Single Page

Top Document: Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 12.4) What kinds of monitors can I use with my Atari?
Next Document: 13.2) What hardware has Atari created in the 8-bit computer line?

---

13.1) What's the best DOS for the Atari?

---
This is a matter of opinion, but general consensus is that all 8-bit Atari
users should treat themselves to either MYDOS or SpartaDOS to appreciate the
power of the system.

Either MYDOS or SpartaDOS will work with almost any disk drive, up to 8
drives or hard disk partitions, and ramdisk.

MYDOS is modelled after Atari DOS 2.0S/2.5, but provides subdirectory and
hard-drive support.  MYDOS 4.53 is freeware from Wordmark Systems (Charles
Marslett and Bob Puff). There are two versions of MYDOS 4.53, one uses 3 digit
sector numbers where possible, known as 4.53/3; the other, known as 4.53/4,
uses 4 digits minimum.  Complete documentation about the disk formats and
commands, as well as the source code, is available.

SpartaDOS is a completely different command-line DOS modelled after MS-DOS,
though it is perfectly capable of reading all Atari DOS and MYDOS disks.
SpartaDOS 3.2g is disk-based; SpartaDOS X 4.22 is cartridge-based and includes
many additional features. SpartaDOS is available from Fine Tooned Engineering
(see companion vendor/developer list).  SpartaDOS 3.3a and 3.3b were rewritten
by Stephen J. Carden for use with BBS Express PRO!.

It is recommended that all 8-bit Atari users own at least DOS 2.5 for complete
compatibility with existing software, and then choose either SpartaDOS or MYDOS
as they see fit.  DOS 2.5, MYDOS and SpartaDOS are all available on the
archives.
  filenames:   Os/dos25.arc (DOS 2.5)
               Fte/fte32g.arc (SpartaDOS 3.2)
               Os/mydos453.dcm (MYDOS - latest version)
               Os/mydos45m.arc (MYDOS - latest complete doc's)

Any other versions of DOS all 8-bit Atari users should be aware of??



Top Document: Atari 8-Bit Computers: Frequently Asked Questions
Previous Document: 12.4) What kinds of monitors can I use with my Atari?
Next Document: 13.2) What hardware has Atari created in the 8-bit computer line?

Single Page

------------------------------------------------
[ By Archive-name | By Author | By Category | By Newsgroup ]
[ Home | Latest Updates | Archive Stats | Search | Usenet References | Help ]

------------------------------------------------

Send corrections/additions to the FAQ Maintainer:
Michael Current <mcurrent@carleton.edu>

Last Update November 09 1997 @ 02:11 AM

faq-admin@faqs.org