The discussion revolves around the meaning and implications of the term "Disk Operating System" (DOS), exploring its origins, definitions, and distinctions between various operating systems, particularly in relation to Microsoft DOS and Windows. Participants seek clarification on the terminology and its historical context.
Participants do not reach a consensus on the classification of Windows as a DOS or the implications of the term "abstraction." Multiple competing views remain regarding the definitions and distinctions between DOS and Windows.
There are unresolved questions about the definitions of terms like "abstraction" and the historical context of operating systems, as well as the clarity of some statements made in the discussion.
jackson6612 said:DOS stands for Disk Operating System. Why is it named so? Does the 'system' drive 'disk', or the 'system' is operated using some 'disk'? I know I have it right but it could help you to understand what I'm trying to ask. Please let me know. Thanks.
jackson6612 said:DOS stands for Disk Operating System. Why is it named so? Does the 'system' drive 'disk', or the 'system' is operated using some 'disk'? I know I have it right but it could help you to understand what I'm trying to ask. Please let me know. Thanks.
jackson6612 said:Disk Operating System (specifically) and disk operating system (generically), most often abbreviated as DOS,refers to an operating system software used in most computers that provides the abstraction and management of secondary storage devices and the information on them (e.g., file systems for organizing files of all sorts). Such software is referred to as a disk operating system when the storage devices it manages are made of rotating platters, such as floppy disks or hard disks.
The Windows OS's also manage disks and software on them. The Windows OS's are in themselves software which need to be installed on disks. So, are the Windows also DOS's? If they are, then why does every Windows OS have a separate DOS "Command Prompt"?
In the early days of microcomputers, computer memory space was often limited, so the disk operating system was an extension of the operating system. This component was only loaded if needed. Otherwise, disk access would be limited to low-level operations such as reading and writing disks at the sector-level.
Could you please the above text?
In some cases, the disk operating system component (or even the operating system) was known as DOS. [Wikipedia]
Hi
It would really nice of you if you could help me with the above queries. My queries are in blue. Thanks.
I'll answer what I can.jackson6612 said:Could you please also answer the other questions?
It depends what you mean by "DOS". Yes, Windows is a disk operating system. No, Windows is not Microsoft DOS, the name given to the PC operating system that preceded Windows.jackson6612 said:So, are the Windows also DOS's?
In that case, "DOS" refers specifically to Microsoft DOS, the PC operating system that preceded Windows. See my earlier Post #5.If they are, then why does every Windows OS have a separate DOS "Command Prompt"?
Your question is not clear, I think your sentence is missing a key word or phrase. If you're asking for an explanation or elaboration of the above text, then I don't know."In the early days of microcomputers, computer memory space was often limited, so the disk operating system was an extension of the operating system. This component was only loaded if needed. Otherwise, disk access would be limited to low-level operations such as reading and writing disks at the sector-level."
Could you please the above text?
I don't know.By the way, what does "abstraction" mean in this phrase "the abstraction and management of secondary storage devices"?