One of the toughest things about using DOS is trying to establish network or internet connectivity. In a world in which we are accustomed to plug and play integration, DOS can feel like your hands are tied in every direction you reach. Especially if you need connectivity. In dos we have to use “Packet Drivers” and a TCPIP stack or driver.
Microsoft DOS did not come with the ability to setup networks. This later gave rise to the popularity of Novell Netware as a solution. It is possible to network dos with proper Packet Drivers and a supported network card. There are even some motherboards manufacturers that created Packet Drivers for DOS applications. Check the drivers CD or the website for drivers.
Microsoft did eventually release a TCPIP stack for networking as they moved into early versions of Windows.
Here are some current internet resources for packet drivers and information.
This is a webserver for DOS (interesting!) with links for packet drivers. http://www.georgpotthast.de/sioux/ and http://www.georgpotthast.de/sioux/packet.htm
TCPIP stack can be found here – Trumpet Winsock – http://www.tattsoft.com/index.php/downloads.html BEWARE we are talking these are PRE-Windows ME, Old Skool Stuff!
Some setup info that may be helpful here: http://freedos.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Networking_FreeDOS_-_NTCPDRV
Additional Information – http://www.brutman.com/Dos_Networking/
Happy Retro Exploring!!!
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Another good resource
http://dendarii.co.uk/FAQs/dos-net.html