RL> What does a dos C/C++ programmer need to get to move to 
RL> OS/2?  I've been given a list of five or six compilers, and

Learn how to use API calls!  The OS/2 API isn't tough to get a hang
of if you have decent documentation, but for the PM prepare to study
for a while!
 
RL> will probably end up using GNU (because it's free) at least 
RL> until they finally debug Borland C++ for OS/2.

I just switched from GNU to Watcom.  GNU works OK for simple PM programs
and mildly complex non-PM programs, but you'll soon want more.  GNU
doesn't come with any reference materials for the OS/2 or PM APIs,
no dialog box editor, nothing...  I haven't used BC++/2, but from
what I've heard from others, I think Watcom is generally a better
choice.  And it's currently cheaper than Borland ($199 vs. $3xx).

RL> Anyway, my problem is, I'm aware of a lot of new function calls that star
RL> with the word DOS (DosCreateThread, etc...) that have 
RL> nothing whatsoever to do with dos emulation, and I'm 

The OS/2 non-PM specific API calls usually start with Dos.  Don't
ask me why ... I'm a beginning OS/2 programmer myself!  :-)

RL> wondering how do you learn them?  (No, I'm not shelling out 
RL> $800 bucks to get IBM's red books.  If I had $800 bucks to

You don't need to.  For $30 from 1-800-3-IBM-OS2 you can get
"OS/2 Programming: Your Fast-Track Guide to OS/2."  It's not
highly detailed, but it has an easy to read and understand
approach to get your started with the OS/2 API, the PM API,
and semaphores, threads, processes, file I/O, and DLLs.  After
you read it, you'll probably want another book, but this is
a good one to get you started.

RL> I've heard that some guy named peltzold is supposed to have 
RL> written a good book.  Is it, and what's it called?

Yeah, and he now spends most of his time writing about Windoze NT.
I'd avoid it at all costs.....  :-)  (sorry, I don't know what the
name is).
  
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 X ATP/OS2 1.42 X Jesus saves sinners...and redeems them for valuable prizes!

--- Maximus/2 2.01wb