Definition: os2

Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (2003-OCT-10)

OS2

   <spelling> Normally written "OS/2".

   [Jargon File]

   (1997-05-02)

OS/2

   /O S too/ IBM and Microsoft's successor to the MS-DOS
   operating system for Intel 80286 and Intel 80386-based
   microprocessors.  It is proof that they couldn't get it
   right the second time either.  Often called "Half-an-OS".  The
   design was so baroque, and the implementation of 1.x so bad,
   that 3 years after introduction you could still count the
   major application programs shipping for it on the fingers of
   two hands, in unary.  Later versions improved somewhat, and
   informed hackers now rate them superior to Microsoft
   Windows, which isn't saying much.  See second-system
   effect.

   On an Intel 80386 or better, OS/2 can multitask between
   existing MS-DOS applications.  OS/2 is strong on
   connectivity and the provision of robust virtual machines.
   It can support Microsoft Windows programs in addition to its
   own native applications.  It also supports the Presentation
   Manager graphical user interface.

   OS/2 supports hybrid multiprocessing (HMP), which provides
   some elements of symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), using
   add-on IBM software called MP/2.  OS/2 SMP was planned for
   release in late 1993.

   After OS/2 1.x the IBM and Microsoft partnership split.
   IBM continued to develop OS/2 2.0, while Microsoft developed
   what was originally intended to be OS/2 3.0 into Windows NT.
   In October 1994, IBM released version OS/2 3.0 (known as
   "Warp") but it is only distantly related to Windows NT.
   This version raised the limit on RAM from 16MB to 1GB (like
   Windows NT).

   IBM introduced networking with "OS/2 Warp Connect", the first
   multi-user version.  OS/2 Warp 4.0 ("Merlin") is a network
   operating system.

   http://www.mit.edu:8001/activities/os2/os2world.html.

   [Dates?]

   [Jargon File]

   (1995-07-20)

Source: V.E.R.A. -- Virtual Entity of Relevant Acronyms December 2001

OS2
        Operating System /2 (IBM, OS), "OS/2"

Source: Jargon File (4.3.1, 29 Jun 2001)

OS/2 /O S too/ n. The anointed successor to MS-DOS for Intel 286- and
   386-based micros; proof that IBM/Microsoft couldn't get it right the
   second time, either. Often called `Half-an-OS'. Mentioning it is usually
   good for a cheap laugh among hackers -- the design was so baroque, and
   the implementation of 1.x so bad, that 3 years after introduction you
   could still count the major apps shipping for it on the fingers of two
   hands -- in unary. The 2.x versions were said to have improved somewhat,
   and informed hackers rated them superior to Microsoft Windows (an
   endorsement which, however, could easily be construed as damning with
   faint praise). In the mid-1990s IBM put OS/2 on life support, refraining
   from killing it outright purely for internal political reasons; by 1999
   the success of Linux had effectively ended any possibility of a
   renaissance. See monstrosity, cretinous, second-system effect.