# FreeDOS-32 > PC-compatible DOS clone with 32-bit extensions **Wikidata**: [Q4038976](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4038976) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/freedos-32 ## Summary FreeDOS-32 is a PC-compatible operating system clone designed with 32-bit extensions. It is an open-source software project hosted on SourceForge that aims to extend the traditional DOS architecture. The system is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** FreeDOS-32 is an instance of an operating system. - **Description:** It is defined as a PC-compatible DOS clone featuring 32-bit extensions. - **License:** The software is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. - **Copyright Status:** The project is copyrighted. - **Website:** The official project website is `http://freedos-32.sourceforge.net` (English). - **Source Code:** The code is maintained in a SourceForge repository and a GitHub mirror. - **Wikipedia Presence:** The project has a Wikipedia article in the Russian language (`ru`). - **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** `/g/120z72bj` ## FAQs ### Q: What is FreeDOS-32? A: FreeDOS-32 is an operating system designed to be a clone of PC-compatible DOS. It differentiates itself from standard DOS by utilizing 32-bit extensions. ### Q: Is FreeDOS-32 free to use? A: Yes, FreeDOS-32 is free software released under the GNU General Public License, version 3.0. It is copyrighted but openly licensed for distribution and modification. ### Q: Where can the source code for FreeDOS-32 be found? A: The source code is available via its SourceForge project page (`freedos-32`) and a GitHub repository specifically for the kernel (`github.com/salvois/kernel`). ## Why It Matters FreeDOS-32 matters as a technical initiative to modernize the legacy DOS architecture, which was originally limited to 16-bit operations. By implementing 32-bit extensions, the project attempts to bridge the gap between the simplicity of the classic DOS command-line interface and the performance capabilities of newer hardware architectures. This makes it a point of interest for developers working on embedded systems, retro-computing, or operating system design, where a lightweight, non-graphical environment is preferred but 16-bit memory constraints are a hindrance. The project's adherence to the GNU General Public License (version 3.0) ensures that it remains free and open-source, protecting the rights of users to study, modify, and redistribute the software. Its presence on platforms like SourceForge and GitHub facilitates community collaboration and code preservation. Despite having a relatively low site link count (indicating a niche or developing status), its distinct goal of creating a "PC-compatible DOS clone with 32-bit extensions" gives it a unique niche within the open-source operating system landscape. ## Notable For - **32-bit Architecture:** Unlike traditional MS-DOS, which is primarily 16-bit, FreeDOS-32 is built with 32-bit extensions. - **Open Source Licensing:** It utilizes the GPL-3.0 license, ensuring broad freedoms for users and developers. - **PC Compatibility:** It maintains compatibility with the standard PC DOS environment while extending its capabilities. - **Multi-Platform Hosting:** Development assets are hosted across both SourceForge (primary project) and GitHub (kernel mirror). ## Body ### Technical Definition FreeDOS-32 is identified in knowledge bases as a distinct instance of an **operating system**. Its core technical description is a "PC-compatible DOS clone with 32-bit extensions." This classification distinguishes it from standard DOS implementations that operate in real mode (16-bit). By leveraging 32-bit extensions, the system aims to provide enhanced resource management while retaining the operational feel of a traditional DOS environment. ### Licensing and Legal Status The project is fully copyrighted but distributed under the **GNU General Public License, version 3.0**. This licensing model guarantees that the software is free to use, modify, and share, provided that the same rights are preserved in derivative works. ### Development and Repositories Development of FreeDOS-32 is centered around its **SourceForge project** (`freedos-32`). * **Primary Repository:** The main source code is accessible via SourceForge at `https://sourceforge.net/p/freedos-32/code/HEAD/tree/`. * **Version Control:** A specific Subversion (SVN) repository is also listed at `svn://svn.code.sf.net/p/freedos-32/code/trunk`. * **GitHub Mirror:** Elements of the project, specifically the kernel, are mirrored on GitHub at `https://github.com/salvois/kernel`. ### Web Presence The project's official website is hosted on SourceForge at `http://freedos-32.sourceforge.net`. While the project has a global reach, it notably has a Wikipedia presence specifically in the **Russian language**. It is tracked within the Google Knowledge Graph under the ID `/g/120z72bj`.