March 1999
Mid-Atlantic OS/2
Rich Jacox
It never ceases to amaze me. OS/2 which has been pronounced dead over and over again by the Windows press for more than ten years still has brand new native programs and updates released nearly every day. Sure am glad those limited knowledge Windows pundits aren't my doctor. They would have buried me long before my time. Speaking of buried, it looks like MS's executive are doing it to not only themselves but also each other in the ongoing antitrust proceedings. First, we have Paul Maritz pushing Linux, exclaiming under oath just how easy it is to install and how much top notch native software such as StarOffice Suite is available. Then we have another top executive caught red-handed with a video tape of a doctored Windows 98's web browser video. MS was trying to show that the government's program that removes Microsoft Internet Explorer didn't work (MSIE - pronounced "messy") They claimed that the tape showed that the removal didn't work. It just made MSIE run slower. DoJ attorney, David Boies, had a hayday with this one. He pointed out that the program that removed MSIE put a title of "Windows 98" on MSIE's title bar, but MS's video showed "Internet Explorer" in the title. Always the "innocent until proven guilty" advocate, Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson gave MS an opportunity to prove their assertions. They later produced another video, but upon viewing it still did not behave the same as the original video which was proffered as factual evidence. Hmm... could it be that lies and half-truths have made MS a virtual monopoly in the PC world, but the same approach doesn't hold up in court?
To make matters worse, we find yet another top MSer admitting in open court that MS was afraid of Netscape and conspired internally to thwart consumer's choice by buying Netscape's customers. Is it any wonder that the government's lawyer is already considering criminal indictments?
As for Netscape, had any trouble with Netscape/2 v. 4.04? If so, there is a refresh available from Software Choice. While you're at it get the new plug in pack, too.
If you have a few minutes of free time, you might want to vote for OS/2 Headquarters unofficial OS/2 Mascot. Have a look here and then drop Tom Nadeau a note. You'll also find a very interesting article telling of yet another MS foible. Tom lists an internal MS memo, released as part of the antitrust trial. The memo declares what MS will do to prevent the sub $1,000 PC market from ever developing. He goes on to put the contents of the memo in the context of a monopolist tire maker who keeps the price of tires so high that automakers simply cannot profitably produce sub $20,000 autos. They go on to changing tire design often so that people will have to buy a new car just to be able to get tires. Hmm....
If you've already voted still have some time to kill, check out the new release of MasterMind/2.
Here's a few more tidbits:
Ever think you'd like to have a link to your favorite OS/2 site, but can't find the time to ask a web site owner to add it? Well, now you can add it yourself! Jim Larson of JVLNet has put up a web page that lets everyone add their own favorite link. The site already has close to 200 links. But, there are thousands of others not yet listed. Visit often and add your personal favorites. But, don't bring your Linux links, it's OS/2 links only at Jim Larson's OS/2 Free for all web site.
Remember "The Wall", that little Wallpaper/background changer? Well, it's been updated. If you want to add a little pizzaz to your desktop drop by Pretty Pop Music and Software.
Dennis Bareis, the OS/2 Developer in Australia is still releasing new stuff regularly. If you do any HTML or REXX programming, his site is worth a visit.
If you seek Java programs and general Java information , turn to good old O'Reilly. They have been publishing excellent OS/2, UNIX, Internet and even Windows books for years. As you might expect, as technology moves ahead to more Java based software, they are there to answer the call. Check out their the O'Reilly Java Center.
Now on to some plain old must have news:
February's meeting wound up being a non-starter. The library wasn't available and we couldn't find a suitable meeting place. In March we again meet at the Virginia Beach Public Library auditorium across from Loehmann's Plaza on Saturday, Come on out on Saturday the 20th at 10:00 A.M. We'll try to elect new officers then so be there and have your say.
We're still planning to meet in May on the 4th and/or 5th in Richmond at The Computer & Technology Showcase. We're working on a joint effort with the Capitol PC UG's OS/2 SIG (Special Interest Group). We still haven't ironed out all the details. But, the OS/2 SIG is more than 100 members strong. It will be fun getting together with other folks who have like interests. I am really looking forward to it. Also, we'll be staffing a booth at the show. So sign up as soon as possible. Just send me a note via E-mail or leave a message on our voice mail number (368-2296). Next to the Warp client update, This could be the highlight of 1999.
Still wondering why we like OS/2 so much? We have OS/2 and User Group answers for you. Give us a call or send us a note. I'm Rich Jacox, leave voice mail or a FAX at 368-2296 or try Pat Victorio our VP at 547-9145 or Linda Ruiz, our Secretary/Treasurer at 548-0162. Linda is your best bet to make arrangements to join.
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