The Forgotten Era of MS-DOS: A Personal Reflection on the Birth of Microsoft
As I sit here, reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Microsoft’s founding, I’m reminded of the humble beginnings of the company that would transform personal computing. For me, it all started with an obsolete PC, an old library book, and one version of MS-DOS – MS-DOS 5.0. In this post, I’ll take you on a journey through my personal experience with MS-DOS, exploring the significance of this version and its impact on my understanding of technology.
The Obsolete PC
I remember receiving a hand-me-down PC from our church, a generic yellowed clone of the original IBM PC 5150. It was a relic of the past, with an Intel 8088 processor, two 5.25-inch floppy drives, and a paltry 500-something KB of RAM. The lack of a hard drive meant that everything had to be stored on moldering black plastic diskettes, many of which were already going bad. As a kid with minimal exposure to computers, I was both fascinated and intimidated by this ancient machine.
MS-DOS 5.0: A Significant Release
The operating system diskette for this PC just happened to be running MS-DOS 5.0, which I later discovered was a significant release. Released in June 1991, MS-DOS 5.0 was the first version to include Edit and Qbasic, and it was also the last version to be jointly developed by Microsoft and IBM before they parted ways. This version was a welcome corrective after the ambitious-but-busted MS-DOS 4.0 release, with new features and higher RAM requirements but few of the same compatibility problems.
The Library Book
Armed with nothing more than a version number, I hit the non-fiction shelves at our local public library to find more information. I stumbled upon a book called DOS 5 Fundamentals, which came with disks containing sample files. This book taught me the basics of MS-DOS, including searching through files and folders, writing journal entries, copying and formatting disks, writing batch files, and creating system disks for backups.
The Lasting Impact
My experience with MS-DOS 5.0 had a lasting impact on my understanding of technology. Even as I moved on to newer operating systems like Windows 95 and 98, knowing how to use MS-DOS remained essential for troubleshooting and reinstalling the OS. This knowledge also sparked my curiosity about the underpinnings of other electronics, leading me to pursue a career in IT and eventually writing about technology.
Microsoft’s Legacy
While Microsoft is far from a perfect company, I owe a debt of gratitude to that first computer and the software it ran. The company’s early days were marked by strong-arm tactics and anticompetitive practices, and I have misgivings about their push into generative AI and the current state of Windows 11. However, I believe that MS-DOS 5.0 played a significant role in shaping my understanding of technology and inspiring my career.
Actionable Insights
For those who are new to technology or looking to learn more about the early days of personal computing, I recommend exploring the history of MS-DOS and Microsoft. You might also consider dusting off an old PC or emulator to experience the thrill of using MS-DOS 5.0 firsthand.
Conclusion
As Microsoft celebrates its 50th anniversary, I’m reminded of the humble beginnings of the company that would transform personal computing. My experience with MS-DOS 5.0 may seem quaint by today’s standards, but it laid the foundation for my understanding of technology and inspired my career. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just curious about the early days of computing, I hope this post has provided a glimpse into the forgotten era of MS-DOS.