# IBM RELATED NEWS & PRESS RELEASES

IBM JAVA PERFORMANCE: BEATS ALL IN NEW BENCHMARK

IBM's Java(TM) technology continues to break all performance records, and the latest Java 1.1.8 release from IBM is no exception.

In the new SciMark 2.0 benchmark, IBM's Java 1.1.8 (for OS/2 Warp) ranks right at the top. (Benchmark results are available at http://math.nist.gov/scimark2/index.html. At this web site you can test your own system's Java performance right from your web browser.) SciMark measures scientific and numerical computing performance.

Moreover, PCs with older processors still beat rival Java implementations on faster processors. In other words, IBM is helping to extend the life of older PCs by providing the highest performance Java technologies.

IBM customers can enjoy these Java performance benefits both inside and outside their web browsers. (Netscape Communicator for OS/2 Warp relies on IBM's Java runtime.)

To download the latest and greatest version of IBM's Java, or for more information on IBM's Java technologies, please visit http://www.ibm.com/java. To download the newest Netscape Communicator for OS/2 Warp (either Version 4.61 "Beta 2" or Version 4.04) please visit http://www.software.ibm.com/os/warp/netscape.

** Java is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems. OS/2 is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.

- Timothy Sipples
IBM Network Computing Software
Chicago, Illinois
August 13, 1999

NEW WARP SERVER FOR e-BUSINESS BOOK

The IBM International Technical Support Organization (ITSO) has just published the redbook many of you have been anxious to get: "OS/2 Warp Server for e-business" (SG24-5393-00).

More information on this comprehensive technical manual can be found on the Internet at http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/abstracts/sg245393.html. (You can even view the entire book online!)

OS/2 Warp Server for e-business, SG24-5393-00

Abstract

This redbook describes some of the core functions of the IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business product based on the experience of IT Specialists who participated in the ITSO, Austin Center project.

The purpose of this redbook is to provide information and guidance on new features that have been introduced into OS/2 Warp Server for e-business.

The book is organized as follows:
Chapter 1. Introduction and overview
Chapter 2. Base operating system enhancements
Chapter 3. adapters and protocol services
Chapter 4. Journaled file system and logical volume manager
Chapter 5. File and print services
Chapter 6. Integrating Windows NT Servers
Chapter 7. TCP/IP Version 4.21 new functions
Chapter 8. Lotus Domino Go Web Server and WebSphere
Chapter 9. IBM remote access services

Note that the redbook does not describe the systems management, backup and restore, software distribution and advanced print services components that are part of IBM OS/2 Warp Server for e-business. A second redbook is planned to cover those components.

Also note that this redbook is not intended to provide basic information, but instead, it builds on knowledge of IBM OS/2 LAN Server or OS/2 Warp Server, and an understanding of TCP/IP is assumed.

- Timothy Sipples
IBM Network Computing Software
Chicago, Illinois
August 9, 1999

NETSCAPE COMMUNICATOR 4.61

The soon-to-be available Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp is ready to download for your preview!

Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp provides the latest web browser support to the OS/2 operating system, and supports the deployment of new Java and Web technologies. This version of Netscape Communicator includes the core components from Netscape Communicator Standard Edition 4.6 for Windows, as well as some OS/2-specific features. Here are some of the features contained in this product:

- Navigator (browser), Messenger (e-mail/news), and Composer (HTML editor)
- Some OS/2 specific features:
  - Support for OS/2 Warp Developer Kit, Java** Edition, Version 1.1.7 (Version 1.1.8 coming soon)
  - Printer performance enhancements
  - Java security enhancements
- English only for the Preview (more languages coming soon)
- SmartUpdate
- HTML 3.2+
- Support for OS/2 Multimedia Plug-ins and selected 16 bit Windows Plug-ins
- Navigator enhancements
  - Smart Browsing: Internet Keywords, What's Related, Netwatch JavaScript Enhancements (JavaScript 1.3)

For more information about Netscape Communicator 4.61 for OS/2 Warp, and to register and download the preview, please visit http://www.ibm.com/software/os/warp/netscape/

- Timothy Sipples
IBM Network Computing Software
Chicago, Illinois
via OS/2 WARP FM
July 15, 1999

FIXPAK 11 RELEASED
Version 1.1.8 - Preview

FixPak-11 (XR_M011) for OS/2 Warp 4 was posted June 30th for download on IBM's Boulder ftp site at: ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixes/v4warp/english-us/xr_m011/

Subsequently, IBM withdrew all disk image files dated June 30th, and reposted them all on July 1st. Apparently, there were some missing pieces in some of the disk images. Anyone who downloaded the June 30th files is strongly advised to dump them and download the July 1st releases.

Dick Kurtz, OS/2 Fix Distribution in Austin TX, advises how to tell which release you have if you didn't note the posting date:

- If the readme.1st says 2nd release, it's readme2.
- If the fixpak has CHKDSK.COM and CHKDSK.SYS, it's release 2.
- If the fixpak does not have PNP.DLL, it's release 2.

Similarly, user feedback reports indicated that the initial RSU was buggy. But this was apparently also fixed within the next day or two.

NOTE: Beginning with this Warp 4 FixPak-11 and Warp 3 Fixpak-41, most OS/2 device drivers will be moved to separate Device Driver FixPak. The first such Device Driver FixPak will be XR_D001, scheduled for release at a later date.

There are 16 disk image files: xr_m011.1dk to xr_m011.gdk. The first disk includes 4 readme files, which are also posted for separate download.

Corrective Service Facility F.141, (now known as a FixTool) is required for installation of FixPak-11. Filename is cs_141.exe, 714819 bytes. Do not attempt to install with an earlier version. You can download cs_141.exe from:

ftp://service.boulder.ibm.com/ps/products/os2/fixtool/english-us/

I strongly recommend FastKick or QuickFix for installation. They allow direct installation from your hard drive and eliminate the need for the tedious, time-consuming task of making diskettes from disk images and installing from the floppies.

If the latest version of FastKick (updated for CSF F.141) is used, then it's not necessary to also use cs_140.exe.

The updated FastKick file and instructions for installation of FixPak-11 via hard drive or RSU may be found on Dan Casey's Abraxis web site at: http://members.iquest.net/~dcasey/

Click on "OS/2 EZ Reference" at the top of the frame on the left side of the Abraxis home page; then click again on the "Applying FixPaks ..." item. Now select either the Image Files or RSU installation method, which will bring up detailed installation instructions. It's a good idea to print this.

In either case, the updated FastKick is needed. Click on the highlighted area of line "1. You'll need FastKick 141" to download fastkick141.zip.

The most recent Version 1.1 of QuickFix, QF11.ZIP, can be downloaded from Hobbes. The main difference between QuickFix and most others is that QuickFix uses an image unpacking tool which performs CRC validation of the diskette images before applying what could otherwise be junk to your finely-tuned and previously functional OS/2 system. Many users believe this to be a most worthwhile safety factor to prevent problems arising, especially from corrupted disk image files.

I used FastKick's image files from the hard drive method. Installation was easy and fast. In the previous FixPak-10 installation, there were 10 instances detected of installed files of newer vintage than files of the same name in FixPak-10. But in FixPak-11, there was only one single instance of this. I chose not to overwrite the more recent file.

In the few days since FixPak-11 was installed, Warp 4 operation has remained stable, with no noticeable problems.

- Larry Lavins
OS/2 SIG Leader, Philadelphia Area Computer Society
July 7, 1999