This past June 29 marked the 30th anniversary of FreeDOS, the text-based operating system by American developer Jim Hall that carries on the tradition of the classic and iconic MS-DOS. The legacy of FreeDOS is a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, efficient, and reliable computing.
Development of FreeDOS continues to this day, although the latest version (1.3) is two years old at this point. TechSpot reports that version 1.4 is currently in the works, though, and will primarily focus on bug fixes and updated tools. This commitment to continual improvement demonstrates the dedication of its developers and the loyalty of its user base.
Future Prospects for FreeDOS
Looking beyond that, Jim Hall says that full support for Windows 3.1 and Windows 3.11 may be on the horizon for FreeDOS, as this has been the number one request from users for a while. This potential development could open up new possibilities for those who wish to revisit or utilize older software environments.
FreeDOS works well on most older computers, so if you want to play around with old programs and classic games, give it a try. The operating system's compatibility with vintage hardware makes it an excellent choice for enthusiasts and hobbyists who enjoy exploring retro computing.
But if you want to install FreeDOS on a modern computer, the most convenient solution—and Jim Hall’s own recommendation—is to use virtualization software. Virtualization allows users to run FreeDOS in a controlled environment without the need for dedicated hardware, making it accessible to a broader audience.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication PC för Alla and was translated and localized from Swedish.
