Up until now, I have been preoccupied with other matters and ignored the problem since the ThinkPad worked, rather lethargically though. I finally got around to addressing the problem which I thought could be cured by simply installing the latest FixPak (12). Instead of downloading the FixPak files from the Internet, I opted to purchase the OS/2 FixPak CD for $15 from BMT Micro. This worked well and simplified the task of installing the FixPak. Alas, FixPak 12 bombed the ThinkPad irreversibly. Please note, I attribute this to the FixPak itself and not the CD as provided by BMT, which worked fine.

Frustrated and realizing major surgery was required, I tore the operating system apart and flushed all of the OS/2 related files and directories off of the computer and started from scratch by installing OS/2 Warp 4 without any FixPak. Installation went off without a hitch and the computer was as good as new. Just to test my theory that something was wrong with FixPak 9 and subsequent fixes I reloaded FixPak 12 again, and, sure enough, the computer died on me. I then restored the ThinkPad back to its virgin Warp 4 state.

I had one problem though, I wanted to install Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2. I remembered that SmartSuite requires a minimum of FixPak 6 or higher to operate. Well, I didn't want to try FixPak 9 again and remembering that FixPak 8 worked fine on the ThinkPad, I went about the task of installing it. There was just one problem... Finding it! I checked IBM's official OS/2 FixPak download area at the IBM Network Computing Software Division (NCSD) Software Updates web page. Unfortunately, FixPak 8 was long gone, as well as other FixPaks. I finally remembered I could find it in the Hobbes OS/2 Warp 4 FixPaks archives ( OS/2 Warp 3 FixPaks are also there). After downloading the files and building the diskettes (for backup purposes), I implemented FixPak 8 without a problem and, consequently, Lotus SmartSuite for OS/2.

I am finally back to having a useful machine with excellent performance (and audio). I still haven't the foggiest idea of what the later FixPaks do to my machine, but I am resolved not to install any more FixPaks on it beyond FixPak 8. I have heard of other people who have had absolutely no problems with FixPak 12, but as for me, I draw the line at FixPak 8.

If you would like to know more about FixPaks, may I suggest the following web sites:

IBM Beginners Guide to Understanding OS/2 FixPaks
IBM OS/2 FixPak Primer
IBM Network Computing Software Division (NCSD) Support News - regarding FixPaks
IBM Fixes, Drivers, Files and News
IBM FixPak Database

Oh, and if you still want some free OS/2 apps, you can still go to to IBM's OS/2 Employee-Written Software Catalog where I picked up my PM Calculator.

Development news regarding OS/2 is non-existent. As usual we still do not know IBM's plans for the product, whether there will be a Warp 5 or even another FixPak. OS/2 Warp 4 was released in the Fall of 1996. Although it is still the best 32-bit operating system on the market, it is starting to show its age. It would be nice to know whether IBM plans to shit or get off the pot.

Keep the Faith!