He created an operating system called q dos. MS DOS operating system

MS-DOS versions 1.x, 2.x, 3.x, 4.x have not received distribution and are practically not used at present. It should be noted that the original MS-DOS versions depend on the particular computer hardware. Operating systems were customized by programmers for specific computers. We assemble our downgrade machine based on the Pentium III, so these versions are not very interesting to us.

Dive into DOS...

Let's go through all the versions in more detail.

Versions 1.x - 1981

The operating system is very similar to OS CP / M (it was considered the standard at that time). Only one-sided 160 KB floppy format was supported (8 sectors, 40 tracks, sector size 512 bytes). Starting with version 1.25 (PC DOS 1.0), which appeared in May 1982, a two-sided floppy disk format with a memory capacity of 320 KB was introduced.

Versions 2.x - March 1983

Additional features:

• work with the hard drives(HDD);
• hierarchical structure of the file system;
• I/O redirection facilities (borrowed from UNIX);
• the concept of installable peripheral device drivers (using the CONFIG.SYS file), which made it possible to quickly adapt the OS to various hardware configurations;
• labels of volumes (information carriers);
• file attributes;
• printer spooler (special program that allows you to output information to the printer in background) - PRINT.com;
• 360 KB floppy disk format (9 sectors, 40 tracks, sector size 512 bytes).

Versions 3.x - August 1984

Additional features:

• 1.2 MB floppy disk format;
• 3.5″ floppy disks (720 Kb format) (starting from version 3.2);
• splitting the HDD into logical disks (up to 32 MB), which made it possible to use an HDD larger than 32 MB;
• improved support for national character sets;
• support for computer networks (weak, starting from version 3.1);
• commands (programs) : LABEL,ATTRIB;
• commands (programs) : XCOPY,REPLACE (since version 3.3).

MS-DOS 3.3 is the most widely used on the IBM PC XT and on the IBM PC AT-286 with no more than 640 KB of memory.

Versions 4.x - November 1988

Additional features:

• support for graphic video adapters EGA, VGA;
• volume logical drives- more than 32 MB;
• support for the LIM/EMS standard (driver EMM386.sys, access to additional memory RAM on the IBM PC AT-386 and above), which allowed parts of MS-DOS to be loaded into additional memory;
• Dos Shell program.

Despite all the pluses, MS-DOS versions 4.x were not widely used.

MS-DOS versions from 5.x to 6.x.

The most common and commonly used standalone MS-DOS versions.

Operating system MS-DOS 6.22.

Version 5.0 - July 1991

Additional features:

• the ability to load the MS-DOS kernel into HMA-memory (High Memory Area) on IBM PC AT-286 and higher;
• for application programs up to 620 KB of address space (0-640 KB) of RAM are allotted;
• HDD support up to 2 GB;
• 2.88 MB format for 3.5″ floppy disks.

Version 6.0 - March 1993

Additional features:

• efficient use of RAM;
• additional service programs;
• software tools for optimizing the file system on logical drives (DEFRAG);
• commands (programs) that have lost their relevance are withdrawn;
• special program MEMMAKER - optimization of the location of resident programs in RAM;
• multi configuration files CONFIG.SYS (the ability to select a configuration option from the menu);
• virus protection system (weak);
• increase in available disk space(DoubleSpace);
• PC power management tools (LapTop, NoteBook).

Version 6.2 - October 1993

Additional features:

• a number of improvements in the field of increasing the reliability of working with data at the file system level;
• increased efficiency existing teams(programs);
• CD-ROM caching (SMARTDRV program);
• cancellation of DoubleSpace without loss of information (allows you to return logical drive back to original state)
• detection and bypass of physical defects HDD and FDD (SCANDISK);
• detection and elimination of defects in the file system (SCANDISK), including those compressed by DoubleSpace;
• step-by-step execution of any *.bat-file, including autoexec.bat.

Version 6.22 - October 1993

Additional features:

• added new compressor DoubleSpace;
• code page 866 has been added to the non-localized version (using the EGA3.CPI and KEYBRD2.SYS files), which supports Cyrillic characters, including in file names, as well as date and time representations oriented to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.

There is also a formally existing version 6.21, but it is only mentioned in the documentation, DOS reports itself as 6.20. In fact, version 6.21 is the result of Microsoft's lost lawsuit with Stec Electronics over Stac Electronics' patented DoubleSpace compressor code. Result - DoubleSpace was removed from the system. In version 6.22, it was replaced by DoubleSpace.

MS-DOS versions from 7.x to 8.x.

Non-independent MS-DOS versions included as a necessary part of operating Windows systems 95/98 - Windows ME. It should be noted that this ensures full compatibility of almost all MS-DOS programs with Windows 95/98.

Operating system MS-DOS 7.1 (7.10).

Version 7.0 - August 1995

Additional features:

• the operating system is part of Windows 95;
• added support for LFN - long filenames;
• all code from MSDOS.SYS moved to IO.SYS;
• MSDOS.SYS now text file settings;
• new commands in CONFIG.SYS: ACCDATE, BUFFERSHIGH, FCBSHIGH, FILESHIGH, LASTDRIVEHIGH, STACKSHIGH;
• the delivery includes a CD-ROM driver: OAKCDROM.SYS.

Version 7.1 (7.10) - August 1996

Additional features:

• operating system - as part of Windows 95 OSR2 and Windows 98 and SE;
• added FAT32 and support for hard drives up to 127 GB.

Version 8.0 - September 2000

Additional features:

• operating system - as part of Windows ME;
• the functionality of the kernel has been degraded, the non-switchable upper memory driver has been tightly integrated;
• blocking the ability to download real mode from the hard disk, most of the utilities have been removed;
• also found on the boot floppy, created by Windows XP and older.

Compatibility MS DOS versions.

Compatibility - Possibility joint work technical means or software. If OS version M is compatible with OS version N, this means that all programs running on OS version N will also work on OS version M. 4.x did not start on our machine, possible reasons indicated in the note).

Note:
Usually system software DOS is tailored to a particular machine. At the same time, it is designed so that it can fit any machine that is compatible with this one. The only area where the provision of different operating systems is highly differentiated is the IO.SYS file. It is directly related to the physical arrangement of the electronic equipment and is organized independently by each manufacturer. However, electronic equipment different systems similar in their structure, and this ensures the compatibility of IO.SYS in the main parameters. Thanks to this compatibility, the user can easily change the operating system on his computer.
However, it's not all that simple. Some operating systems provide programs with automatic procedures that set strictly specific size each system file. Then if the dimensions system files both systems do not match, then the procedures of this operating system do not work and it crashes. There are other compatibility pitfalls.

Is there an alternative to MS-DOS?

Among those compatible with MS-DOS systems FreeDOS should be noted as quite actively supported by enthusiasts. Despite this, there is no need to talk about full compatibility. None of the systems are 100% compatible with MS-DOS. The table below confirms this (data as of 2005). The table provides data for MS-DOS 7.1 for Windows 98/95.

	MS-DOS	DR-DOS	PTS-DOS	FreeDOS
FAT32	+	—	+	+
Driver EMS, UMB	++	++	—	+
Driver DPMI, DPMS	—	+	—	—
disk cache	+	+	—	—
Disk Defragmenter	+	+	—	+
Disk compression driver	+	+	—	—
Network drivers	—	+	—	—
Debugger for...	i8086	Pentium	i80286	Pentium
System information	+	—	—	—
Configuration file name	config.sys	dconfig.sys	config.pts	fdconfig.sys
Configuration selection menu	+++	+	++	+
Default autorun filename	autoexec.bat	autodos7.bat	autopts.bat	fdauto.bat
System files	io.sys msdos.sys	ibmbio.sys ibmdos.sys security.bin	ptsdos.sys	kernel.sys

Despite Microsoft's refusal to further development operating systems, history of MS-DOS didn't end. Programs are written, utilities are used, games are installed. So let's dive into DOS...

DOS stands for Disk Operating System. In just a few years, DOS has gone from a simple boot loader to a universal operating system for personal computers based on Intel 8086 microprocessors.

Let's start counting the DOS history from 1973 - it was in a year so far from us that Gary Kildall wrote a simple operating system in the PL / M language he created (Programming Language / Microprocessor). He called it CP / M - Control Program / Monitor, or Control Program for Microcomputer. By the mid-70s, the SR / M-80, the rights to which belonged to Digital Research, became the most popular system for computers on Intel-based 8080 and Zilog Z-80. This system provided access to a variety of application software tools ( word processors, database administrators, etc.).

due to release delay new version of this system (CP / M-86) in April 1980, Seattle Computer Products, which manufactured computers based on 8086 processors, decided to use their own operating system in them, which as a result (by August of the same year) was written by Tim Peterson . This operating system was called QDOS (Quick & Dirty operating system), but then renamed to 86-DOS. To facilitate the process of porting application programs from the 8-bit CP/M-80 system to the new 16-bit environment of the 86-DOS system, the latter was initially built in such a way that it simulated all the functions and types of operations of the CP/M-80. As a result, the structures of file control blocks, program segment prefixes, and executable files in the 86-DOS system are almost identical to those of the CP/M-80.

The programs that existed in the SR / M-80 could be easily converted (by processing files source programs using a special translator) and then run on the 86-DOS system either immediately or by doing a simple manual editing. Because 86-DOS was marketed as a proprietary operating system for Seattle Computer Research's S-100 family of computers based on the Intel 8086, this approach had little effect on the personal computer world overall. Other computer vendors based on the Intel 8086, forced for obvious reasons to use a competitor's operating system, eagerly awaited the release of Digital Research's CP/M-86 system.

In October 1980, the IBM campaign invited computer software firms to start looking for an operating system for a new family of personal computers. Microsoft could not offer its own operating system (with the exception of a standalone version of Microsoft BASIC), but in July 1981 it bought the right to use the 86-DOS operating system from Seattle Computer Products, after which it entered into a contract with IBM, undertaking to develop an operating system for a new model of personal computers manufactured by the company. By the way, as a result of this transaction, Seattle Computer Products received a license to use and sell programming languages ​​​​and all versions of the operating system for the 8086 microprocessor developed by Microsoft.

At the end of 1981, when new computer The IBM PC gained wide popularity (IBM 5150 PC: 4.77-MHz Intel 8088 CPU, 64KB RAM, 40KB ROM, 5.25-inch floppy drive - "only" $3000), its operating system was a modified version of the 86-DOS system called PC -DOS 1.0. Shortly after the release of the IBM-PC, personal computers, "PC-like" (PC compatible). The operating system of these computers was called MS-DOS 1.0 - Microsoft made available to the companies producing these machines an exact copy of the PC-DOS operating system - now widely known MS-DOS.

The only major difference between these systems was what is called the "system level", that is, for each machine it was necessary to buy its own operating system. Distinctive features each system could only identify system programmer, whose duties included the work of "fitting" the operating system to a specific machine, while the user working on different machines did not feel any difference between them.

Since their release, the PC-DOS and MS-DOS operating systems have evolved in parallel and in similar ways. In 1982, versions 1.1 appeared. The main advantage of the new version was the ability to use double-sided floppy disks (version 1.0 only allowed to work with single-sided floppy disks), as well as the ability to send printer output to other devices.

In 1983, versions 2.x were developed. Compared to the previous ones, they made it possible to use HDD(at that time the availability hard drive was not only optional, but also made the computer "super-sophisticated"), provided a sophisticated hierarchical disk directory, included built-in floppy drives and a file management system.

MS-DOS version 3.0, released in 1984, offered improved hard drive maintenance and microcomputers attached to the computer; subsequent versions, including 3.3 (introduced in 1987), developed in the same direction.

Back to CP/M: that system also evolved, and in 1988 Digital Research turned CP/M into DR DOS...

MS-DOS version 5.0 (1991) made it possible to use memory located above 1M, support for new 2.88 MB floppy disks was added, as well as several utilities, including UNDELETE - for recovering data deleted by mistake. In 1992, version 5.a appears - it eliminates gross mistakes operation of the UNDELETE and CHKDSK utilities.

MS-DOS version 6.0, released in 1993, expanded the use of memory above 1M, added the Memmaker memory optimization utility and the DoubleSpace effective disk space increaser, as well as utilities for checking and hard disk ScanDisk and Defrag and antivirus program(It should be noted that after litigation with Stack over the copyright to DoubleSpace, the latter was replaced in MS DOS 6.22 with a similar DriveSpace utility).

In 1983, MS DOS was upgraded several times - versions 6.2 and 6.21 were released (mainly improvements were to remove DoubleSpace from OS and include DriveSpace, DISKCOPY and updated utility SCANDISK); next year, another update comes out - version 6.22 with the DriveSpace utility included in it.

The next milestone in the development of MS-DOS was 1995, the year the Windows 95 operating system appeared. MS-DOS included in Windows 95 was designated version 7.0 and had such an important improvement as support for long file names (all previous versions supported names up to eight characters plus three characters per extension).

Starting with version 7.0, MS-DOS comes only with Windows, thus clearly indicating the end of its turbulent history. MS-DOS version 7.1, distributed as part of Windows 95 Service Release 2, introduced support for the FAT32 file system and large hard drives, but in Windows Me, although MS-DOS 8 was included, it turned out to be so hidden deep into Windows that loading "pure" DOS turned out to be impossible (DOS programs can only be run in Windows window), and the configuration files config.sys and autoexec.bat, although they were saved so as not to "confuse" old programs, when Windows boot stopped being processed.

On the other hand, even in Windows Me, MS-DOS is not a simple "appendage", but is one of the required components of the system: if, for example, you replace the IO.SYS file with a similar one, but from one of the previous Windows versions, then we get a message that MS-DOS 8 is required to boot the system. However, the role of MS-DOS in Windows Me has become minimal - the same IO.SYS transfers control directly to VMM32.VXD, that is, the Windows kernel ...

Good day.

If you are interested in the DOS operating system, what it is, by whom and in what cases it is used, you have come to the right place. In my article, you will find answers to these questions and find out how DOS differs from the familiar and beloved Windows system.

Acquaintance

This abbreviation stands for English language as Disk Operating System, but in our opinion - a disk operating system. It has a whole family of PC operating systems that involve the use disk drives, that is, hard drives and floppy disks.

The first version was released by Seattle Computer Products in 1980. Later, Microsoft bought the product by signing a contract with IBM that included the development of operating systems for a new model of computers from this company.

Now DOS is rare, except perhaps for working with outdated equipment or programs written long ago. It was popular during the advent of computers. Although there are expanders that allow you to fully use this product today.

Comparison with Windows

In order for you to better understand the essence of our conversation, I will make a comparison with Windows, since this system is one of the most popular. I will not go into the jungle, but I will only say the main thing.

In the 80s of the last century, computers were not as compact as they are now, but were large electronic computers. Despite their size, their functionality was not very diverse. Therefore, they needed a single-tasking 16-bit with a simple interface.

Didn't understand the last sentence? This means that in DOS you cannot work in multiple windows and programs, as Windows allows, which, by the way, has , and therefore can quickly process more commands.

The appearance of DOS is much simpler than that of a beautiful and colorful Windows with many different icons and buttons.

The shell of the old brother is similar to the command string Windows. That is, it did not have a graphical interface.

Also in mind rapid development technology, disk system does not cope well with current sound, video cards and other hardware. Also, it does not imply means of control and protection against viruses, since during its popularity, they, in fact, did not exist. While Windows is adapted to modern requirements.

In favor of a disk operating system

From point of view ordinary user, Windows wins in view of the above advantages. However, there are times when none of them matter. For example, for an accountant who does not need to switch between windows, it is more convenient to work in MS-DOS. Since the interface allows you to save your eyesight, or rather, strain it less.

And many experienced programmers prefer outdated system. Because its simplicity allows you to completely take control over it in your own hands. To perform basic functions, it needs a few light files, while in Windows there are a lot of them and all the most important, in particular, is securely hidden from the user.

DOS Components

This OS includes:

• Basic input-output system (). Laid in permanent memory your iron. It is needed to check the performance of the hardware when starting the computer and calling the initial DOS startup block.
• Block bootstrap(Boot Record) - light program (no more than 512 bytes). After the BIOS, it loads two more modules to finally turn on the system.
• BIOS expansion module (IO.SIS). Its functions include OS configuration and driver installation.
• Interrupt handling module (MS DOS.SYS) - maintains the file system (FAT with a limit on file and directory names of 8 characters), and is also responsible for data input / output.
• Command Processor (COMMAND.COM) - handles the tasks you give.

• Built-in drivers that ensure the operation of the mouse, keyboard, drive, etc.
• Utilities necessary to perform various service functions (format a disk, etc.).

I think the above information is enough for general information.

Have a good mood!

A bit of history...

MS-DOS is an operating system that exists and develops as various versions since 1981. First, IBM, then IBM, together with Microsoft with different names and features (PC DOS), somehow improved and brought the system to mind.

Dive into DOS...

This is a flexible operating system that does not require large resources of a personal computer. The most famous and popular in our time are versions 6.22 and 7.1 (7.10). MS-DOS 6.22 is the last official standalone version released in June 1994. MS-DOS 7.10 - does not exist as an independent operating system, is an integral part of Windows 98. It turned out to be so successful that various craftsmen from near and far abroad created various assemblies that simplify the installation and configuration of the system. These assemblies created a myth about the existence of the original MS-DOS versions 7.10 .

There is also MS-DOS 8.0, which has been around since September 2000 and is included as component Windows ME, subject to certain features and limitations, widespread this version did not receive.

MS-DOS and modernity.

What interest can a modern user have with an old operating system? For a downgrade lover, everything is clear, but can the system surprise the modern average user?

How do you like the capabilities of our old woman in the field of multimedia at the current level of development computer technology? So, an audio player for DOS and Windows. This miracle is called Mpxplay.

Mpxplay impresses with the possibilities and quality of sound reproduction.

Reproduces the sound of any modern and not modern audio and video formats (yes, yes, and video)!

Supported operating systems:
- MS-DOS 5, 6, 7 or compatible (FreeDOS, DR-DOS)
— Windows 98, 2000, XP.
System requirements:
– processor: Intel 80486 100mhz (DX4-100)
- RAM: 4-8Mb
Sound card (for DOS):
— PCI bus: SB Live/Live24, Audigy 1,2,4,LS, X-Fi Xtreme Audio; CMI 8338/8738; Intel ICH, VIA 686/8233/8235, etc.
- ISA bus (or emulators): SB16, ESS, WSS, GUS, SBpro, etc.

The program has great interface, works with most popular in the days of MS-DOS sound cards. We tested on Creative SB Live! (SB 0220 - EMU10k1). Just beautiful! And this program will go to Intel 80486 100mhz and RAM: 4-8Mb! Well, a user spoiled by modern operating systems, are you already surprised?

And yet games!

Good old toys! The memory of those unforgettable childhood experiences is getting stronger and stronger every year. Even though they didn’t start the first time, even though it was not always possible to adjust the sound, the control was not always clear, Russification was often absent, but the feeling of something extraterrestrial, otherworldly, not really cosmic still does not pass.

You can, of course, use the capabilities of the Internet archive, install on modern computer DOSBox, but this will not replace the feeling of running your favorite toy on old hardware! ..

MS DOS Microsoft Disk Operating System.

History of MS DOS

The history of MS DOS began in the distant 1980s at Seattle Computer Products. Then it was called QDOS. The abbreviation meant Quick and Dirty Operating System - a quick and dirty operating system. Later it was renamed to 86-DOS. This operating system repeated the API of another CP/M system. This was done because a lot of software was developed for CP/M. The console commands were also taken from CP/M.

Microsoft, having received an order from IBM on November 6, 1980 to develop an operating system for new personal computers, bought 86-DOS for $50,000 and, after modifying it a bit, sold the license to IBM. Microsoft sold IBM a license not only to supply DOS with new computers, but also the ability to change its source codes. This is how PC DOS was born, but that's another story.

Thus, IBM began to distribute its personal computers with PC DOS and MS DOS operating systems. But users preferred the version from Microsoft, and so it began. MS DOS era.

MS DOS files

The main components of MS DOS are 3 files:

Programming in MS DOS

In MS DOS, the most common programming languages ​​were:

With the compilers and interpreters of these languages, standard libraries were supplied for interacting with the file system and input-output devices. In MS DOS, 3 levels of access to external devices are available.

Through DOS functions

Through BIOS functions

Directly through I/O ports

MS DOS Reliability

DOS does not restrict the programmer from using the means to access external devices. But for this freedom, the programmer pays with reliability. A program in MS DOS takes all control over itself, and if the program has an error that leads to memory corruption or incorrect access to equipment, then a hang, garbage execution, or automatic reboot of the computer may occur.

Versions of MS DOS

MS DOS 1.10, 1.11, 1.14

This version Microsoft company provided by IBM under an agreement to order system software for a personal computer. These versions came out in August 1981. Supported work with flexible magnetic disks 5.25 inches in diameter, 160 kilobytes. These discs were recorded on one side only. These versions were full of bugs, which led IBM to scrap the source code and release their own version of DOS - PC DOS.

MS DOS 1.24

In March 1982, DOS learned to work with two-way floppy disks. Their volume was already 320 kilobytes. At the same time, the FAT12 file system appeared.

MS DOS 1.25

Initially, the functionality of working with double-sided discs was available only for computers built by IBM. Three months later, in version MS DOS 2.25, this functionality became available to other manufacturers of personal computers.

MS DOS 2.0

In March 1983, a revolutionary version of MS DOS was released. She already knew how to work with hard drives up to 10 megabytes in size. There was an opportunity to scatter files on directories (folders). In this version, the concept of a file descriptor appeared - a number that identifies open file. Prior to this, an open file identified an FSB (File Control Block), a structure that fully describes the file. A lot of new commands appeared: mainly tools for working with directories. New mechanism program I/O redirection, which came from the world of UNIX, made it much easier to work with files. The concept of a device driver and support appeared graphics adapter CGA with a resolution of 80 by 25 characters. The image is now in color (16 colors). The graphics mode of the video adapter has appeared in resolutions of 320 by 200 and 640 by 200. But in graphics modes there were strict restrictions on color coding. For its time, this version of MS DOS was a real breakthrough in the world of IBM PC compatible computers.

MS DOS 2.01

Added internationalization and currency icon.

MS DOS 2.10

Special edition for IBM PCjr

MS DOS 3.00

AT version of the MS DOS operating system. The system has changed with the release of the new version. In this version, it became possible to work with hard drives up to 20 MB in size, as well as dividing it into sections. Of the special innovations - virtual disk in working memory.

MS DOS 3.10

Microsoft network support.

MS DOS 3.20

IBM PC Convertible is a version of the MS DOS system.

MS DOS 3.30

IBM PS/2 - MS DOS version. 3.5-inch floppy disks (1.44 MB) appeared.

MS DOS 4.0

Now you can work with disks up to 2 GB. Support EGA and VGA. Unsuccessful version - many errors.

MS DOS 4.01

Fixed bugs in version 4.0. Added support for the Russian language.

MS DOS 5.0

Support for 2.88 MB floppy disks. QBASIC are included.

MS DOS 6.0

There was disk caching, CD-ROM support and many other things.

MS DOS 6.2

ScanDisk appeared. Many bugs fixed.

MS DOS 6.21

Exclusion of DoubleSpace and system at the request of the court.