Thanks for your replay, Dex4u.
Your code example is very insightfull
Does your username imply any connection to the Dex4u OS? If so, how about using Dex4u, heavely commented and with links to helpfiles? That is if the it is open source?

Thanks for your replay, Dex4u.
Your code example is very insightfull
Does your username imply any connection to the Dex4u OS? If so, how about using Dex4u, documented and linked to help files, that is if the Source code would be available?

Thanks, Yes i am a member of the dev team for Dex4u OS (soon to be renamed "dex os"), it is under a licence where you are free to use for noncommercial use, but anyone that adds code to the OS or is a founding member of "Team Dex4u" owns part of the licence.
But any member of the Dex4u forum can get the code by just asking for it.
But it would be too much for a beginner to get there heads around.
Maybe we could move MiniDOS to pmode one of my other OS projects
See what you think: http://board.flatassembler.net/topic.php?t=5275&start=0

I'm planning to try my hand on a 32 bit operating system but realize that I have a long way to go there. After looking at the sources of MiniDos and reading the thread under which it was posted, its obvious to me, that this is a very good idea.
The aims as outlined are very good
1. simple comandline.
2. load com/exe
3. load from fdd,hdd,usb pen drive.
4. emulate about 30 common int 21h functions.
5. easiy to add more function, as needed.

I have recently bought a new computer and don't have a floppy drive anymore. Up to now I have not worked with an emulator but think this is a necessety for me. Could you recommend one that's simple and would work well with MiniDos?
Your input would be appreciated thanks
Klod

I find that MiniDOS works well in Qemu, all of the screenshot were taken using Qemu. here is a image of MiniDOS and bach file for Qemu.
http://www.dex4u.com/Dos4u/MdosQemu.zip

Note: the one in the bach file users Qemu 64bit ver (but it works the same as 32bit).
We can make a simple Dos extender for 32bit Program from with in MiniDOS.

I have downloaded and installed QMEU and it works great. I played around for few days with itand I like it.
I like the idea of the Dos extender very much, but I feel it would not hurt to stick with 16Bit dos for a while.
Here is my next question:
I would like to set up a basic programming environment where I could compile, add the program to the image and also
decompile/debug the programs.
Option 1: set up a compile/debug environment under Windows and then add the programs to MiniDos.img.
Option 2: If Fasm could run under MiniDos, install/create a developement environment in MiniDos and do everything natively.
What are your thoughts on this?

MiniDos was just a simple demo, i try to keep it small and simple so people can understand it, as such there no write to fdd or hdd in MiniDos, these will be easy to add.
So your best use window for now and add them to image with "winimage" etc.

Dex4u OS can run from MiniDos which can also run Fasm etc so you can do it that way, but you will need the Dex4u ver thats made for emulators.

PS: Sticking with 16bit realmode will be a good idea for now.
PPS: There some talk here: http://jas2o.forthworks.com/dexforum/index.php?topic=155.0
about getting gem http://gem.shaneland.co.uk/index.html
To run on MiniDos

yes sure we should have OSDev Tutorial as a start for the beginners
Thanx