Command: kernel.sys

  The KERNEL (KERNEL.SYS) is the heart of FreeDOS.

Syntax:

  - none -

Options:

  - none -

Comments:

  The KERNEL is necessary to load drivers via CONFIG.SYS / FDCONFIG.SYS
  and to make COMMAND.COM or other SHELLS run in FreeDOS. Whereas the
  KERNEL loads CONFIG.SYS / FDCONFIG.SYS, the SHELL (e.g. COMMAND.COM)
  loads AUTOEXEC.BAT / FDAUTO.BAT. There are alternative SHELLS, e.g.
  DOG or the SvarDOS command.com.
  To install the KERNEL on a diskette / HD you have to run the SYS
  command. SYS copies the KERNEL to a special place on the boot
  media; otherwise it is not found when booting up and the system
  will not work. For this reason KERNEL.SYS must ALWAYS be in the
  root directory of the boot media.

Examples:

  - none -

See also:

  autoexec.bat/fdauto.bat
  command.com
  dog (alternative shell)
  config.sys/fdconfig.sys
  sys

  Copyright © 2008 - 2025, W. Spiegl.

  This file is derived from the FreeDOS Spec Command HOWTO.
  See the file H2Cpying for copying conditions.