What was the role of MS-DOS in Windows 95?
MS-DOS was crucial for Windows 95, acting as the boot loader and legacy driver layer, enabling compatibility with older applications while transitioning to a more efficient 32-bit architecture.
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MS-DOS played a crucial role in the operation of Windows 95, serving primarily as the boot loader and a 16-bit legacy device driver layer. Upon startup, a customized version of MS-DOS was loaded, which processed system configuration files and initiated the booting of the Windows environment. This version of MS-DOS was essential for running Windows in "single MS-DOS application mode." The WIN.COM program initiated the transition to the 32-bit virtual machine manager, which allowed Windows to operate in protected mode, effectively taking over from MS-DOS.
MS-DOS also facilitated compatibility with older 16-bit applications and drivers, which often manipulated the operating system directly. The 32-bit file system manager managed file operations while maintaining the illusion that MS-DOS was still in control. This was achieved through a series of hooks and service vector replacements that allowed 16-bit drivers to interact with the 32-bit system without disrupting its operations. The system maintained state variables from MS-DOS to ensure compatibility with legacy applications. In essence, MS-DOS acted as a façade, allowing older software to function while the more advanced 32-bit architecture handled the actual processing.
- MS-DOS served as both the boot loader and a legacy driver layer in Windows 95.
- A customized version of MS-DOS was essential for initializing the Windows environment.
- The transition to protected mode allowed for more efficient 32-bit operations.
- MS-DOS maintained compatibility with older applications through hooks and service vector replacements.
- The 32-bit file system manager managed operations while preserving the illusion of MS-DOS control.
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