Disk Operating System (DOS)
(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-OpenDOSthat extends MS-DOS in significant ways.
(2) See DoS attack.
Read Also:
- DOS Protected Mode Interface (DPMI)
Created for Windows version 3.0, DPMI is an industry standard for an interface that allows DOS applications to access extended memory of the 80286-, 80386-, and 80486-based PC architecture while maintaining system protection.
- DOT4
A protocol that enables the devices that comprise an MFP to send and receive data packets to each other across a single physical channel at the same time. The protocol was specified by IEEE 1284.4, which is an enhancement to the IEEE 1284 protocol for parallel port computing.
- DOTBAM
Acronym for DOT (as in DOT-COM) Brick And Mortar. DOTBAM refers to the online division or group of a traditional brick-and-mortar store. DOTBAMs are also called click-and-mortars.
- Cyberspace
(1) A metaphor for describing the non-physical terrain created by computer systems. Online systems, for example, create a cyberspace within which people can communicate with one another (via e-mail), do research, or simply window shop. Like physical space, cyberspace contains objects (files, mail messages, graphics, etc.) and different modes of transportation and delivery. Unlike real […]
- DPMI
Short for DOS Protected Mode Interface.