What is the warpcentre?
The warpcentre was introduced in OS/2 version 4 and is a control bar somewhat similar to the windows taskbar but with greater functionality.
The warpcentre contains a large number of buttons to perform a number of different functions. Commencing from the left hand end, the buttons perform the following functions:
- the first button gives a list of all icons on the desktop (useful for when part or all of the desktop is concealed)
- the second button corresponds to the windows taskbar giving a list of all currently running programs.
- the third button will lock the system and display the screensaver.
- the fourth button provides the find function - either the built-in find utility or you can connect it to the find utility of your choice.
- the fifth button will shut down the computer. This is a simple alternative to right clicking the desktop and selecting shutdown from the menu
- next comes a resource usage indicator. This can display any of hard disk space used/available by partition, cpu usage, and (when on battery power) fraction of battery power remaining. Just click the field to cycle around the available displays
- most of the remaining space is taken up by the system tray. The first button in the tray allows you to swap between as many different trays as you have defined. The option for defining additional trays can also be found here. The rest of the buttons in each tray perform whatever functions that you require as you have total control over what buttons can be found in each tray. Drag a program icon here and a button will be created to start the program. Drag a folder here and the button created will display a menu of the folder's contents.
- to the right of the system tray is the help button that will give you access to the system help facilities.
- finally, at the right hand end of the warpcentre is the system clock which displays the current time, current date, or a stopwatch. Click on the field to cycle between the choices
The warpcentre provides a single place that you can customize to provide yourself with a simple way of accessing everything on your computer in the way that best suits you.
