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IBM not only sells OS/2 but they have continued throughout the years to refresh and update this amazing 32-bit object oriented operating system. To obtain your own licensed copy you'll have to accept IBM's "route to purchase" through their free Passport Advantage service. Here are the steps to becoming a licensed "OS/2 User". The latest release as of June 2005 is identified as "Warp 4.52 Convenience Package". Here is how to buy it.

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EditSteps

  1. Buy IBM's OS_2 Warp 452 Operating System Step 1.jpg
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    Recognize that Passport Advantage was originally set up for large Enterprise customers who purchased substantial numbers of OS/2 (and other software and operating system) licenses along with contracts for yearly support of that software and/or operating system.
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  2. Buy IBM's OS_2 Warp 452 Operating System Step 2.jpg
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    Understand that Home or SOHO users of OS/2 used to subscribe to another IBM program called "Software Choice" aka SWC. In 2005 IBM elected to close down the SWC subscription service and roll those customers over into Passport Advantage. They modified Passport Advantage to accept individual users rather than large companies but they still see each individual customer as a "company". Thus, when you sign on Passport Advantage you sign on as a company customer. Joe Smith becomes Joe Smith Company to IBM.
  3. Buy IBM's OS_2 Warp 452 Operating System Step 3.jpg
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    Enrolling in Passport Advantage is free and easy enough. Once enrolled IBM confirms your email and snail mail address and sends you a passport Advantage (aka PA) User ID and a Password. These codes will open the door to PA but you still have to purchase (1) your maintenance contract or (2) a copy of OS/2 Warp 4, which comes with a full year of maintenance.
  4. Buy IBM's OS_2 Warp 452 Operating System Step 4.jpg
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    Since SWC subscribers are now non-existent they can no longer roll over and pay the yearly $62 subscription fee for an OS/2 Maintenance Contract. These former SWC subscribers would be required to 'buy new' and pay for a full copy of OS/2 Warp 4.52.
  5. Buy IBM's OS_2 Warp 452 Operating System Step 5.jpg
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    Ok. You signed up with PA and received your access codes, how do you get the latest release of OS/2? Order OS/2 by Part No. D5C4NLL. Click this link and the information comes up. Once ordered IBM sends you a billing in the mail. You can't pay for OS/2 online with a credit card (yet!) and you must send IBM a check or money order after receiving the bill. A few days later IBM sends you an email of welcome. If they don't go to the PA logon page and log on with your access codes.
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    You'll be taken to the PA customer's home page (for registered customers). There you click on the "Software Download and Media Access" link and a listing of authorized software availability appears. You can download it then and there or check the box (select ?OS/2 Warp 4 super easy: Convenience Pack & Software Choice (CR0SSIE)? and have IBM send it to you on CD to your snail mail address. IBM sends you 9 CDs of software and the latest release of OS/2 comes to you by way of two-day Airborne Express and you have a 'hard copy' saving you time and effort from burning to CD.
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    That's it! Whenever there is a new release for OS/2 - be it a new driver, new software, an OS/2 refresh, etc., IBM sends you an email alert and you log back on and download it. Your access is good for an entire year from the date of order (make sure you pay promptly as your clock begins when you order, not pay).
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    The following year IBM sends you a notice of re-subscription. That cost is just $62. Your access continues even if you forget to send in your payment promptly.
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EditTips

  • You can order OS/2 directly from IBM's "Passport Express" service by calling 1-888-426-2255. Ask for the PC Software group. They should know what you are talking about. This avenue doesn't always work, whereas, signing up with Passport Advantage does work.

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