What is DOS? A Beginner's Guide to Disk Operating System

Windows is the most popular computer operating system today, with a global market share of over 70%. It has been pivotal in shaping many industries by making OS accessible to all.

However, many people today need to learn that before Windows, there was the Disk Operating System or DOS. With its simple, text-based interface, it's no wonder why DOS dominated IBM computers.

Businesses, home users, and software developers could attest to the importance of DOS in the industry. Those who witnessed its peak may not help but wonder what happened to DOS.

This article delves into what DOS is, its common commands, and the long-enduring uses of DOS today. Let's begin.

What is DOS?

DOS, or the Disk Operating System, is one of the most influential and oldest operating systems in computing history.

Before DOS, computers were hard-wired for specific tasks. They needed disk drives, making computers more expensive and harder to use. This complication led to wires operating each function, varying from solving problems to completing command tasks.

Personal computers back then only served one function, making it impractical to own one. Initial computers also had no operating systems to let you perform diverse tasks. You can only operate its system through punch cards and magnetic tapes.

In the 1960s, Punch cards and tapes allowed for increased storage, making DOS commands possible on computers. In the ’70s, floppy disks and hard drives replaced computer storage.

With more storage for computers, developers can perform more diverse tasks for a lower price on their devices. This advancement made bringing the curious-tickling "computer" to one's home possible.

That said, tech companies dive into developing disk-operated computers. Let’s discuss how they work in the next section.

How Does DOS Work?

Today, everyday tasks demand a GUI-based OS. These include Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android devices.

However, many people might need to become more familiar with the Disk Operating System. This classic computer system connected early computer software to hardware. 

Here's a basic flow of how DOS commands work:

• Boot Process: DOS undergoes a boot process when the computer turns on. BIOS (a DOS component) initially checks if the device works properly.
• DOS Kernel: After the BIOS performs a self-check, the DOS Kernel takes control. This is when the actual operation of the computer begins. The kernel also manages memory, operating files, etc.
• Command Prompt: When the kernel takes over, it’s time for the user to enter commands. Command prompts are instructions you want the computer to perform.
• Command Execution: Command execution happens when the kernel reads and interprets the command into actions.
• File System: Through DOS, the computer can store the data you perform through directories (now known as files).
• Running Applications: Apps have their own set of commands built into them. When the user prompts the computer to run an app, the app temporarily takes over.
• Exiting DOS: After performing the task, the user will shut the computer down, automatically bringing DOS into BIOS mode.

The cycle repeats until the computer starts ups gain, continuing the abovementioned process. 

When you turn on your computer, its RAM does a quick checkup and provides instructions before DOS takes over. These data help DOS with its primary task: managing data transfers.

After that, DOS becomes the commander for all applications, memory, output and input, and program loading. Simply put, it serves as the middleman for all applications on a computer. One weakness of DOS, however, is that its text-based nature requires users to interact with it by typing commands.

Eventually, technology evolved and provided symbols and illustrations instead of plain text. This change made computers easier to learn and understand.

Many enthusiasts and experts still find DOS useful for technical tasks. These include learning education, research, system maintenance, and low-level programming.

Let's delve into the pros and cons of using DOS.

DOS: Pros and Cons

While DOS offers unique advantages for specific needs, its limitations have halted its mainstream use.

In 1985, Microsoft launched the first Windows, popularizing visual elements and multitasking in computer systems.

At a time when personal computers were the "definition of technology," Windows was a phenomenon that was accessible to everyone. Its advanced technology attracted many users, while Microsoft kept introducing more features.

While the requirements for a functional computer increased, DOS was not updated to support users' needs for features and security. Eventually, Microsoft phased out the standalone MS-DOS to give way to Windows.

There are still traces of DOS in the programs of present-day Windows. Many experts still find these useful for the command-line interface. DOS’s compatibility and efficiency enable developers to create new software and scripts without costly operating system modifications.

Moreover, its simplicity makes boot time quick. DOS can be a fast and light alternative when people don't need to work on storage-intensive tasks.

As the "forefather" of modern operating systems, it has limitations and importance. Let's tackle the limitations and significance of DOS. Below is the checklist to illustrate DOS vs. Windows.

How To Use DOS? A Step-by-Step Guide

DOS can be accessed on Windows computers through the CMD feature. It uses the same commands it had back then but with additional codes like xcopy, find, net, and ipconfig.

Let's see the actual usage process:

To use DOS effectively, one must familiarize themselves with DOS commands. These instructions are essential even for modern-day operating systems. With commands, computers, and phones know what to do when you tap or click a button.

DOS, an outdated interface compared to Windows, functions using manual codes like "dir," "cd," and "copy" but is still valuable for legacy applications and embedded systems. The system laid the groundwork for modern OSes, making understanding its commands crucial for programming and troubleshooting.

Knowing what DOS is and its basics is just the start. Let's add some DOS commands to your memory bank.

DOS Command Examples

DOS is harder to use today as it depends significantly on commands. To perform tasks, you must know what specific command represents the task. 

Below is a table of common DOS commands and what they do:

Operating computers today is easier due to the use of a mouse and user-friendly interfaces, making commands seem unnecessary. However, they can be helpful when your computer does not work correctly.

DOS Today: The Rise and Fall of Disc Operating System

DOS has been a significant part of the evolution of the OS. However, its peak has long been over. Here are the reasons why:

1. Outdated Technology

DOS lacks the features and functionalities of today's OSes like Windows, macOS, and Linux.

2. User-Friendly Interfaces

DOS uses text to understand what the user wants to do. Standalone DOS computers cannot run graphics-based applications as efficiently as modern operating systems.

3. Lack of Hardware Support

DOS struggles with modern hardware and drives, making everyday use of modern devices and peripherals impractical.

4. Limited Software Compatibility

Most software applications are for Windows, macOS, or Linux, making running modern applications on DOS challenging due to compatibility issues.

5. Security Concerns

DOS lacks essential security features, making it vulnerable to viruses, malware, and cyberattacks. However, companies continue to develop custom systems on it. 

One company that still uses and sells custom DOS is the National Health Systems pharmacy, which allows it to run close to the hardware.

Where Do People Use DOS Now?

Windows might have replaced DOS, but some people still prefer DOS. Here are the ways that industries use DISC Operating Systems today:

1. Legacy Systems

Some programs and applications that companies, organizations, and governments developed early were designed for DOS-based computers. Restructuring these systems requires time and money. 

This structure led to organizations opting for DOS and hiring specialized engineers for support and maintenance.

2. Embedded Systems

Due to their simple tasks, DOS is still used in some embedded systems (e.g., ATMs, medical equipment, public space kiosks, and stores’ point-of-sale terminals). Updating embedded systems for a modern OS is expensive if they work just as fine with DOS.

3. Vintage Computing and Retro Gaming

Collectors and hobbyists have preserved their DOS computers from decades ago. To run classic software on updated computers, DOS emulators and virtual machines are dedicated to the community of nostalgics and retro gamers.

George R.R. Martin is a great example. The Game of Thrones author shared that he uses a DOS word processor to support his traditional writing approach (i.e., without spell-check and smart features).

4. Nostalgia and Learning

Understanding how pre-GUI computers work is the first step to learning about programming. DOS does this by exposing tech enthusiasts and students to the early days of computing. 

Students can easily experiment with DOS with low-level programming before trying today's more complex operating systems.s.

DOS also works closer to the computer’s hardware, giving direct commands. Compared to modern operating systems, DOS provides developers with better assurance that their programs perform as intended.

Final Thoughts

Disc Operating Systems served as the foundation of modern operating systems. It lets computers perform multiple tasks using simple textual commands and a program stored on a single piece of disc. 

DOS is less advanced than Windows, macOS, Linux, and other leading OSes today. However, it remains among the popular legacy software used in learning and decade-old systems.