IBM 4690/OS Version 6 Release 2 and 3 questions

[valvedubstep]

These were distributed as software downloads, and as far as i know there isn't any sort of physical media made from them. I know r2 was released 8 years ago, thus doesn't qualify for the FTP server, let alone r3, but is there any interest in them, and does BA accept digital releases? Thanks.

[Darkstar]

Yes, usually digital-only releases are accepted (it's how most of the Windows 10 stuff got on the FTP, for example) as long as they are in the exact form/file format that they were downloaded from.

[mrpijey]

And with a source as well, even if it's a dead link (waybackmachine etc) would be preferrable.

[valvedubstep]

Thanks!

A question on the age issue though. Would they be accepted being 2 years too new?

[mrpijey]

2 years too new? You mean it's only 8 years old?

Regardless of age it's still fine, if it's not "abandonware" yet it will be archived in the vault until we can fully release it.

[valvedubstep]

2 years too new? You mean it's only 8 years old?

Regardless of age it's still fine, if it's not "abandonware" yet it will be archived in the vault until we can fully release it.

Awesome!

[Michaeldim]

Hello, I am actually the one planning to upload 4690 OS (if permitted). Valvedubstep was kindly asking on my behalf.

And with a source as well, even if it's a dead link (waybackmachine etc) would be preferrable.

As far as I know, they are the untouched ISO files from the IBM/Toshiba internal FTP. However, I can't verify as much, as I have no access to such, and very few people do. The software was sent to me directly via a Google Drive from someone who has access. This software took me about 3 years to eventually find, and now that I have, I wish to share it. I want to share this properly, and ensure nothing I do (or fail to do) will exclude it. I have currently packed two .zip files per the guidelines as best as possible.

[valvedubstep]

Ah, i was hoping you would see this. Save my having to dig the DM out of my inbox....

[valvedubstep]

Well, i presume just follow the contribution guidelines at this point... We do have some non-original media (win 1.0)....

[mrpijey]

Well, i presume just follow the contribution guidelines at this point... We do have some non-original media (win 1.0)....

If you refer to Windows PE then it's very much original as it was dumped from original floppies, with KF dumps...

But yes, we do have some media that is not a disc dump but a saved download (Microsoft, Apple etc). And they are acceptable if a proper source can be given, or other proof that they are unaltered.

[Michaeldim]

Hello, I uploaded the files. I'm not able to send PMs yet, so I'll respond here.

I tried to follow the guidelines but I do suppose it was unclear. The releases are:

IBM 4690 OS Version 6 Release 2 (2008) [English]

and

Toshiba 4690 OS Version 6 Release 3 (2012) [English]

The reason IBM changes to Toshiba between versions is due to Toshiba having purchased IBM's retail division and re-branding the OS for the V6R3 release. As for the names of the disk images themselves, I thought best to use IBM/Toshiba's naming for them.

IBM 4690 V6R2 Contains:

4690 OS Base/Migration Disc One
4690 OS Base/Migration Disc Two
4690 OS Classic Supplementals Disc

Toshiba 4690 V6R3 Contains:

4690 OS Base Install Disc
4690 OS Migration Install Disc

I wish I had more verbose details, but Toshiba very cagey about giving any info publicly.

[mrpijey]

What CPU and hardware platforms do these run on?

[Michaeldim]

IBM Point of Sale systems are x86 based PCs. 4690 however requires a special nvram chip that is only present in IBM/Toshiba SurePOS systems and System x servers.

V6R3 adds a feature where it can be virtualized with VMware products on any x86 platform. V6R2 does not possess this, and must be run on specific hardware.

[valvedubstep]

^ any chance i can get a link to r3?

[mrpijey]

Both contributions has been added to the FTP already.

[valvedubstep]

^ Ive tried regenerating my password and the FTP server still responds bad login....

[dfawcus]

The releases are:

IBM 4690 OS Version 6 Release 2 (2008) [English]
and
Toshiba 4690 OS Version 6 Release 3 (2012) [English]

Well, as I recall Version 2 & 3 were FlexOS based, I'm not sure if the later versions were, since IBM generally didn't emphasize much of the FlexOS underpinnings, preferring to push the BASIC and Java layers they added.

IBM 4690 V6R2 Contains:

4690 OS Base/Migration Disc One
4690 OS Base/Migration Disc Two
4690 OS Classic Supplementals Disc

Toshiba 4690 V6R3 Contains:

4690 OS Base Install Disc
4690 OS Migration Install Disc

If would be interesting to see if any of those contained either the FlexOS APT (Application programmers Toolkit), or the SBK (System Builders Kit). Those being the Native programming level stuff, and the driver development stuff.