OS2 Software
Internet | Java | Productivity | Graphics | Utilities | Multimedia | Games | Other Sources & Lists
OS/2 Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)
OS/2 had a significant number of Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) developing for it over the years considering the number of users compared to Windows. I think a large part of this has been the recognition of the superiority of the operating system and the sophisticated end-user. While there seems to be increasingly an abandonment of shrink-wrap product this is a trend that isn't limited to OS/2.
The ease of electronic commerce on the Web offers cheaper delivery systems with more profit remaining in the hands of the developer, making it easier to justify developing for an ever decreasing market. Support these ISVs with your dollars. Their enthusiasm can only go so far.
Your best bet might be cross-platform and open source programs:
- netlabs.org was founded in 1997 with the goal of creating a center for free OpenSource Software for OS/2 and also eComStation (eCS). Netlabs.org is one of the largest developers of OS/2 software.
- Other ported applications and projects.
Internet and Communications
Browsers
- Warpzilla—Mozilla for OS/2 has an OS/2 port of Firefox 3.0.3 (strongly recommended), SeaMonkey and Thunderbird. Click on the download links as the others point to the main (Windows) download.
- OS2 World's article about Firefox 3.0.3 for OS/2.
- Mozilla Plugin Support on OS/2 Warp.
- Hobbes contains a listing of OS/2 Web browsers.
- Innoval PostRoad Mailer (OS/2 native) and some fixes are posted here (go to the bottom of the page) You will need the license code "31571728" posted there to unlock PostRoad Mailer 3.
- Polarbar Mailer a 100% pure Java e-mail application that runs on all platforms supporting Java.
- PMMail/2 (PMMail for OS/2). V.O.I.C.E. has purchased both the source code and all the rights to PMMail/2.
- MR/2 ICE - Internet Cruiser Edition for OS/2.
- Hobbes contains a listing of OS/2 e-mail programs.
Other
- InJoy Firewall is a complete Internet gateway and firewall security system in one.
- Hilgraeve KopyKat, HyperACCESS Pro for OS/2 with HyperHost and HyperACCESS/5. (OS/2 products are available upon request. There is no support provided for these products.)
- Internet Connection Phone (ICPhone) from IBM.
Java Applications
Java is Native to OS/2. OS/2 Warp 4 was the first commercial operating system that natively incorporated Java—that is, OS/2 didn't require a browser or other program to interface between a Java program and the operating system.
- Polarbar Mailer a 100% pure Java e-mail application that runs on all platforms supporting Java.
- The Java Lobby Page has extensive links to Java sites and applications.
- IBM's Java-based Applications Page includes IBM applications and other technologies running under Java.
- JavaShareware.com lists applications, Javabeans, applets and more.
- Russ Harvey Consulting Services Java Resources has other links to Java information sites, programs and Java Virtual Machines for various operating systems.
Productivity and Office Applications
- OpenOffice.org 2.4 GA released.
- Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2 Warp 4.
- Sundial Systems Relish, Mesa, Clearlook, DBExpert.
Adobe Reader for OS/2
Some information downloads, particularly for eComStation, require that you have Adobe Reader installed and are marked with (PDF).
- Adobe® Reader® 3 for OS/2: Search for aro2e30.exe on Hobbes.
- Adobe® Reader® 3 for OS/2 is no longer available on the Adobe site.
Graphics
- PMView 2000 is an excellent graphics browser and image converter. Cost is US$49.95 which includes all version 2 upgrades.
- PMJPEG (shareware - $20).
- Hobbes contains an aging list of OS/2 graphics apps and support programs. Perhaps the more interesting are those currently being ported to OS/2.
Utilities
- Dennis Bareis has a bunch of freeware utilities that include REXX compilers, archive tools, pre-processors, patches and too much to list here.
- Trevor Hemsley's Time Tracker allows you to track your time on various projects or by client. This is email-ware—no charge for individual use (not corporate use). You need to within 30 days.
- Power Quest Partition Magic (V.3 includes OS/2 , DOS, Windows 3.1x, Windows 95, and Windows NT support) and DriveCopy. You need to use a DOS partition or boot from diskettes to use more recent versions. Partition Magic is now owned by Symantec.
- DragText v3.3 basic features are free but the extended features are shareware and available for only 6 weeks. By registering DragText you encourage the author to improve this program.
Games
- Stardock produced a number of excellent OS/2 games at one time.
- The OS/2 Games List.
Ported Applications
- Greg Boyko's OS/2 Petition Page gives you a chance to ask for OS/2 native versions of the current Windows 95 applications that you'd like to own. If you can't find an OS/2 program to do what you want, sign Greg's petition and e-mail the vendor requesting the OS/2 version. If enough of us request and buy ported products with current features other vendors will respond in kind.
- The XFree86 Project includes the free and optimized X11R6 implementation to OS/2 - an entire window management environment that usually runs in Unix and Linux environments. This page references version 4.3.0 but doesn't directly report on OS/2. Major OS/2 support updates are noted in the OS support update section.
- Odin is a Windows 32-bit API library which is comparable with WINE on Linux. It allows you to run 32-bit Windows programs on OS/2 and eComStation. PE2LX converts binaries (EXE and DLL files) but on-the-fly conversion (via PE.EXE loader) is much more powerful.
- WarpIN is intended to become the new general-purpose installer for OS/2 to overcome the current lack of a both flexible and user-friendly installer. Alternative WarpIN site.
Other Sources
OS/2 Venders
- eComStation resellers.
- Finnegan Software, Inc. (Toronto, Canada).
- J3 Computer Technologies.
- Mensys Belgium.
- M.I.T. OS/2 list of OS/2 software vendors.
Shareware & Freeware Archives
- Hobbes OS/2 Archive. This is one of the most comprehensive sites for downloading software.
- BMT Micro is a front-end for developers of shareware utilities and Internet software and a place where you can register or purchase these products with your credit card.
- Norloff's OS/2 Shareware BBS straddles the old BBS world and the newer Internet world. An excellent site.
- OS2Ware.com is an extensive archive of freeware, shareware, and demoware for the OS/2 operating system. The site is updated regularly, with new submissions and updates coming directly from the software developers on a weekly basis.
Other OS/2 Software Lists
- Martin Kiewitz eComStation -APeCS has information about a lot of software for eCS.
- SoftWhere!? should find any OS/2 apps missing from this directory.
www.russharvey.bc.ca/os2/software.html
Updated: May 27, 2011
