Difference between DOS and Windows
Introduction
DOS is one of two types of operating systems, although Windows is the one that is used most often. In the current situation it is less common to use DOS. The main difference between the two operating systems, Windows and DOS, is that Windows was developed in 1979, whereas DOS is a single-user, multitasking CLI-based operating system. However, all versions of Windows are GUI-based, multitasking operating systems for many users.
DOS
One program can only be run at a time on the DOS or disc operating system, which is a single-tasking platform. It consists of a command interpreter that runs automatically when the computer boots up. A simple procedure is used to run the MS-DOS programs. No new processes are created while a particular process is running.
It's an operating system with a command line interface, so in order to accomplish any task, we have to give commands to the computer. It operates on a hard drive or any other type of disc storage device, including an optical or floppy disc, and provides an environment for the programs to run. MS-DOS loads the application into memory by giving it the maximum amount of space. DOS does not support multiple tasking, yet concurrent execution is possible to a limited extent.
In DOS, the operating system is mostly composed of three files:
IO/SYS - It involves an interface that connects the I/O subsystem and MS-DOS. This enables the OS to communicate with the fundamental peripherals and handle input/output functions.
MSDOS.SYS - The OS's Kernel is responsible for facilitating hardware communication and handling a number of DOS activities, including file management, application execution, and hardware interface software.
COMMAND.COM - It is a command interpreter, meaning that commands are interpreted and shown using it.
System Structure
It consists of ROM BIOS device drivers, MS-DOS device drivers, resident system programs, and application programs.
Features of DOS
Command Line Interface: Because DOS is essentially a command-line operating system, users must type commands in order to conduct operations.
Small Size: Because DOS is a very small operating system, installing it on computers with little storage space is simple.
Low Resource Usage: Because DOS takes up very little memory, it is perfect for use on computers with low memory.
Compatibility: Even on contemporary systems, DOS can be used to run a lot of older programs and games that were created for the operating system.
Instances of DOS
- Microsoft Disc Operating System, or MS-DOS
- IBM Personal Computer Desk Operating System, or PC-DOS
- Open-source DOS compatibility with FreeDOS
How DOS is Used?
Running command-line or text-based programs and single-tasking environments were the main uses of DOS. It provided a user-friendly interface for installing apps, managing files, and executing system commands.
Windows
Microsoft develops the operating system Windows, which is available in several versions, such as Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10. Windows OS was developed primarily for features like dependability, compatibility, performance, extensibility, and internal support. It is a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based system where commands are entered manually instead of being displayed through the use of images and icons and a mouse.
When Windows was originally developed, it was a portable operating system written in C and C++. Processor-dependable code is separated into a hardware abstraction layer (HAL) dynamic link library (DLL). Regardless of the hardware, HAL is required for the upper layers of Windows. It manages error situations with ease and is incredibly dependable.
With hardware protection for virtual memory & software protection mechanisms for operating system resources, the Windows operating system can fend off flaws and attacks. It uses the NTFS file system, which is highly resilient to various file system errors, even in the event of a system crash.
Architecture
The three layers of Windows 2000 are the Kernel, the executive, and the hardware abstraction layer.
A software layer called a "hardware abstraction layer" hides hardware differences from higher operating system tiers. The executive, the device drivers, and the Kernel use the virtual machine that HAL sends. Additionally, symmetric multiprocessing is supported.
The Kernel performs tasks including thread scheduling, processor synchronization, power failure recovery, interrupt, and exception handling, in addition to providing the framework for the executive and subsystems.
All environmental subsystems can use the combination of services that the executive offers. The executive offers the following services: call facilities, object, process, and memory management, I/O management, and security monitoring.
Features of Windows
Graphical User Interface: Windows comes with a GUI that lets users interact with the operating system using a mouse and a graphical interface.
Multitasking: Multiple programs can run simultaneously in Windows; each program opens in a separate window.
Compatibility: The Windows operating system is compatible with a wide range of hardware and software.
Plug and Play: Windows enables hardware to be connected to a computer and has the operating system automatically detect and configure it.
As instances of Windows:
- Windows 95
- Windows XP
- Windows 7
- Windows 10
Windows uses include:
Windows has become the most widely used operating system worldwide because of its broad compatibility with a wide range of software applications and general adaptability. For both personal and professional use, it provides functions like web browsing, media playback, document editing, and gaming.
| S.No | DOS | WINDOW |
| 1 | The operating system for single-tasking is DOS. | Windows is an operating system that can multitask. |
| 2 | It uses very little power. | Windows, however, uses a lot of power. |
| 3 | Memory usage is lower than with Windows. | Even though it uses more RAM. |
| 4 | DOS does not support | networking. While Windows supports networking. |
| 5 | The use of DOS is complicated. | However, it is easy to use. |
| 6 | DOS does not share time. | Windows can share time. |
| 7 | A command line operating system is called DOS. | On the other hand, graphical operating systems like Windows. |
| 8 | Windows is a more preferred operating system than DOS. | However, users prefer Windows over DOS more than ever. |
| 9 | The DOS operating system does not support games, movies, music, and other multimedia. | However, Windows does support multimedia, which includes games, movies, and music. |
| 10 | Operating systems running DOS operate more quickly than Windows OS. | In comparison to DOS OS, Windows OS operates more slowly. |
| 11 | There is only one window open at a time in DOS. | With Windows, you can open multiple windows simultaneously. |
| 12 | Pointing devices are not necessary for DOS. | While Windows makes use of a variety of pointing devices, including mice and light pens. |
| 13 | These days, DOS is rare in computer systems. | Even so, modern computer systems run Windows. |
| 14 | Free of charge is DOS. | Even so, the original Windows version is pricey. |
conclusion
While DOS (Disk Operating System) was once in use, it is unlikely to be in use these days due to its age. However, a later version of Windows was developed with many new features. Thus, Windows 1.0 offered new features such as a graphical user interface, multiprogramming, multitasking, and multi-user systems, as well as backward compatibility with DOS (it could run DOS software).