Presentation Manager provides the strategic graphical-based user interface and programming environment for OS/2 Version 2.0. The implementation of Presentation Manager under Version 2.0 has been significantly enhanced over previous versions of OS/2 by exploiting the 32-bit application environment, and by providing additional controls and functions. These can make development more productive for the programmer and the interface more consistent for the user.
The object-oriented Workplace Shell, which replaces the PM shell of previous releases, implements the SAA CUA Workplace Model, both for itself and for applications written to exploit the programming environment it provides. Such applications behave in a more intuitive manner, allowing the user to spend less time learning system-specific operations and more time concentrating on the work tasks to be performed. The functions previously implemented in desktop utilities have been combined within the Workplace Shell, insulating the user from the complexities of the system.
A number of new Presentation Manager control windows and functions have been added under Version 2.0, providing additional function to applications and enhancing the flexibility of user dialogs by providing additional mechanisms for displaying information and receiving user input. Standard dialogs have also been provided for common file and font manipulation functions, ensuring SAA CUA conformance and removing the need for applications to include such functions within the application code.
The Presentation Manager programming environment has changed very little under OS/2 Version 2.0. Applications written and compiled for previous versions will normally run with no changes. For applications to take full advantage of the 32-bit environment and new Presentation Manager functions, some changes to the source code are required, though these are mostly minor.
A new, object-oriented, programming model is introduced in the System Object Model, which, in conjunction with the object classes supplied by the Workplace Shell, enables application objects to be developed that integrate seamlessly with the Workplace Shell. Applications written in this way can inherit useful behavior from the supplied Workplace Shell object classes and add function unique to the requirements of a user's business.
In general, Presentation Manager under OS/2 Version 2.0 provides improved performance through the use of a 32-bit graphics engine and the Workplace Shell provides improved usability. The redesigned shell with its more intuitive interface helps to insulate the user from the inherent complexity of OS/2, allowing the user to concentrate on the task being performed. The result is improved productivity with reduced training requirements.