Re: FreeDOS

On 2024-07-03, JAB <here@is.invalid> wrote:

While it's not really usable as a standalone modern operating system
in the Internet age--among other things, DOS is not really innately
aware of "the Internet" as a concept--FreeDOS still has an important

Consequence of what a cesspit the internet has become these days, the
concept of a device that doesn't connect to anything else is
increasingly refreshing.

I just replaced the dishwasher. The new one comes with wifi capability
and wants me to install an app.  [NO, fuck you].  It permits integration
with Alexa ("Alexa, start the dishwasher") and allows me to start the
dishwasher from outside of the house, say, while I'm downtown drinking a
beer. (This solves the problem where I was standing in front of the
machine loading it with dirty dishes, but do not start it, then need to
start it hours later, remotely.  Under what circumstances is this
possible?)

DO NOT WANT.

Don't even get me started on "Smart TVs" all configured to not give me
what I want, which is to watch a program.  DO NOT WANT.

My Logitech keyboard now wants to access the internet to provide AI
features.  DO NOT WANT.

New Samsung refrigerators want to use AI to monitor contents and
possibly auto-order new milk when you are out.  DO NOT WANT.

DOS is looking better and better.  I'm also increasingly interested in
offline email (POP), turning off the router at night, and typing long
screeds on Usenet.