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OS/2 is an operating system originally developed by Microsoft and IBM in the late 1980s as a successor to MS-DOS and as a more powerful operating system for the IBM PC. After the initial versions, IBM continued to develop OS/2 independently after parting ways with Microsoft. Below is a detailed history of the OS/2 operating system, with key version releases and their features, along with verified Wikipedia URLs for further reading.

OS/2 Warp 4.52 was the final release of OS/2 by IBM. This version primarily introduced bug fixes and hardware compatibility updates, such as support for USB devices and modern file systems like JFS (Journaled File System). It also enhanced support for large hard drives and included new networking features. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_4.52

OS/2 Warp 4 was a significant update that introduced the VoiceType Dictation feature, allowing users to control the operating system and applications with voice commands. It also included OpenGL support, improved networking capabilities, and better integration with Windows 3.1 applications through enhanced Win-OS/2 support. This release was aimed at corporate users and improved usability and performance. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_4

OS/2 Warp Connect was introduced as a version of OS/2 designed for networking environments. It included built-in support for TCP/IP, NetBIOS, and IPX/SPX protocols, making it ideal for corporate users who needed a reliable and flexible networked operating system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_Warp

OS/2 Warp 3.0 was one of the most successful versions of the operating system and marked a push to reach a broader market. It came with improved performance and a smaller memory footprint, making it more accessible to users with less powerful hardware. OS/2 Warp introduced enhanced multimedia capabilities and was packaged with the BonusPak, which included useful applications like a web browser and multimedia player. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_Warp

OS/2 2.11 focused on improving the performance and stability of the operating system, particularly in handling memory management and multi-tasking. It introduced additional support for networking protocols and updated drivers for hardware devices, which made it more competitive with other operating systems at the time. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_2.x

OS/2 2.1 introduced significant support for Windows 3.1 applications via improved Win-OS/2 integration. It also included better hardware support, such as compatibility with Multimedia PC standards and a greater variety of graphics and sound cards. This version also improved upon its support for DOS applications, making it a solid multitasking operating system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_2.x

OS/2 2.0 was a major release that introduced a 32-bit operating system kernel, bringing improved stability and performance. It included the Workplace Shell, a graphical user interface that was more advanced than Windows at the time. OS/2 2.0 was also backward-compatible with DOS and Windows 3.0 applications, making it a powerful multi-tasking environment for both personal and corporate users. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_2.x

OS/2 1.3 was the final release of the OS/2 1.x series before IBM and Microsoft parted ways. This version improved performance, particularly in handling DOS applications, and optimized the system for lower memory configurations. It was the last version co-developed by IBM and Microsoft, after which IBM continued the development of OS/2 on its own. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_1.x

OS/2 1.2 introduced the High Performance File System (HPFS), which was a significant improvement over the FAT file system, allowing for faster access to files and better handling of larger drives. This version also included graphical improvements and a more user-friendly interface for managing files and programs. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_1.x

OS/2 1.1 was the first version to introduce a graphical user interface (GUI), known as the Presentation Manager. This version provided improved multitasking and memory management, which made it more attractive to businesses that needed more robust computing environments compared to MS-DOS. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_1.x

OS/2 1.0 was the first release of the operating system, co-developed by IBM and Microsoft. It was designed as a successor to MS-DOS, providing better multitasking capabilities and memory management. However, it was a text-based system with no graphical interface and was primarily aimed at businesses. OS/2 1.0 laid the groundwork for the later, more advanced versions of the operating system. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OS/2#OS/2_1.x

The history of OS/2 demonstrates how it evolved from a promising successor to MS-DOS to a more sophisticated operating system, with innovative features such as the High Performance File System and robust support for Windows and DOS applications. Although it never achieved widespread adoption, OS/2 is remembered for its advanced multitasking capabilities and its influence on later operating systems. The evolution of OS/2 highlights IBM's continued efforts to compete in the operating system market, even after parting ways with Microsoft.