DOS -- Well, anyway, the DOS that forms the foundation for Windows 98...
Having choices for DOS on Windows 98 machines makes life complex. Let's review some of them.
(1) DOS Window is the most Windows aware DOS. Long file names are supported. Device drivers are loaded. And Windows is looking over your shoulder ready to grant or deny permission for everything you attempt to do. Cut and paste can be supported. Type a Windows command, and a window opens.
(2) MS-DOS Mode appears when Windows closes it's graphical user interface and presents you with a DOS command line. However Windows is just around the corner listening, and is ready to re-appear if it doesn't like what it hears. Windows drivers are loaded, and some Windows features are available.
(3) MS-DOS. We get this DOS when we choose DOS when we boot. This mode most closely resembles pure DOS machines before the days of Windows. DOS device drivers are loaded, and AUTOEXEC.BAT commands are executed. This is the environment I have in mind when I post about DOS, though I never say so, leading to all manner of confusion.
(4) MS-DOS Safe Mode. This is the DOS we get if CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files are not processed at boot time. It is also the DOS we get when we make a floppy bootable, write nothing additional to it, and use it to boot. It is the cleanest DOS possible. It's also a nuisance to use.
I prefer to make images with DI using (3) MS-DOS. It provides the convenient environment I'm accustomed to, without the annoyances of Windows putting grit into the gears when I'm not looking.
Hope this brings more light than confusion.
Cheers, PW. |
