86-DOS, MS-DOS and PC-DOS kernel source code is transcribed for compilation
Updated
Updated · Hackaday · Apr 30
86-DOS, MS-DOS and PC-DOS kernel source code is transcribed for compilation
11 articles · Updated · Hackaday · Apr 30
Printouts from creator Tim Paterson include 86-DOS 1.00, MS-DOS 1.25, PC-DOS 1.00-dev and utilities such as CHKDSK, with handwritten notes.
Eight of 10 continuous-feed paper bundles have been transcribed, and recovered DOS kernels plus the Seattle Computer Products assembler source can already be compiled into binaries.
The scans are on Archive.org and the transcribed code on GitHub, where linked blog posts add technical detail and volunteers are invited to help finish transcription and testing.
With its source code now public, what does 86-DOS reveal about the legendary feud between Bill Gates and Gary Kildall?
As AI writes code, what secrets of human innovation are hidden in the handwritten notes on the original MS-DOS printouts?
How did a $75,000 deal for a 'dirty' OS clone build Microsoft's empire and shape the entire PC industry?