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Microsoft was the sole developer of IBM PC DOS from its initial release, with IBM only handling distribution.
Answer: False
Explanation: While Microsoft was the primary initial developer, IBM significantly contributed to PC DOS development from version 3.0 onward, eventually establishing its own development team and leading to separate development paths for PC DOS and MS-DOS.
IBM's task force for the IBM PC made the strategic decision to source critical components, including the operating system, from external vendors.
Answer: True
Explanation: The IBM task force responsible for the IBM PC made the pivotal decision to procure critical components, such as the operating system, from outside vendors, a significant departure from IBM's traditional in-house development model.
IBM required Microsoft to transfer full ownership of the software developed for the IBM PC to IBM to ensure complete control and intellectual property rights.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM preferred that Microsoft retain ownership of the software to avoid potential lawsuits related to intellectual property claims, thereby making Microsoft responsible for any such litigation.
The official agreement between IBM and Microsoft for the operating system development was signed in July 1980, shortly after initial contact.
Answer: False
Explanation: While initial contact occurred in July 1980, the official agreement between IBM and Microsoft for operating system development was formally signed in early November 1980, after several months of negotiations.
PC DOS 1.x was an entirely new operating system developed from scratch by Microsoft specifically for the IBM PC.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS 1.x originated from 86-DOS, which Microsoft licensed and purchased from Seattle Computer Products, and then modified for the IBM PC, rather than being developed from scratch.
Adapting 86-DOS for the IBM PC was a simple task, primarily involving minor cosmetic changes to the user interface.
Answer: False
Explanation: Adapting 86-DOS for the IBM PC was a complex process, involving significant technical challenges such as converting from 8-inch to 5.25-inch floppy disks and integrating with the IBM PC's BIOS.
Who were the primary developers of IBM PC DOS, especially in its early versions?
Answer: Microsoft, with significant contributions from IBM later on.
Explanation: IBM PC DOS was primarily developed by Microsoft, which also sold it as MS-DOS. IBM's contributions became significant from version 3.0 onwards, leading to a joint development model.
A key decision made by the IBM task force for the IBM PC was to:
Answer: Source critical components, including the operating system, from outside vendors.
Explanation: The IBM task force made the strategic decision to source critical components, including the operating system, from external vendors, a departure from IBM's traditional internal development model.
What was IBM's primary reason for allowing Microsoft to retain ownership of the software developed for the IBM PC?
Answer: To avoid potential lawsuits from claims of stealing code.
Explanation: IBM's primary motivation for allowing Microsoft to retain ownership of the software was to prevent potential lawsuits related to intellectual property, shifting the legal responsibility to Microsoft.
When was the official agreement between IBM and Microsoft for operating system development signed?
Answer: Early November 1980.
Explanation: The formal agreement between IBM and Microsoft for operating system development was signed in early November 1980, following initial contact and negotiations.
From which operating system did PC DOS 1.x originate?
Answer: 86-DOS.
Explanation: PC DOS 1.x originated from 86-DOS, which Microsoft licensed and subsequently purchased from Seattle Computer Products.
A significant technical challenge in adapting 86-DOS for the IBM PC was:
Answer: Converting it from 8-inch to 5.25-inch floppy disks and integrating it with the IBM PC's BIOS.
Explanation: A major technical challenge in adapting 86-DOS for the IBM PC involved converting its disk format from 8-inch to 5.25-inch floppies and integrating it seamlessly with the IBM PC's BIOS.
IBM PC DOS 1.0 introduced the FAT32 file system and supported double-sided 320 kilobyte 5.25-inch floppies.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM PC DOS 1.0 introduced the FAT12 file system and supported single-sided 160 kilobyte 5.25-inch floppies. Support for double-sided 320 kilobyte floppies came with PC DOS 1.10.
PC DOS 1.10, released in May 1982, added support for double-sided drives, increasing disk capacity to 320 kilobytes per disk.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 1.10, released in May 1982, indeed added support for new double-sided drives, which increased the disk capacity to 320 kilobytes per disk.
PC DOS 2.0 was a complete rewrite that introduced subdirectories, hard disk support, and a Unix-inspired kernel.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 2.0 was a comprehensive rewrite that introduced significant features such as subdirectories, hard disk support for the IBM XT, and a Unix-inspired kernel with file handles and loadable device drivers.
PC DOS 2.0 formed the fundamental basis for all Microsoft's consumer-oriented operating systems until Windows XP, which was based on the Windows NT architecture.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 2.0 served as the foundational architecture for all subsequent Microsoft consumer-oriented operating systems, continuing this lineage until Windows XP, which transitioned to the Windows NT architecture.
PC DOS 2.1 was primarily released to introduce a new graphical user interface for the IBM PCjr.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS 2.1 was primarily released to fix bugs from version 2.0 and to add support for half-height floppy drives and the newly introduced IBM PCjr computer, not to introduce a graphical user interface.
PC DOS 3.00, released with the IBM PC/AT, introduced support for 3.5-inch 1.44 megabyte floppy disks.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS 3.00, released with the IBM PC/AT, primarily introduced support for the AT's new 1.2 megabyte floppy disks. Support for 3.5-inch 1.44 megabyte floppy disks was introduced later with PC DOS 3.3.
PC DOS 3.2 added support for 3.5-inch double-density 720 kilobyte floppy disk drives.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 3.2, released in April 1986, added support for 3.5-inch double-density 720 kilobyte floppy disk drives, which were used in the IBM PC Convertible and later the IBM Personal System/2.
PC DOS 3.3 was widely unpopular due to its numerous bugs and high memory usage, leading many users to prefer its successor, PC DOS 4.0.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS 3.3 was a popular version, often preferred over its successor, PC DOS 4.0, which was known for its bugs and compatibility issues. PC DOS 3.3 was the last version specifically designed for IBM XT and floppy-only systems.
Which file system was introduced with IBM PC DOS 1.0?
Answer: FAT12.
Explanation: IBM PC DOS 1.0 introduced the FAT12 file system, which was a significant departure from the file-naming conventions of its predecessor, CP/M-80.
What was a key improvement introduced with PC DOS 1.10?
Answer: Support for double-sided drives, increasing disk capacity to 320 kilobytes.
Explanation: PC DOS 1.10 notably added support for double-sided drives, which effectively doubled the disk capacity to 320 kilobytes per disk.
Which significant feature was introduced in PC DOS 2.0 for the first time?
Answer: Subdirectories and hard disk support.
Explanation: PC DOS 2.0 marked a major architectural shift by introducing support for subdirectories and hard disk drives, essential for the new IBM XT.
PC DOS 2.0 served as the fundamental basis for Microsoft's consumer-oriented operating systems until which release?
Answer: Windows XP.
Explanation: PC DOS 2.0 established the foundational architecture for all Microsoft's consumer-oriented operating systems that followed, a lineage that continued until the release of Windows XP in 2001.
What was the primary purpose of PC DOS 2.1?
Answer: To fix bugs from version 2.0 and add support for half-height floppy drives and the IBM PCjr.
Explanation: PC DOS 2.1 was primarily released to address bugs found in version 2.0 and to provide support for half-height floppy drives and the newly launched IBM PCjr computer.
PC DOS 3.00 primarily introduced support for which new hardware component?
Answer: The AT's new 1.2 megabyte floppy disks.
Explanation: PC DOS 3.00, released with the IBM PC/AT, primarily added support for the AT's new 1.2 megabyte floppy disks.
Which version of PC DOS first supported 3.5-inch double-density 720 kilobyte floppy disk drives?
Answer: PC DOS 3.2.
Explanation: PC DOS 3.2, released in April 1986, was the first version to introduce support for 3.5-inch double-density 720 kilobyte floppy disk drives.
Which floppy disk format was first supported by PC DOS 3.3?
Answer: High-density 3.5-inch 1.44 megabyte.
Explanation: PC DOS 3.3, released in April 1987, added support for high-density 3.5-inch 1.44 megabyte floppy disk drives, which were introduced with the IBM Personal System/2 line.
Why was PC DOS 3.3 considered a popular version?
Answer: It was the last version specifically designed for IBM XT and floppy-only systems, and was preferred over the buggy PC DOS 4.0.
Explanation: PC DOS 3.3 was popular because it was the final version optimized for IBM XT and floppy-only systems, and it was widely preferred over the problematic PC DOS 4.0.
PC DOS 4.0 was the first version to include the DOS Shell, a full-screen utility designed to make the command-line operating system more user-friendly.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 4.0, despite its issues, was indeed the first version to incorporate the DOS Shell, a full-screen utility aimed at improving the user-friendliness of the command-line operating system.
Microsoft addressed the problems in PC DOS 4.0 by releasing a bug-fixed version known as DOS 4.01 after taking back control of its development.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following the problematic release of PC DOS 4.0, Microsoft reassumed control of its development and subsequently issued a bug-fixed version, DOS 4.01, to rectify the reported issues.
PC DOS 5 introduced support for the High Memory Area (HMA) and Upper Memory Blocks (UMBs) to reduce conventional memory usage.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 5, released in June 1991, introduced crucial memory management features, including support for the High Memory Area (HMA) and Upper Memory Blocks (UMBs) on 80286 and later systems, to optimize conventional memory usage.
What was a notable new feature introduced in PC DOS 4.0, despite its issues?
Answer: The DOS Shell, a full-screen utility.
Explanation: Despite its various issues, PC DOS 4.0 notably introduced the DOS Shell, a full-screen utility designed to enhance the user-friendliness of the command-line operating system.
How were the problems in PC DOS 4.0 primarily addressed?
Answer: Microsoft took back control of development and released a bug-fixed version known as DOS 4.01.
Explanation: The problems in PC DOS 4.0 were addressed when Microsoft reassumed control of its development and released a bug-fixed version, DOS 4.01.
Which memory management features were introduced in PC DOS 5?
Answer: Support for High Memory Area (HMA) and Upper Memory Blocks (UMBs).
Explanation: PC DOS 5 introduced significant memory management capabilities, including support for the High Memory Area (HMA) and Upper Memory Blocks (UMBs), to optimize conventional memory usage.
What user-friendly enhancement was added to DOS commands in PC DOS 5?
Answer: All DOS commands gained support for the /? option to display syntax.
Explanation: In PC DOS 5, a user-friendly enhancement was added where all DOS commands gained support for the /? option, allowing users to easily display command syntax directly from the command line.
IBM PC DOS and MS-DOS diverged into separate development paths in 1993, with the release of PC DOS 6.1 and MS-DOS 6.
Answer: True
Explanation: IBM PC DOS and MS-DOS officially diverged into separate development paths in 1993, with the release of MS-DOS 6 in March and the independently developed PC DOS 6.1 in June of that year.
PC DOS 6.1 removed the MS-DOS Editor and replaced it with IBM's E Editor, while also introducing QBasic.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS 6.1 removed QBasic and replaced the MS-DOS Editor with IBM's E Editor; it did not introduce QBasic.
PC DOS 7 introduced the REXX programming language and support for the XDF floppy disk format, which could store up to 1.86 megabytes.
Answer: True
Explanation: PC DOS 7, released in April 1995, introduced the REXX programming language and added support for the XDF floppy disk format, which could indeed extend the capacity of a standard 1.44 megabyte floppy disk to 1.86 megabytes.
When was the latest retail version of IBM PC DOS, PC DOS 2000, released?
Answer: April 1998.
Explanation: The latest retail release of IBM PC DOS was PC DOS 2000, which was launched in April 1998.
IBM PC DOS was primarily designed with a graphical user interface, allowing users to interact with the system through visual elements rather than typed commands.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM PC DOS predominantly utilized a command-line interface (CLI), managed by COMMAND.COM, requiring users to input textual commands for system interaction, as opposed to a graphical user interface.
IBM PC DOS is currently an open-source operating system that receives regular official updates and technical assistance.
Answer: False
Explanation: IBM PC DOS is no longer supported and does not receive official updates or technical assistance. Furthermore, it is a closed-source operating system, meaning its proprietary code is not publicly available.
The initial release of IBM PC DOS occurred in August 1981, with its latest retail version, PC DOS 2000, released in April 1998.
Answer: True
Explanation: IBM PC DOS was initially released in August 1981. The most recent retail version, PC DOS 2000, was indeed released in April 1998.
On the IBM PC, CP/M-86 was significantly more popular than PC DOS, primarily due to its lower cost.
Answer: False
Explanation: PC DOS was significantly more popular than CP/M-86 on the IBM PC. A survey indicated that 96.3% of PCs were ordered with the $40 PC DOS, compared to only 3.4% with the $240 CP/M-86, making CP/M-86 both less popular and more expensive.
Compaq's Portable computer, released in 1983, was the first fully IBM PC compatible and shipped with its own OEM version of MS-DOS.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Compaq Portable, launched in 1983, was indeed the first fully IBM PC compatible computer and was bundled with COMPAQ-DOS, an OEM version of MS-DOS.
In 1986, IBM PC DOS gained support for client access to distributed file services defined by the Distributed Data Management Architecture (DDM).
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1986, IBM announced PC DOS support for client access to distributed file services as defined by the Distributed Data Management Architecture (DDM), enabling PCs to interact with files on IBM System/36, System/38, and mainframe computers.
What was the primary purpose of IBM PC DOS?
Answer: To serve as a foundational software for IBM Personal Computers and compatibles.
Explanation: IBM PC DOS was specifically designed to be the foundational disk operating system for the IBM Personal Computer, its successors, and IBM PC compatibles.
Which two programming languages were primarily used to write IBM PC DOS?
Answer: Assembly language and C programming language.
Explanation: IBM PC DOS was written using a combination of Assembly language for low-level hardware interaction and the C programming language for higher-level system programming.
What is the current source model of IBM PC DOS?
Answer: Closed source, with proprietary code not publicly available.
Explanation: IBM PC DOS operates under a closed-source model, meaning its proprietary code is not publicly accessible for inspection or modification.
What was the default user interface for IBM PC DOS?
Answer: A command-line interface managed by COMMAND.COM.
Explanation: The default user interface for IBM PC DOS was a command-line interface (CLI), where users interacted with the operating system by typing commands into COMMAND.COM.
Which operating system, besides PC DOS, was supported by the IBM PC but was significantly less popular, costing $240 compared to PC DOS's $40?
Answer: CP/M-86.
Explanation: CP/M-86 was supported by the IBM PC but was considerably less popular than PC DOS, largely due to its higher cost of $240 compared to PC DOS's $40.
What was Compaq's significant contribution to the PC compatible market in 1983?
Answer: They released the Compaq Portable, the first fully IBM PC compatible computer, shipping with an OEM MS-DOS version.
Explanation: In 1983, Compaq made a significant contribution by releasing the Compaq Portable, which was the first fully IBM PC compatible computer and came bundled with an OEM version of MS-DOS.