DOS Last modified: Friday, December 14, 2001
(1) Acronym for disk operating system. The term DOS can refer to any operating system, but it is most often used as a shorthand for MS-DOS (Microsoft disk operating system). Originally developed by Microsoft for IBM, MS-DOS was the standard operating system for IBM-compatible personal computers. The initial versions of DOS were very simple and resembled another operating system called CP/M. Subsequent versions have became increasingly sophisticated as they incorporated features of minicomputer operating systems. However, DOS is still a 16-bit operating system and does not support multiple users or multitasking. For some time, it has been widely acknowledged that DOS is insufficient for modern computer applications. Microsoft Windows helped alleviate some problems, but still, it sat on top of DOS and relied on DOS for many services. Even Windows 95 sat on top of DOS. Newer operating systems, such as Windows NT and OS/2 Warp, do not rely on DOS to the same extent, although they can execute DOS-based programs. It is expected that as these operating systems gain market share, DOS will eventually disappear. In the meantime, Caldera, Inc. markets a version of DOS called DR-OpenDOS that extends MS-DOS in significant ways. (2) See DoS attack.
•E-mail this definition to a colleague• Sponsored listings Industrial Goods and Services Software - Industrial Software for PLC system programming, data exchange, AutoCAD schematics, & HMI industrial automation solutions. Request a free catalog now. EMC Testing: FCC, BSMI, CE Mark, MIL STD, DO 160, E Mark - EMC Testing: FCC, BSMI, CE Mark, VCCI and e Mark. MIL-STD-C/D/E and DO-160-D/E with radiated susceptibility to 200 v/M and Section 22 lightning. File Your DBA Online - LegalZoom Makes It Easy. Fast, Affordable and Professinally Prepared. Satisfaction Guaranteed. Start Today! For internet.com pages about DOS . Also check out the following links! DOS concepts and functions  This page is for novice computer users and provides a short introduction to computers and basic functions of an operating system. A table of contents then provides links to specific DOS concepts and functions. DOS Command Index Contains a DOS command index from the book, "DOS the Easy Way". Included are DOS command names with their definitions and examples of usage. DOS Internet Pages Links to various DOS Internet programs (mostly Web related). DOS Protected Mode Interface (DPMI) This is a programmer's reference copy of the DOS Protected Mode Interface, a protected mode API specification for DOS extended applications. MS-DOS FAQs This page links to a five part FAQ from the MS-DOS programmer newsgroup. Nick's DOS Links Page Links to DOS utilities, tips, batch file programming pages, general shareware, and related Web sites. Yahoo!'s DOS page Yahoo!'s directory of DOS. Sponsored listings File DBA / Assumed Name Online with Infotaxsquare.com - Register your DBA (Doing Business As), fictitious business name, trade name, assumed name Online. Fast. Affordable. Professional Filing Services Phone Appending - Append phone numbers, addresses and names. Fast and accurate. Updated every 24 hours. Lou Holtz Motivational Training Videos - Carries the Lou Holtz videos "Do Right" and "Do Right II" and many other motivational business videos. Instant Background Checks - Detailed nationwide criminal, lawsuit, assets, address history & more! Find Local Painters Here! - Find Local Painters at Service Magic. Our Service is Quick, Free, & No Obligation Required. Get Contractors to Compete for Your Business!	DOS .NET attribute CLI Microsoft Microsoft Windows NTVDM operating system OS/2 PC PIF file Give Us Your Feedback Shopping DOS Products Compare Products,Prices and Stores Shop by Category: Firewalls 203 Model Matches Routers 107 Model Matches Computer Games 52 Model Matches