FreeDOS is an Open Source project targeted at producing free MS-DOS compatible operating system.

These are the common uses of FreeDOS (as they are seen by creators of the project):

1. To run old DOS games (like DOOM, etc.)
2. To run old business software that only supports DOS
3. To support an embedded DOS system, such as a computerized cash register or till

FreeDOS does seem to be a viable alternative in cases when original MS-DOS license was lost or old software is used but MS-DOS is not available.

I ve installed it and it seems to be a sound solution for all these old POS terminals and old machines. Well, FreeDOS is free for use anyway .

Download Link: FreeDOS 1.0 (Please note that there are various ISO images available for download. You can download fdbasecd.iso which is only 8 megabytes. If you want more functionality consider downloading fdfullcd.iso or fdfullws.iso)

Technorati : FreeDOS, MS-DOS, Open Source
Del.icio.us : FreeDOS, MS-DOS, Open Source
Ice Rocket : FreeDOS, MS-DOS, Open Source