Preface

This document is intended to provide readers with an understanding of the functions provided by the Control Program component in OS/2 Version 2.0 and its implementation. The document should enable readers to make an evaluation of the OS/2 Version 2.0 product and its components.

The document contains information on the implementation of operating system functions such as task management, memory management, and the 32-bit application programming interfaces provided by OS/2 Version 2.0. Information is also provided on hardware support and interrupt management, application debugging aids within the operating system, and the support for multiple bootable fixed disk partitions. The document also discusses pre-installation planning considerations, and the migration of existing applications from 16-bit versions of OS/2 to OS/2 Version 2.0.

This document is intended for:

  • Planners and technical support personnel who require an understanding of the internal function implementation in OS/2 Version 2.0.

  • Programmers who wish to develop applications which use the 32-bit application programming interfaces and extended flat memory model provided under OS/2 Version 2.0, and/or wish to migrate applications from previous versions of OS/2.

    The code examples used in this document are available in electronic form via CompuServe** or through a local IBM Support BBS, as package RB3730.ZIP. IBM employees may obtain the code examples from the GG243730 PACKAGE on OS2TOOLS.

    The document is organized as follows:

  • Overview provides a brief introduction to the topics covered in this document.

    This chapter is recommended for all readers of the document.

  • Memory Management describes the memory management under OS/2 Version 2.0, including the implementation of the 32-bit flat memory model and memory paging. The chapter also describes the allocation and protection of memory objects, and support for 16-bit applications under OS/2 Version 2.0.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who require an understanding of the way in which OS/2 Version 2.0 manages the allocation of real and virtual memory, and the way in which this implementation differs from that in previous versions of OS/2. Those readers who require a knowledge of the hardware implementation of these components may also read Intel 80386 Architecture.

  • Task Management describes the task management, dispatching implementation and interrupt handling under OS/2 Version 2.0. Process synchronization through the use of semaphores is also discussed.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who are concerned with the implementation of multitasking under OS/2 Version 2.0.

  • Debugging Support describes the built-in application trace and debugging aids provided as part of OS/2 Version 2.0, which enable debugger and trace applications to provide additional information.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who desire an understanding of these capabilities, or who may wish to design their own trace and/or debug applications.

  • Installation Considerations discusses pre-installation planning and installation considerations to be borne in mind when installing OS/2 Version 2.0, particularly when installing it over existing versions of OS/2. Hardware, memory, and fixed disk space requirements are also described.

    This chapter is intended primarily for planners who will be developing implementation schemes for OS/2 Version 2.0.

  • Hardware Considerations discusses the OS/2 Version 2.0 device driver structure, changes in the OS/2 V2.0 file system handlers and other topics related to hardware support.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who require information about OS/2 V2.0 support for IBM and OEM personal computers and related hardware, such as disk subsystems.

  • Boot Manager describes the capability for multiple bootable fixed disk partitions, which is supported by OS/2 Version 2.0. This support enables different operating systems to be installed on different disk partitions within the same machine, and for the active partition to be switched in order to boot the machine with an alternative operating system.

    This chapter is intended for those planners who may wish to have multiple operating systems installed on machines in their enterprise.

  • National Language Considerations describes the support provided within OS/2 Version 2.0 for languages other than English, including support for double-byte character sets.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who wish to use languages other than English.

    The following appendixes are included in this document:

  • Intel 80386 Architecture provides an overview of the Intel 80386 microprocessor architecture, with an emphasis on the exploitation of this architecture by OS/2 Version 2.0.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who desire a more complete understanding of OS/2 Version 2.0's use of 80386 capabilities.

  • Micro Channel Architecture and SCSI provides a brief description of the IBM Micro Channel architecture, as well as the Subsystem Control Block (SCB) architecture and SCSI.

    This chapter is recommended for those readers who desire a deeper understanding of the exploitation of these architectures in OS/2 Version 2.0.

  • Lab Session - 32-Bit Memory Model provides an agenda for a laboratory session which deals with the 32-bit memory model and multi-threading capabilities of OS/2 Version 2.0.

    This chapter is intended for those readers who will use this document as the base material for an OS/2 Version 2.0 classroom course.

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