Difference Between Windows 95 and DOS


Main Difference

The difference amongst these types of programs is who has control over the computer. DOS programs normally expect themselves to be the only program running on your computer, so they will directly deploy the hardware, such as writing to the disk or displaying graphics on the screen. They may also be reliant on on timing, since the computer won’t be doing anything else to slow them down. Many games fall into this category. Windows programs, on the other hand, realize that they must share your computer with other Windows programs.

What is Windows 95?

Windows 95 (codenamed Chicago) is a consumer-oriented functioning system developed by Microsoft. It was released on August 24, 1995, and was a significant development over the company’s previous Windows products.


What is DOS?

DOS /dɒs/, short for disk operating system, is an abbreviation for several computer operating systems that were operated by using the command line.MS-DOS subjugated the IBM PC compatible market between 1981 and 1995, or until about 2000 including the partially MS-DOS-based Microsoft Windows (95, 98, and Millennium Edition). “DOS” is used to describe the family of several very similar command-line systems, including MS-DOS, PC DOS, DR-DOS, FreeDOS, ROM-DOS, OSx16, “Horizon OS” and PTS-DOS.

Key Differences

  1. Windows practices a mouse or text for commands, and shows items in windows, or separate panes Whereas MS DOS is a functional operating system where you type a command and it takes you to the function.
  2. Windows has graphics and DOS does not.
  3. DOS is a command line and Windows 95 is a GUI.
  4. DOS runs in real mode Whereas Win runs in protected kernel mode.
  5. DOS makes an 8086 seem about as fast as an 8086 Whereas Windows 95 makes a Pentium seem about as fast as an 8086.
  6. DOS offers less storage space compared to Windows.
  7. DOS and Windows also vary in terms of registry systems and swap files. While DOS uses a directory system, where all the files are contained within a particular directory or a subdirectory, Windows uses a much complicated registry system making it difficult to materially delete files from the system and excessive files can cause the system to slow down or crash.
  8. DOS is powerless to run manifold processes at the same time. Whereas, Windows 95 is a multitasking operating system; allowing more than one process to work simultaneously.

Comparison Video

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Harlon Moss
