Difference Between DOS and Windows

The main difference between DOS and Windows is that the DOS (Disk Operating System) is an operating system that provides a command line or a text-based interface while the Windows provides a Graphical User Interface.

An operating system is the most essential component in a computer system. It is the interface between user and hardware. It performs a variety of tasks including file handling, memory allocation and de allocation, task scheduling and process management. Furthermore, it manages all the components and devices. It also provides security to the data and the system resources. DOS and Windows are operating systems. DOS is free while Windows is expensive. DOS manage disk files, allocate system resource and control hardware. On the other hand, Windows provide more features and is more user-friendly than DOS.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is DOS
      – Definition, Features
2. What is Windows
     – Definition, Features
3. What is the Difference Between DOS and Windows
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

DOS, Windows, Operating System

What is DOS

DOS stands for Disk Operating System. It provides a file system for organizing, reading and writing files to the storage disk. It is mainly a single user Operating System. DOS systems follow various activities for the proper functioning of the system. It performs file management, enabling loading and executing programs, allocating resources and controlling hardware devices.

Figure 1: MS DOS

DOS does not provide a Graphical User Interface. It has a command line interface. When the user types the commands in the command line, it interprets those commands to perform the required task. Some common commands are ERASE, DEL, PRINT, and COPY.

There are two types of DOS commands called internal and external commands.  COMMAND.COM file stores the internal commands. These commands are basic regular commands. These commands are automatically loaded to the memory when the user starts the computer. CLS, TYPE, and EXIT few examples for internal commands. CLS command clears the screen. TYPE command displays the content of a text. EXIT command is used to exit the command line.

The other type of DOS commands is called external commands. They are not used frequently. These commands are loaded to the memory only when required. COMP and SYS are two examples for external commands. COMP compares a two set of files and SYS is used to create a bootable drive.  

What is Windows

Windows is an operating system designed and developed by Microsoft Cooperation. Today, it is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. The reason for Windows popularity is its Graphical User Interface. It allows users to access applications easily. There are several Microsoft Windows versions. Windows 95, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 are some of them.

Figure 2: Windows

Windows Operating system provides multiple features. The user can easily create folders and arrange files accordingly. He can use the start button to find the programs installed in the system. Furthermore, he can use the start button to go to the control panel and to access help and support. It is also possible to customize the desktop with various themes. He can add backgrounds, colors and add screensavers.

In addition, Windows provides many useful applications such as MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The MS word allows creating documents. MS Excel helps to perform calculations and store financial details. MS PowerPoint allows creating presentations. Overall, Windows is a user-friendly system that allows performing the tasks easily and efficiently.

Difference Between Dos and Windows

Definition

DOS is an operating system that can use a disk storage device such as a floppy disk, hard disk drive or an optical disc. Windows is a group of graphical operating system family which are developed, marketed and sold by Microsoft.

Interface

DOS uses a Command Line or Text based Interface. Windows has Graphical User Interface (GUI) and a Command Line Interface.

User Friendliness

The user should know the commands to use DOS effectively. It may be difficult for a beginner. On the other hand, in Windows, the user can easily access applications using the GUI. It also provides software and hardware compatibility, help options, etc.

Usage

The DOS systems are not widely used now. It was popular between 1980 to 1995. However, sometimes DOS is used for embedded systems development. Windows is a popular operating system. It has users around the globe.

Memory Requirement

DOS requires few Megabytes to work while Windows require Gigabytes to function.

Versions

MS DOS, PC –DOC, FreeDOS, PTS-DOS, ROM-DOS, OpenDOS, 86-DOS, DR-DOS, Novell DOS are some versions of DOS. Windows 95, XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 are some windows versions.

Price

The DOS is free while Windows is expensive.

Conclusion

DOS is a family of Disk Operating System. Windows is an operating system belongs to Microsoft. The difference between DOS and Windows is that the DOS is an operating system that provides a command line or a text-based interface while the Windows provides a Graphical User Interface.

Reference:

1. “MS-DOS 5.00.409 Beta” By Microsoft – Screenshot (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “MS Windows Logo 2012” By Chuleitta – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia