• ZZZ Version
• ZZZ Versions
• ZZZ Version History
• ZZZ History

Return to ZZZ, OS/2 Version History, Windows Version History, Version History, Versions, ZZZ Topics, ZZZ DevOps

DOS (Disk Operating System) is a family of operating systems that was widely used in the 1980s and 1990s. It was designed for personal computers and provided a command-line interface for users to interact with the system. The most well-known variant of DOS is MS-DOS, developed by Microsoft. Below is a version history of DOS with relevant details and Wikipedia URLs.

MS-DOS 8.0 was released as part of Windows Me (Millennium Edition). It was primarily designed as a maintenance release and only available within the boot disk of Windows Me. It was the last version of MS-DOS included with Windows and lacked several features from earlier versions, including access to Real Mode DOS as a stand-alone environment. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 7.1 was integrated into Windows 95 OSR2 and Windows 98. It supported the FAT32 file system, allowing larger partition sizes and more efficient storage management. MS-DOS 7.1 was not available as a standalone product and was mostly used for compatibility with older software running under Windows. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 7.0 was included with the original release of Windows 95. This version featured extensive integration with the Windows GUI and included long file name support. While it was still accessible for command-line users, its primary role was in supporting Windows 95 operations. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 6.22 was the final stand-alone release of MS-DOS before its integration into Windows. This version primarily included bug fixes and minor updates to existing features, such as improved disk compression and file management utilities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS_6#MS-DOS_6.22

MS-DOS 6.21 was released to address legal issues regarding disk compression technology. It removed the DoubleSpace feature introduced in earlier versions due to a lawsuit but was otherwise identical to MS-DOS 6.2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS_6#MS-DOS_6.21

MS-DOS 6.2 introduced several improvements to disk compression utilities and file recovery tools. It also included better support for memory management and enhanced ScanDisk for detecting and repairing disk errors. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS_6#MS-DOS_6.2

MS-DOS 6.0 was notable for introducing the DoubleSpace disk compression feature, allowing users to store more data on their hard drives. It also included utilities for disk management and improved memory management tools. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS_6#MS-DOS_6.0

MS-DOS 5.0 was a major release that introduced a significantly enhanced command-line interface, improved memory management, and the ability to load device drivers into upper memory, freeing up conventional memory for programs. It also introduced the UNDO command and a full-screen editor. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 4.01 fixed several bugs introduced in MS-DOS 4.0 and improved system stability. It also introduced the HIMEM.SYS driver, enabling access to extended memory for compatible hardware. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 4.0 introduced support for larger hard drives and the ability to handle partitions larger than 32 MB. This version also included a graphical Shell program for easier navigation, but it was plagued by bugs and memory issues. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 3.3 improved network support and added enhancements for internationalization, such as better support for non-English languages. It also provided increased compatibility with larger hard drives. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 3.2 introduced support for the 3.5-inch floppy disk, which became a standard storage medium. This version also brought enhancements to system performance and disk management. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 3.1 introduced network functionality, allowing MS-DOS to be used in a networked environment for the first time. It also improved system utilities and memory management. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 2.11 was a minor update that provided enhanced support for international users by introducing features for handling different character sets and keyboard layouts. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 2.0 was a major update that introduced support for hard drives, directories, and the 12-bit FAT file system. It was also the first version to include the ability to use subdirectories and support for 5.25-inch floppy disks. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 1.25 added support for the IBM PC's hardware and introduced features like command-line functionality and basic file management utilities. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

MS-DOS 1.0 was the original version of the operating system, developed by Microsoft for IBM PC. It was a basic command-line interface that allowed users to perform essential tasks like file management and program execution. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MS-DOS#Versions

The history of DOS showcases its evolution from a simple command-line interface to a powerful operating system that supported larger hard drives, networks, and improved memory management. Each version of MS-DOS built upon its predecessor, improving compatibility and usability, and laying the groundwork for modern operating systems. MS-DOS played a critical role in the development of early personal computing, influencing the direction of operating systems for years to come.