DOS

Overview Before the creation of the Windows operating system, PCs commonly ran Microsoft's Disk Operating System, also known as DOS or MS-DOS. DOS is still in use today, both as part of the Windows 9x operating system, and as a fully functional command line interface. MS-DOS, although still a single-user, single-task, 16-bit operating system, remains a useful tool for PC users with many DOS utilities, games, and other software readily available online.  

General Information Starting in 1981, DOS has gone through a great number of changes. The most current versions include MS-DOS 6.xx, 7.xx, and PC DOS 2000. Visit the OS Files PC-DOS Webpage to read about the most recent DOS updates. It is interesting to note that IBM claims that there are still 100 million DOS users worldwide! This is quite a large number for an “obsolete” operating system. MalekTips.com provides a detailed DOS Help site. Since a DOS Help feature is rarely found in Windows, you can visit this site for useful utilities, tips, resources, and links to other DOS Web sites.  

DOS Resources A surprisingly large number of DOS resource sites and applications can be found online. These applications range in scope from music and games, to useful utilities and references. The Web site www.computerhope.com/msdos.htm provides users with information that concentrates on DOS commands and functions. Additionally, you’ll find information on how to access DOS from your Windows 9x computer. The site www.easydos.com/dosindex.html provides an extensive list of DOS commands, from “append” to “xcopy,” with descriptions of the functions they perform. Visit www.salokin.demon.co.uk/dos.htm to find useful DOS tips and a forum for discussing issues with other DOS users. Both of the Web sites http://directory.google.com  and www.opus.co.tt/dave/ provide DOS programs and utilities that can be accessed from the Web as shareware, freeware, and as commercial versions. On the lighter side, visit the DOSGames site for access to more than 200 free DOS games.  

Additional Links The Web page www.oldfiles.org.uk/powerload/timeline.htm provides DOS users with a timeline from 1981 to the present. If you are interested in DOS programming, visit this Webpage or this Website  for programming utilities, commands, and secrets.