Lunduke
News • Science & Tech
Myth: "DOS does not multitask"
Truth: DOS has been multitasking since the early 1980s.
July 31, 2023
post photo preview

Pop open any search engine, any forum, or any social network -- and ask if DOS is a multitasking operating system (able to run multiple programs at once)... or if it is single-tasking (only able to run one program at a time).

Heck, find any modern-day computer nerd and ask them that same question.

9 times out of 10 you'll get the same answer:

"No, DOS doesn't do multitasking.  DOS can only run one program at a time."

I'm here to tell you right now... that is false.

The correct answer is:

"Some DOS systems multitask, and some -- out of the box -- do not.  And, even those that do not multitask out of the box... can be made to handle mulitasking with very little effort."

To make that point, here's just a few early versions of DOS that handle multitasking (plus some extremely common software that gives all DOS users the ability to multitask).

Concurrent DOS (1984)

Gary Kildall's Digital Research had been selling a multitasking system known as "Concurrent CP/M" for quite some time.

And, in 1984, they began selling an add-on to Concurrent CP/M which added support for running PC-DOS and MS-DOS software as well.

undefined

That add-on, known as "Concurrent DOS", was updated to add full support for 386 CPUs and -- over time -- provided the basis for what would become DR-DOS.

In fact, the legacy of Concurrent DOS is long-standing -- eventually becoming parts of products from Novell and more.

Historical Sidenote: MS-DOS and PC-DOS owe their very existence to Gary Kildall's CP/M -- as they are built on top of a CP/M clone.  So adding in "DOS compatibility" to a multitasking CP/M was a reasonable thing to do.

IBM TopView (1985)

Want to run multiple pieces of software -- all at once -- even on an 8088 CPU?  IBM's TopView could do it.  It even included a text-based windowing environment.

TopView 1.00 - Programs.png

While TopView was quickly abandoned, by IBM, as a standalone product... it ended up having a massive impact on the overall computer industry.

As the story goes...

IBM management invited Microsoft to fly down to Boca Raton, Florida (where the IBM development team of TopView was located) to get an in-person demo of the DOS multi-tasking system.  Bill Gates, reportedly, liked what he saw and wanted it.  This led to IBM management forcing the TopView team to give the full source code to Microsoft... even without any agreement in place.

Microsoft then gave that code to another company named Dynamical Systems Research -- with the goal being to created a clone of TopView, with specific changes requested by Gates.  After this project got underway, Microsoft purchased Dynamical Systems Research (and the TopView clone named "Mondrian") outright.

This TopView clone never shipped... but all of this laid the groundwork for Microsoft's collaboration with IBM for OS/2.

DESQview (1985)

Just a few months after the release of IBM's TopView, a company named Quarterdeck Office Systems updated their "DESQ" software (which was a non-multi-tasking software switcher for DOS) to include full multitasking.

Quarterdeck DESQview 1.03 - Demo

Over time many features would be added to the popular DESQview software -- including support for 386 processors and, eventually, even a full X Windows system.  

MS-DOS 4.0 (1986)

While most versions of Microsoft's MS-DOS were, indeed, single-tasking systems (which appears to be where many get the false impression that DOS, in general, is single-tasking)... this wasn't universally the case.

In 1986, MS-DOS 4.0 made its debut.  With full, preemptive multitasking.  Seriously.

File:Multitasking MS-DOS 4.00 Command.png

Unfortunately, IBM wasn't terribly interested in a multi-tasking MS-DOS at this point.  Instead, IBM wanted to focus on the new OS/2 project.  Which meant that Microsoft scaled back the MS-DOS 4.0 project significantly.

As such, future versions of MS-DOS (including 5.0 and 6.0) would be single-tasking systems.

Wendin-DOS (1987)

Wendin-DOS is a fascinating system.  Multi-tasking.  Multi-user.  And, originally, based on a VMS clone.  Seriously... one powerful system.

https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F76f8b1f1-4d93-479f-b12e-919347f1d7e1_562x683.png

While Wendin-DOS had limited commercial success, it remains one of the most interesting operating systems of the 1980s.  I recommend reading my history of Wendin-DOS (which includes an interview with the original creator).

The reality of DOS multitasking

Those are simply a few of the versions of DOS that provide powerful multitasking (and, often, multi-user functionality).  But I think it's enough to make the point.

So.  What have we proven here?

  1. DOS systems are, often, multitasking.
  2. Even MS-DOS (the most popular version) is, sometimes, a multi-tasking system.
  3. The handful of DOS systems which are not multitasking... can add multitasking functionality with extremely common software, available since the early 1980s.
  4. Lunduke can't seem to decide whether or not to use a hyphen in multitasking (multi-tasking).

The next time a person tells you "DOS doesn't multitask"... send them here and set them straight.

community logo
Join the Lunduke Community
To read more articles like this, sign up and join my community today
13
What else you may like…
Videos
Podcasts
Posts
Articles
IBM Axes "Outdated" DEI Policies

This is really happening: Both IBM and Red Hat are removing their racist "diversity goals" and DEI policies. And the DEI True Believer (tm) IBM employees are absolutely furious.

00:32:14
Leaked Email from Red Hat CEO: DEI, Supplier Diversity Requirements Removed

In an email to Red Hat (IBM) employees, leaked to The Lunduke Journal, CEO Matt Hicks outlines where DEl is to be removed within the company.

00:22:14
Non-Woke Software List (For April, 2025)

Looking for alternatives to Woke Software? Tired of using Operating Systems and Web Browsers made by people who hate you? Here's Lunduke's latest, updated list of Non-Woke options.

00:22:23
November 22, 2023
The futility of Ad-Blockers

Ads are filling the entirety of the Web -- websites, podcasts, YouTube videos, etc. -- at an increasing rate. Prices for those ad placements are plummeting. Consumers are desperate to use ad-blockers to make the web palatable. Google (and others) are desperate to break and block ad-blockers. All of which results in... more ads and lower pay for creators.

It's a fascinatingly annoying cycle. And there's only one viable way out of it.

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links? Check here:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

The futility of Ad-Blockers
November 21, 2023
openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"

Those in power with openSUSE make it clear they will not allow me anywhere near anything related to the openSUSE project. Ever. For any reason.

Well, that settles that, then! Guess I won't be contributing to openSUSE! 🤣

Looking for the Podcast RSS feed or other links?
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4619051/lunduke-journal-link-central-tm

Give the gift of The Lunduke Journal:
https://lunduke.locals.com/post/4898317/give-the-gift-of-the-lunduke-journal

openSUSE says "No Lunduke allowed!"
September 13, 2023
"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044

This episode is free for all to enjoy and share.

Be sure to subscribe here at Lunduke.Locals.com to get all shows & articles (including interviews with other amazing nerds).

"Andreas Kling creator of Serenity OS & Ladybird Web Browser" - Lunduke’s Big Tech Show - September 13th, 2023 - Ep 044
19 hours ago

I love this guy....

April 08, 2025

For those who love retro computers, here is my retro PC time machine build.

The REAL Reason There Could Never Be a Windows 9

Help The Lunduke Journal fight against the Tech Goliaths

The corrupt Tech Foundations of the world — WikiMedia, The Linux Foundation, Mozilla, and the rest — have received hundreds of Millions of dollars in donations. The Big Tech giants bring in Billions and Billions ever year.

And there is only one Tech News outlet that is pushing back against these woke, dirty organizations… The Lunduke Journal.

One nerdy David. Against an army of well-funded, woke Tech Goliaths.

Without your support, The Lunduke Journal would not exist.

And, without The Lunduke Journal, many Tech News stories simply would never be told.

From now, through Friday, March 28th, we are running The Lunduke Journal pledge drive.

Make a one time donation (with multiple options, including Bitcoin) — and help keep The Lunduke Journal publishing commercial free, Big-Tech-Free news.

Or grab a discounted subscription and get a few fun perks:

  • Access to the exclusive Forum.

  • Access to exclusive shows (such as Q & A’s).

  • Warm Fuzzy Feelings (tm) that you’re supporting truly independent Tech Journalism.

Scroll down to find the option that works bet for you. Give only what you are able. Together we will tell the Tech News stories that no other Tech News outlet has the guts cover — together we will hold these Tech Goliaths accountable.

Make a One Time Donation

Want to toss in a one-time donation to The Lunduke Journal? There’s a few great options!

Via BitCoin:

Send any amount of BTC to the following address:

bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq

  • Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with to let us know it was you! You can choose to keep your donation anonymous if you prefer.

Via Locals:

  1. Go to Lunduke.Locals.com/support.

  2. Click “GIVE ONCE”.

  3. Enter any amount you like.

Looking for a subscription? Scroll down for options!

50% Off Yearly Subscription:

50% off a Yearly subscription to The Lunduke Journal via both Locals and Substack. (This includes full access to the community Forum.)

That’s $2.25 per month. Pocket change.

The Famous Lifetime Subscription:

The "World Famous Lunduke Journal Lifetime Subscription" is exactly what it sounds like. Pay once and get full access to The Lunduke Journal. For life. A great way to support Big-Tech-Free Journalism.

(This includes full access to the community Forum.)

New Lifetime Subscriptions are available, for $200, from now through Friday, March 28th.

The Lifetime Subscription can be obtained via Locals, Substack, or using Bitcoin. All three options work great and are super easy.

How to get a Lifetime Subscription via Locals:

  1. Go to Lunduke.Locals.com/support.

  2. Select "Give Once".

  3. Enter "200" into the amount field.

  4. After checking out, Lunduke will toss you an email once your account is set to full lifetime status. (This usually happens within a few hours.)

How to get a Lifetime Subscription via Substack:

  1. Go to Lunduke.Substack.com/subscribe.

  2. Select the “Lifetime Subscription” option.

  3. After checking out, Lunduke will toss you an email once your account is set to full lifetime status. (This usually happens within a few hours.)

If you would also like full, Lifetime access to Lunduke.Locals.com (which is included):

  1. Make a free account on Lunduke.Locals.com.

  2. Email “bryan at lunduke.com” with the email address you use on both Substack and Locals (can be different email addresses).

  3. Lunduke will toss you an email once your account is set to full lifetime status on Locals.

How to get a Lifetime Subscription with Bitcoin:

And, finally, you can obtain a Lifetime Subscription via Bitcoin. Save a few bucks with this option, as Bitcoin processing has fewer fees associated with it.

bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq

  • Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with the following information: What time you made the transaction, how much was sent (in Bitcoin), and the email address you use (or plan to use) on Locals.com or Substack.com.

50% Off DRM-Free, MP4 Downloads:

Want to be able to download every show The Lunduke Journal releases (and watch them on whatever device you like)? Yeah. You can do that. For 50% off.

Note: This DRM-Free download option does not include access to the Forum. This option is strictly for downloading the episodes.

The Lunduke Journal would not be possible without your support. Every subscriber, of every type, makes a massive difference in bringing Big-Tech-Free Tech Journalism to the world.

This truly is the last bastion of independent Tech Journalism.

Thank you.

-Lunduke

Read full Article
February 24, 2025
post photo preview
12% of Tech Workers Believe macOS is Based on Linux
Over 70% believe in at least one common Myth of Computer History.

The following data was derived from the 2025 Tech Industry Demographic Survey, which included over 12,000 respondents -- from across companies and organizations throughout the Tech Industry -- surveyed during February of 2025.

 

Ready to have your mind blown?

According to those surveyed:

  • Nearly 12% believe that macOS is based on Linux.
  • Over 70% believe in at least one common Myth of Computer History.
  • The most commonly believed myth (at 52%) is the myth that "the first computer bug was a real bug (a moth)".

 

Those who took the survey were presented with 6 common (but debunked) computer history myths... and were asked to select the myths which they believed to be true and factual historical statements.

Here is the breakdown of how many believed in each myth.

 

 

One rather fascinating piece of data: Those percentages held steady for nearly every demographic group within the survey.

For example:

Roughly 12% of respondents who prefer Linux, believe macOS is based on Linux.  The same was true of Windows users, C / C++ programmers, and those who perfer the Firefox Web Browser... no matter what sub-group was looked at... that number stayed roughly steady (around 12%).

The one outlier appeared when I looked at how many myths a person says they believe in... grouped by generic political leanings (Left, Centrist, or Right Leaning).

 

Notice that the percentage of respondents who "Believe at least one myth" or "Believes 4+ myths" stays roughly consistent (with only mild variances) across all three political groupings.

But, if you look at the "Believes 3+ myths" data, there is an 8% spike among those who identify as "Left Leaning".

While all surveyed were likely to believe at least one myth, "Left Leaning" respondents were slightly more likely to believe up to 3 myths (of the 6 presented).

 

The Myths of Computer History

 

For those curious, here are the 6 myths included in the survey (with links to debunk each of them).  

 

Read full Article
February 18, 2025
Lunduke's Birthday! Woo!

Wooo! Today is Lunduke’s birthday! Want to help celebrate this most excellent of holidays? Here’s some totally radical ideas!

1) Share some links to Lunduke Journal shows.

Bonus points if you share those shows to the type of places where people would get mad about it. 🤣

The “Open Source is Anti-Free Speech” video is a great choice. Just remember to take screenshots… because some sites will censor those links faster than you can blink (be sure to let me know if they do censor).

2) Grab a Subscription

Gotta keep the lights on here at The Lunduke Journal! And, shoot, there’s no better gift than the gift of Big-Tech-Free Journalism. 😎

Plus… for the rest of February there’s some massive discounts (like 50% off).

https://lunduke.locals.com/post/6661699/for-february-50-off-subscriptions-50-off-drm-free-downloads-lifetime-subscriptions-available

So, you know, win-win!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go eat some BBQ. Because… birthday.

-Lunduke

 
Read full Article
See More
Available on mobile and TV devices
google store google store app store app store
google store google store app tv store app tv store amazon store amazon store roku store roku store
Powered by Locals