It’s not just Linux that can bring an old machine to life. Version 1.3 of FreeDOS was released after a quintet of release candidates, and five years after the release of the last major version of this operating system (OS). FreeDOS was designed to be an MS-DOS compatible operating system, but based on completely free and open source software, with the kernel under GPL v2. FreeDOS runs on systems dating back to the original IBM XT, back to 286, 386, on modern hardware with extensive driver support where possible – so you can access devices like networks , CDs, USB sticks, etc. You can also install it in a virtual machine in your modern operating system like Windows 10.
Major introductions to FreeDOS 1.3 include the new 2043 kernel, use of the new FreeCOM 0.85a command shell, an 8086 build with FAT32 support, the return of networking, new programs and games, and a host of package updates. Users are greeted with an enhanced CD initialization for bootable media and installed system, and the provision of the 375MB live-CD version of FreeDOS 1.3 (so you can use or try this operating system and a full suite of tools, apps and games with even installing it). People who still use floppy-based systems have not been forgotten, with the floppy edition of FreeDOS 1.3 now with built-in zip(de) compression, which halves the number of installation media (download of 20 MB).
Perhaps you’ve read the introduction and are still wondering when, where, and how FreeDOS 1.3 might be useful or even entertaining. Some hints about its use are provided in one of the latest official videos, showcasing Release Candidate 5 (RC5) last December. In this video (embedded below), we see what the OS looks like when installed, and exploring the full version’s built-in games like Pacman and Solitaire. In applications, a useful and intuitive dual-pane file manager (DOS Navigator 2, DN2) is presented, as well as various code and text editors.
While there’s a great selection of games, apps, and utilities that come standard, you can add many more (or remove them) using the bundled FreeDOS Installer package editor.
One of the last things demonstrated in the video is the updated help system, which uses the included AMB (HTML eBook Reader) software that comes as standard.
Asking questions at the office, the most common uses of operating systems like FreeDOS 1.3 at Tom’s Hardware are; in boot disks to troubleshoot systems, to perform hardware diagnostics on a system that arrived without an operating system, as an operating system on a very old system, to back up/clone/prepare disks, to update a BIOS or just to have fun and retro DOS games.
If you are interested in FreeDOS 1.3, head over to the download page where you can choose ready-to-use downloads for various systems (legacy, UEFI) and media (CD, USB, or even floppy disks). You can also compare what’s included in the different downloadable versions of FreeDOS 1.3 to see what you’ll grab. Installs range in size from 20MB (ordinary, basic) to 275MB, including developer selections of apps, tools, and games.
