[Discussion] [Linux] os/2 on linux

[jim.scott at scottelectronic.com]

** Reply to note from Thomas Clayton <topcatdrc at yahoo.com> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:53:44 -0800 (PST)

Hi Tom!

I had been given a version of 2007, and it installed flawlessly.  I made the $20 donation, and got an email that
contained additional repositories (worth it).  We still have two machines running 2007, with all updates.  FWIW,
we are running Dell machines here - hardware can be a factor.  The latest 2009.2 is what I'm installing now.
Runs fine, and requires nothing at this time.

I had tried several different different installs: Free-BSD, Suse, CentOS, Ibuntu, Knoppix, and more.  The
PCLinuxOS is stable, and seems more forgiving.  It must be aimed at newbies like me, it is almost effortless
(unlike SUSE and CentOS, and even os/2).  However, each flavor has different strong points, and that should be a
factor in selection.  I'm lucky, at least I now have some time to start learning how to really use it after the
fact.  There is a website which lists distributions, and has the links to get to them.  Some are unheard of.

I have been amazed at how well this Linux handles Windoze XP, and even DOS apps through emulators such as WINE
and DOSBOX.  Of course the acronym WINE - "Windows It's Not an Emulator", probably more correct than we know! 

Don't get me wrong, I hate that IBM dropped the ball.  OS/2 was a very strong client side operating system, and I
love the ability in os/2 to touch the hardware, something I have yet to do in Linux.   Linux, can be dressed up as
a client, but it really isn't, and that is a rub.  If the consortium wants the world to switch to Linux, they
need to focus on some version of it to appear as an effortless client side operating system that
is automatic in almost every way. 

PCLinuxOS shows promise and has made a nice effort.  I have given away a lot of ISO CDs to get guys started
- convincing them to take an old machine they were going to junk, and wipe WIN off.  I'm amazed at the comments!
However, many flavors are not like this, and I'm afraid that these gurus don't understand how to appeal
or deal with the public.  Sometimes I think they are right out of "The Big Bang" :-O 

I did succeed running ECS remotely from the PCLinux deskop.  Cute!  ECS has all the hooks and so does Linux!  It
is somewhat sluggish, probably *only* because I'm running a 400 MHz os/2 box.  I can keep os/2 handy for
some of those special apps!

We need another Ray Kroc, whose vision would revolutionize the Linux operating system industry. 

BTW, if you want a CD, just ask.


Best Regards,

Jim Scott

-------------------------
"It is terrible to contemplete how few politicians are hanged."
G. K. Chesterson - The Cleveland Press, 3/1/21