Hey, i was wondering about how to install DOS, since it seems a great way to learn about programing and... stuff. Just a few questions i have...

• I've heard that there is a way of getting XP/Vista to make a start up DOS floppy disc. Since i can't seem to get one any other way, how would i go about this and what other options do i have?
• What basic things do i need to know as a long time windows user that will hopefully stop me from crawling into a hole and crying?
• Is it actually worth it?

You can also use this topic to... reminisces, if you will Thanks for any help.

Try and have a list of basic commands printed out at all times.

Apart from the fact that I don't see how using DOS can teach you anything about programming, if you really need DOS you can use DOSBox - it's a DOS emulator for Windows.

DOS is the most less useful, anyway, DOS is not just a command line, but the ground of Windows 1.0 to 3.1 and 9.x.
1.0 was very colorful with little pics and meant for tiny screens.
Its better to run it through a windows emulator like MSVPC. (Microsoft Virtual PC)
It can be aimed for specific Windows and give you the recommended RAM and HDD space for a virtual HDD.
Its much better than destroying your computer with installing DOS.
You cant boot another Windows from DOS, DOS is too easy.
You would learn useful things from programming in yor own system.
Because DOS is YEARS out of date.
It was ended together with 9.x
Win95 and 98 used the DOS-kernel, which is a very limited kernel and not made for heavy systems, and would not use the full specs.
Its much better using the NT kernel, its filled with features.
DOS is easy enoguh coded to run on a ARM phone..

So, better stick with your own system, DOS is not of interest in programming, its another kernel and other systemfiles that cant run newer programs.

I understand that i wouldn't use DOS as a replacement... it's just that i've had a few people say that having used DOS is useful for programing in general.

And it's a no on the Virtual PC front, tried to download it and apparently my OS isn't supported (Vista HP, 32bit).

DOS will not even run from a machine built today as the hardware is unsupported.

Unless you run it in a emulator.

I second DOSBOX. Great emulator, especially for Elderscrolls:Arena.

It came up with that error for me too, but I just ignored it Ignore the message, it works fine on Vista HP 32bit, I use it all the time and I know other people on Vista HP that use it too. Heaven knows why they decided us HP users couldn't use it

HOWEVER, I have no idea whether a) Virtual PC will actually run DOS (it doesn't support all operating systems), or B) what issues you will encounter with your modern hardware. Expect a lot of problems. It may not run at all.

And as Arianna said, a printout of basic commands is a must.

Its much better to just use MSVPC, its very simple and supports DOS.
Its better than making a computer DOS.

You dont actually learn much programming in DOS, its just the command line.
Also, DOS is the ground part of the old Windows, like Windows 1.0.
Just so you know:
DOS is not so useful for programming..
Though its useful for programming a NQC LEGO robot..
Since the program uses the command line to fucntion.

Isn't 98 the last OS to use a DOS kernel? Everything from ME *spits* onwards uses NT, as far as i know...

Still, i think i'll give some of those a go. Gotta have something to do