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From: padgett%tccslr.dnet@mmc.com (Padgett Peterson)
Newsgroups: comp.virus
Subject: re: MS-DOS in ROM? (PC)
Message-ID: <0007.9105221524.AA01619@ubu.cert.sei.cmu.edu>
Date: 21 May 91 17:43:01 GMT
Sender: Virus Discussion List <VIRUS-L@LEHIIBM1>
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Approved: krvw@sei.cmu.edu

>From:    "Krishna E. Bera" <kebera@alzabo.ocunix.on.ca>

>Is there any effort underway to produce a ROM version of MS-DOS or
>clone that is:
>	1. inexpensive
>	2. easy to upgrade (by changing a board, for example)
>	3. standardized in interface (i.e., DOS interrupt calls)
>	4. bootable (obviously), but DIP switch selectable from a disk
>	5. preferably not patented

Not that I am aware of though several laptops have attempted this.
The major problems would be:
1) Hardware is always more expensive than software to produce
2) Would make it difficult to upgrade
3) Would provide no protection from viruses - too many popular programs
   and peripherals rely on tailoring the BIOS (e.g. hard disk controllers)
   MBR (e.g. FDISK), and DOS (most TSRs) in approved methods. Unfortunately
   many of these methods can also be used by malicious software.
4) Undocumented necessities (such as necessary to use a CD-ROM or NETWARE).
5) "Bug" fixed would be much more expensive.

						Warmly,
							Padgett