Software update: FreeDOS 1.3

FreeDOS is, as the name suggests, an environment compatible with MS-DOS and released under the GPL. Although the average home user switched to a graphical operating system years ago, there is still a fairly large market for this operating system. Many embedded systems still use MS-DOS, such as cash registers and portable barcode readers, but still have to pay license fees. In addition, it can also be used in corporate environments for applications that only work properly in a DOS environment. For more information, we refer you to this page. The developers released FreeDOS 1.3 with the following announcement:

FreeDOS 1.3

The new FreeDOS 1.3 is now available for download! This contains a bunch of great new features and improvements since the 1.2 release, including: new FreeCOM 0.85a, new Kernel 2043 and an 8086 version with FAT32 support, floppy Edition now uses compression and requires about half as many floppies, the return of networking , some new programs and games, many many many package updates, some updates and improvements to NLS, improved install process, especially with the MBR, some support to automatically set the COUNTRY.SYS information, improved CD initialization for the boot media and installed system , .. and much, much more! Download FreeDOS 1.3

Check the Readme for more details. You’ll need 20MB to install a “Plain DOS system,” or about 275MB for a “Full installation including applications and games.” You can find other optional packages on the BonusCD. For a list of everything included in FreeDOS 1.3, including what’s installed and what’s available to install, read the release report file.