Subj : Re: Too much hassle. WAS
To   : Rick Smith
From : Sean Dennis
Date : Tue Mar 03 2020 16:27:06

-=> Rick Smith wrote to Tommi Koivula <=-

 RS> that new OS/2 isnt cheap is it?

Depends.  You get what you pay for with Arca Noae.  They're about to put
UEFI and USB 3.0 capability into ArcaOS.  Something you don't have with
eComStation or OS/2 Warp.

Remember that you're paying not only for support with ArcaOS but you're
funding further development.  There's a lot of good stuff in store.

Take a look at https://www.arcanoae.com/roadmaps/general/ for more info.

Here's what's in store for the short term (from the above webpage):

=== 
UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) support 
Our new UEFI support is in testing as of January, 2020.  Set to debut with
ArcaOS 5.1, this will enable ArcaOS to install and boot on more modern
systems than ever before.  Our UEFI support completely removes dependence on
traditional BIOS services.

USB 3 host controller support
xHCI support (USB 3) is nearing release as of January, 2020.  This will
allow ArcaOS to install and run on an even wider range of modern systems.

New RPM packages for the OS/2 & eCS Drivers & Software Subscription
We are adding more ported and packaged software to our subscription RPM
repository, thereby adding value to these services.  Subscribers will be
able to add the Subscription repo to Arca Noae Package Manager to be able to
download and install these updates on demand.

New RPM packages for the Arca Noae Stable Repository
We are adding new packages to the free stable repository.  Software here may
be created by any third party, and packaged for inclusion in our free
repository, available to all OS/2 users, whether subscribers or not.  These
packages may then be downloaded and installed via Arca Noae Package Manager.

Enhanced printer support for OS/2 (with and without CUPS)
New printer driver packages are in testing to support a wider range of
modern printers, both with and without CUPS.  These drivers augment the
already rich support for venerable models as provided by OS/2 itself.  In
addition, ArcaOS ships with an improved PostScript printer driver pack, and
CUPS drivers for Brother lasers are downloadable via Arca Noae Package
Manager.  A new Epson inkjet printer pack will soon also be available.

Support for modern Wi-Fi adapters
We plan to expand MultiMac to include support for a limited set of wireless
network adapters, commonly found in hardware suitable for ArcaOS. 
Eventually, these drivers may completely replace available GenMac drivers
for chipsets which remain in use.
===

So yes, ArcaOS isn't "cheap" if you mean by coughing up the cash in the
short-term but with all that's going on, the ROI can be pretty high if
you're still wanting to use OS/2 on modern equipment.

The yearly support is only $65 a year which isn't bad, working out to be
USD$5.42 a month.

It all depends on how you look at it. :)

Later,
Sean

.... If a wife always laughs at her husband's jokes, is he funny or she smart?
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