OS/2 Operating System
OS/2 is a proprietary computer operating system that was initially co-developed by IBM and Microsoft. Its primary architecture has spanned both x86 and PowerPC based personal computers. OS/2 was introduced as part of an effort to create a new multitasking operating system that would replace MS-DOS and evolve to meet the growing needs of business and consumer markets.
Development History
The development of OS/2 began in the mid-1980s, during a collaborative project between IBM and Microsoft. The partnership aimed to design an advanced operating system capable of exploiting the extended memory and multitasking capabilities of the Intel 80286 microprocessor.
OS/2 1.0 was released in December 1987. The system was intended to be a quantum leap from MS-DOS, offering features like a graphical user interface (GUI) and improved multitasking. Despite its innovations, OS/2 struggled to gain traction among users who were already familiar with the simpler DOS systems.
Split of IBM and Microsoft
In the early 1990s, as Microsoft shifted its focus to the rapidly growing Microsoft Windows OS, IBM and Microsoft parted ways, each taking their respective versions of OS/2. IBM continued the development of OS/2 independently, evolving the system through various versions up to OS/2 Warp 4, released in 1996.
IBM's OS/2 Warp offered advanced features for its time, including internet integration and Java support. Despite these capabilities, it faced stiff competition from Microsoft Windows, which had become the dominant operating system in the personal computing market.
Technical Specifications
OS/2 has always been recognized for its robust performance, particularly in environments requiring high reliability and multitasking. It supported a range of features including:
- Protected memory: Reducing system crashes by isolating the processes.
- Multithreading: Allowing multiple tasks to run simultaneously.
- Compatibility layer: Supporting DOS and Windows applications through a virtual DOS machine.
- File system improvements: Introduction of the High Performance File System (HPFS) which improved file management and storage capabilities.
Legacy and Influence
Although OS/2 did not achieve the widespread adoption IBM had envisaged, it left a significant impact on computing. OS/2's robust architecture found use in various specialized environments, such as banking systems and ATMs. Some of its features influenced later operating systems, and its development paved the way for future technologies.
OS/2's legacy continued in the form of open-source projects like eComStation and ArcaOS, both of which are based on the OS/2 codebase. These iterations maintain compatibility with modern hardware, allowing enthusiasts and legacy systems to continue using OS/2 technology.