COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Operating System Activity Manual

ACTIVITY 1: Introduction and History of WINDOWS Disk Operating Systems (DOS)

1.1 Program Outcomes (POs) Addressed by the Activity

a. ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within
realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health
and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability, in accordance with standards
b. ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
c. broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a
global, economic, environmental, and societal context
d. ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for
engineering practice

1.2 Activity’s Intended Learning Outcomes (AILOs)

At the end of this activity, the student shall be able to:
a. define what operating system is
b. discuss historical background of the evolution of WINDOWS disk operating systems
c. describe components of the DOS file systems
d. differentiate DOS from other flavours of LINUX operating systems
e. explain the components of DOS kernel

1.3 Objectives of the Activity

The objectives of this activity are to:
a. understand the historical origin of MS WINDOWS DOS
b. identify the similarities and differences of different versions of DOS
c. know the components of DOS kernel

1.4 Principle of the Activity

DOS - is a computer operating system that can use a disk storage device, such as a floppy
disk, hard disk drive, or optical disc. A disk operating system must provide a file system
for organizing, reading, and writing files on the storage disk.

FILESYSTEM - is the methods and data structures that an operating system uses to keep
track of files on a disk or partition; that is, the way the files are organized on the disk.
The word is also used to refer to a partition or disk that is used to store the files or the
type of the file system.

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 1

1.5 Materials/Equipment

1 PC unit
1 Keyboard and Mouse

1.6 Procedure/s
Research for the following. Write/put your answers in the Activity Report part of this activity.

1. History of Windows DOS (In a bullet form).

2. List down at least 10 Different Versions of DOS Operating Systems

3. Differentiate MS WINDOWS Operating Systems from LINUX Operating

Systems. (In a tabular form)

4. List the advantages and disadvantages of MS WINDOWS Operating Systems.

5. Define and explain the following:

a. IO.SYS
b. MSDOS.SYS
c. CONFIG.SYS
d. COMMAND.COM
e. AUTOEXEC.BAT
1.7 Activity Report
1.7.1
1.

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 2

  Microsoft bought the rights for QDOS from SCP (Seattle Computer Products) for $25,000
on July 27, 1981.

 MS-DOS 1.0 (the first version) was released in August 1981.

 MS-DOS 1.25 was released in August 1982.

 MS-DOS 2.0 was released in March 1983.

 Microsoft introduces MS-DOS 3.0 for the IBM PC AT and MS-DOS 3.1 for networks.

 MS-DOS 3.2 was released in April 1986.

 MS-DOS 3.3 was released in April 1987.

 MS-DOS 4.0 was released in July 1988.

 MS-DOS 4.01 was released in November 1988.

 MS-DOS 5.0 was released in June 1991.

 MS-DOS 6.0 was released in August 1993.

 MS-DOS 6.2 was released in November 1993.

 MS-DOS 6.21 was released in March 1994.

 MS-DOS 6.22 was released in April 1994 and was the last standalone version of MS-DOS.

2.
1. 86 – DOS

2. MS – DOS

3. PC DOS

4. Concurrent DOS

5. FlexOS

6. Multiuser DOS

7. DOS Plus

8. DR – DOS

9. NetWare PalmDOS

10. Novell DOS

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 3

 3.
WINDOWS
- Very few customization options
- Users doesn’t have access to the
source code
- Easily accessible support online
together with paid support
- Major target for virus developers and
is most vulnerable without any anti –
virus software
LINUX
- Has various distributions which are
highly customizable
- Users are free to modify the software
- Huge online community as support
via forums/websites and online search
- Difficult for hackers to breach

4.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
- Ease of use - Closed Software
- Available Software - Poor Security
- Backwards Compatibility - Virus Susceptibility
- Plug & Play - Outrageous license agreements
- Gaming - Poor technical support

5.

1. IO.SYS - it is an executable binary file that processes instructions that tell the operating
system how the computer is set up upon booting.

2. MSDOS.SYS – the file that comprised the MS – DOS kernel and is responsible
for file access and program management.

3. CONFIG.SYS – is a configuration file on DOS systems that contains the settings

and commands to load drives in a DOS system.

4. COMMAND.COM – it is the default user interface for DOS, being the first
program after boot and sets up the system by running the AUTOEXEC.BAT.

5. AUTOEXEC.BAT – is a startup file used with MS – DOS and contains

commands that are to be executed by the OS when the computer first boots.

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 4

 1.7.2 Observations

While doing the activity, I was introduced to the history of Windows OS as well
as a bit of Linux OS. From its differences versus Linux OS to its advantages and
disadvantages. Doing the activity helped me familiarize myself with Windows DOS and its
components.

1.7.3 Conclusion/s

After doing the activity, I was able to understand the history of MS Windows
DOS and identify the similarities and differences of each of DOS’ versions. Its differences with
the Linux OS was also explored together with its advantages and disadvantages. Familiarization
with the components of the DOS kernel has also been achieved.

1.7.4

Section: E067 Date Performed: 04/13/2019

Course Code: CPEOPSYSLA Date Submitted: 04/20/2019
Course Title: Operating Systems Laboratory
Instructor: Mr. Lyberius Ennio Taruc
Activity No: 1 Activity Title: Introduction and History of
WINDOWS Disk Operating Systems (DOS)
Name: Signature:
1. ABAD, JOHN TRISTAN N.

1.7.5 Rubrics

Criteria Grade

Activity Conduct (1-5)

Correctness of Command(s)/Program(s) (1-5) x 2

Completeness of Tasks (1-5)

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 5

Data Analysis and Results Interpretation (1-5)

Total Score

Mean Score = (Total Score / 5)

Percentage Score = (Total Score/25) * 100

Other Comments:

ACTIVITY 1: INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF WINDOWS DISK OPERATING SYSTEM 6