RUNNING INFOEXPLORER IN A GUI ENVIRONMENT ON A PS/2
ITEM: RTA000028094
QUESTION:
I am proposing a RS/6000 as a data base server into a network of
PS/2's running Microsoft Windows. I have proposed TCP/IP for DOS
Version 2.1 for terminal emulation (telnet) and file transfer (FTP)
for connecting their PS/2's to the RS/6000 using ethernet. I want
each PS/2 user to be able run Infoexplorer in a GUI environment on
their PS/2's (not the ASCII version). My questions are as follows:
1. Do I need AIX Windows on the RS/6000? I believe that I do.
2. Will TCP/IP for DOS Version 2.1 or Microsoft Windows provide
the necessary windows environment for the PS/2 or do I need
to propose something like XONDOS?
3. If I need an additional package, what would you recommend?
ANSWER:
1. Yes, you will need AIX windows on the RS/6000. The GUI
InfoExplorer is located in the AIX windows environment.
2. You will need XONDOS on the PS/2's, because Microsoft Windows
is not compatible with the AIX windows environment.
3. You don't need any additional packages. To get InfoExplorer to
work in a GUI environment on PS/2's running Microsoft Windows, all
you need is XONDOS on the PS/2's and AIX windows on the RS/6000.
The problem here is that Microsoft Windows creates
a GUI environment that is not compatible with X11 protocols standard
to the unix world. InfoExplorer GUI mode is written to these
X11 protocols, which makes them compatible with other unix
window based display managers. OS/2 with PMX also is compatible
with these X11 protocols.
TCP/IP for DOS creates a simple ascii character window similar
to VT100 emulation within the Windows screen. Infoexplorer
can run in this window in ascii mode though it lacks the
"user friendliness" of the GUI version.
With this configuration, Windows is managing the whole screen;
TCP/IP is managing the communications, and creating an ascii
VT100 window within Microsoft Windows, displaying ascii mode
InfoExplorer.
XONDOS would create an X11 compatible window within the
Microsoft Windows screen to handle InfoExplorer in GUI mode.
If you go this route, you need to be aware that currently
XONDOS is supporting X11 release 3, while AIX has gone on
to support X11 release 4 and 5. Most applications, like
InfoExplorer do not make use of the X11 R4 or R5 extensions
so this works; but it is a restriction, and we have no notice
that XONDOS will be upgraded to later X11 releases.
The best, seemless, simple interface at this time is to run
OS/2, with TCP/IP for OS/2, and PMX. This environment could
run a Windows based application next to Infoexplorer using
PMX X11 protocols.
You might also look into Hummingbird or Exceed or other third
party Xservers as an alternative. These can have the advantage
of being able to fully support xterms rather than telnet sessions.
Performance can be improved using monitors that have cards that
support the graphics GUI mode. XGA, XGA-2 or 8514A monitors
have these features. VGA monitors will experience slower
response using X11 GUI applications.
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This item was created from library item Q614559 BXCVR
Additional search words:
ACCESSING AIXWINDOWS BXCVR DOS ENVIRONMENT EXECUTE GRAPH GRAPHIC
INFOEXPLORER IP IX JAN93 MICROSOFT OZIBM PC PS2 RISCSYSTEM RISCXWIN
RUNNING SOFTWARE TCP VERSION WINDOWS 2.1
WWQA: ITEM: RTA000028094 ITEM: RTA000028094
Dated: 11/1996 Category: RISCXWIN
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