DOS and Windows are two different computer operating systems. DOS was the first operating system for personal computers, and it was released in 1981. Windows was released in 1985 as an addition to DOS. While both operate similarly, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we will discuss what those differences are.
What is DOS?
DOS is a Disk Operating System that was developed by Microsoft. DOS allows a user to work with files and folders on their computer. DOS is a text-based operating system, which means that it is operated using text commands. DOS was first released in 1981 and was originally designed to run on IBM PC-compatible computers. DOS was the most popular operating system for personal computers during the 1980s and early 1990s. DOS became less popular after the release of Microsoft Windows 95, which included a graphical user interface (GUI). However, DOS is still used today by many businesses and organizations because of its low cost and ease of use.
What is Windows?
Windows is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft. Windows NT, the first version of Windows, was released in 1993.
- Windows NT was designed to be a more stable and powerful alternative to the then-popular DOS operating system. Windows NT included several new features, such as the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously and support for 32-bit applications. Windows NT quickly gained popularity, particularly among businesses and power users. In 1995, Microsoft released Windows 95, which introduced a new graphical user interface and support for plug-and-play devices.
- Windows 95 was a major success, selling over 7 million copies in its first week of release. Windows 98, released in 1998, added further improvements to the user interface and introduced Internet Explorer as the default web browser. Windows 2000, released in 2000, was designed for business users and included enhanced security features.
- Windows XP, released in 2001, was a consumer-oriented release that added a number of new features, such as improved multimedia support and the ability to recover from system failures. Windows Vista, released in 2006, introduced a new graphical user interface called Aero. Windows Vista received mixed reviews; while many praised its new features, others criticized it for being slow and buggy.
- In 2009, Microsoft released Windows 7, which addresses many of the issues with Windows Vista. Windows 7 is considered by many to be the best release of Windows since Windows 95. Microsoft is currently working on the next version of Windows, code-named “Windows 10.” Windows 10 is expected to be released in 2015.
Difference between DOS and Windows
DOS and Windows are two different operating systems.
- DOS is a single-user, single-tasking operating system that is text-based. Windows, on the other hand, is a graphical user interface (GUI) operating system that supports multitasking.
- DOS was developed by Microsoft in 1981, while Windows was developed in 1985. Windows 3.0, released in 1990, was the first GUI version of the Windows operating system.
- DOS was designed to be used with a keyboard, and all commands had to be typed in order to be executed. This made DOS very user-friendly for experienced computer users who were familiar with typing commands.
- However, it could be difficult for novice users who were not used to typing commands. In contrast, Windows was designed to be used with a mouse, and its graphical user interface made it much easier for users to interact with the operating system. Users could point and click their way around the interface instead of having to type in commands.
While DOS is no longer widely used, it still has a small base of loyal users who prefer its text-based interface and simple design. However, the majority of users today use some version of Windows, which has become the most popular operating system in the world.
Conclusion
DOS and Windows are two different types of computer operating systems. DOS was the first popular operating system for personal computers, while Windows is the most popular type of operating system today. While both operate similarly, there are some key differences between them that may be important to consider when deciding which one to use.
