the matter; Java is the battleground they have to win, otherwise we'll all have to dance to Bill's tune. Why this is a surprise to the rest of the world is beyond me.

Bottom-line: Yes, FixPak 9 is off to a shaky start, but we as OS/2 users should be thankful for any updates we'll get from IBM. God knows how long it will continue.

WARPSTOCK WRAP-UP

The second Warpstock Conference in Chicago was held October 17th-18th. Although I couldn't attend, I heard that it was even better than last year's conference in California. I heard that it was well attended, highly professional, and exhibitors were pleased with the results. The only thing I haven't heard about Warpstock was IBM's participation at the conference (or lack of) as either a presenter or exhibitor. Regardless, organizers are to be congratulated on a job well done. I only hope that Warpstock Europe can get re-started.

Best wishes for the holidays!

- Tim Bryce
Editor, OS/2 CONNECT

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