The PC we use requires an operating system such as Windows. If it’s a finished PC, like a laptop, rather than an assembled PC, Windows is usually included in the product, so the price of Windows is also included in the price of the product, whether you know it or not. There are also products that omit Windows from the basic configuration and are sold at a cheaper price. This product is commonly called “FreeDOS”. What does it mean? This question was submitted by pioXXXX.
“Hi. When looking to buy a laptop, there are products that have “FreeDoS” written in the operating system section. “I’m curious what FreeDOS means, and if I buy a laptop like this, will I be able to use it without having to install Windows? ” (some content changed)
FreeDos = Idiom referring to a product that does not ship with Windows FreeDos is a type of DOS (Disk Operation System). DOS is an operating system used before the advent of operating systems such as today’s Windows. This method is used by directly entering commands.
The most representative DOS is MS-DOS, created by Microsoft before Windows. FreeDOS is an open source operating system created to forget its legacy after Microsoft stopped development and support of MS-DOS.
FreeDos OS / Source = FreeDos
However, the term FreeDos used by laptop manufacturers or retailers does not necessarily mean FreeDos, but is more of an idiom that indirectly expresses “operating system not included”.
Since a PC, for example a laptop, without an operating system is useless, the names of free operating systems such as FreeDOS are listed as if they were available in an assortment. For the same reason it is often noted that other open source operating systems such as Linux are listed instead of FreeDOS.
Products with “FreeDos” written on the operating system / Source = Coupang Capture
Indeed, even if you buy such a laptop and install FreeDOS as the operating system, it is difficult to use it normally. Since this is a DOS-type operating system used in the 1990s, not only does it not allow proper use of the specifications and functions of current laptops, but the interface is very different from modern operating systems, making it difficult to use at unless you are an expert. Finally, if you purchase a FreeDOS product, you must install Windows separately. It is essential. However, recently, there has been an increasing number of cases where it is clearly stated that “the operating system is not included”, perhaps to avoid consumer confusion.
Because FreeDOS products do not include Windows, they are cheaper than products with Windows installed. However, the difference varies depending on the seller, manufacturer, product, etc. You can buy an original “Windows 11 Home version for first-time users” product for around 170,000-190,000 won, so if the price difference is less than this or similar, it would be better to buy a Windows installation product rather than a FreeDos product . This is especially true if you don’t want to go through the trouble of installing Windows and installing drivers on your laptop yourself.
Authentic Windows 11 can be purchased online for around 170,000-190,000 won / Source = Danawa
However, if you replace your laptop often, it may be better to purchase a separate Windows or FreeDOS laptop. This is because the Windows license included with the laptop is a license that belongs to the device, so it cannot be recycled when you replace it with another laptop. However, if you purchase a product for Windows users for the first time, it is possible to recycle the license, thus avoiding a double expense for the operating system.
Of course, this only applies to people who have sufficient PC knowledge to install the operating system and maintain the PC themselves. Otherwise I recommend buying a product that possibly includes Windows, even if there is a slight difference in price.
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IT Donga reporter Kwon Taek-kyung tk@itdonga.com
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