China DOS Union

I've always wanted to talk to you all about the situation of the forum. There are quite a few problems, so I'll just speak freely as I think of things, and I'll add more later as I think of them.

First, regarding maintaining the forum's true nature and preserving the original essence of DOS

Although there are very few people using DOS as their sole working environment now, our forum is a DOS forum, mainly for discussing DOS-related issues. There are plenty of places on the internet for discussing non-DOS issues, so there's no need to post them here. Of course, we don't refuse discussions of non-DOS issues, but they shouldn't be posted in the DOS-related sections. What is DOS? Those who have used it know very well that DOS is a character interface and command-line environment, but that doesn't mean that a character interface and command-line environment is DOS. It's okay for us to occasionally discuss the application of certain commands in DOSBOX under Windows or batch processing, after all, we come into contact with these more now. Sometimes it's more convenient to solve problems with batch processing. And for some problems, it's better to compile an application directly rather than use batch processing. Although DOSBOX has a "blood relationship" with DOS, it's not the real DOS. If we整天 stay within the BOX, how can DOS develop? How can we revive the DOS movement like this? I want to remind everyone to be careful that using BOX for a long time might make you "招安" by Windows. I myself now feel that my thinking isn't as active as before after using Windows for a long time. Only when I return to working under DOS do I get that feeling of using a computer back then.

Once again, this is a DOS forum! Not a "character operation interface forum"! I'll borrow a post that small de (defrag) posted on "DOS Home" - "Please be careful when posting in this section, gunpowder is stickied!!! Don't post things that aren't DOS here!"


Second, regarding the organization of forum posts and software on the website

The issue about the development of DOS mentioned earlier, just as small磕(Climbing) once mentioned, are there many DOS-related issues to discuss now? Those that have been solved are already solved, and the remaining ones are unsolvable. Indeed, I've had this thought too. Except for batch processing, there doesn't seem to be much left to research in DOS. DOS, as an operating system with a history of several decades, is already quite mature. In the past, predecessors have provided various solutions and useful tools for us. But with new problems, DOS is always "old revolutionaries encountering new problems". Some problems have been solved quite well, such as the driver for Ultra DMA; but the solutions to some problems are still not satisfactory so far, such as the driver for USB, accessing the NTFS file system, etc. There are either this shortcoming or that defect. (I have limited knowledge, and welcome everyone to point out and supplement if there are any mistakes) Then, does that mean there's nothing to talk about in the DOS forum? Therefore, I think that as an operating system with a long history, DOS is now in the maintenance and summary period, and the focus of the forum is on summarizing and organizing the existing solutions. For those that haven't been completely solved, such as the USB driver and NTFS access mentioned earlier, we can make a list, listing the functions that various relevant software have already achieved and those that haven't, so that people can use them selectively according to different situations.

Someone once said something that I think is very reasonable: "A forum isn't a running account, but a database." Especially for our technical forum, it's a technical database for solving various problems. Of course, doing such work is hard and requires a lot of time and energy. Xiao Tian once did such organizing work. He specifically organized a post that collects the existing solutions to various typical problems on the forum and some basic knowledge: Index of Closed Threads in the China DOS Union Forum

Moreover, even with past old problems, is there really nothing worth discussing? Regarding application issues, for example, the multitasking nature of DOS and multitasking software, I think we've discussed very little. Of course, batch processing is also a topic that will never disappear in DOS in the future. In addition, organizing the software we've used in the past is also an important task for the DOS Union. We know that in the past, there was no concept of installation for individual DOS software. Everyone just copied them around. After copying for a long time, there were bound to be some "distortions". Take PC TOOLS 5.0 that almost everyone has as an example. I've collected 4 or 5 different "versions" (note that the version number is also all 5.0). Some files have different lengths, and some have the same length but different contents when compared. Who dares to say which is the authentic "original version"? There are also some software with installation packages, such as programming development tools, tool software, games, etc., but they were all copied from others who had already installed them, or others also had copied versions, so there are bound to be some missing files or "distortions". Therefore, organizing the rich DOS software in the past is also an important task. Speaking of which, I want to talk about the issue that afnspy, Kinglion, etc. discussed last time about establishing a DOS software download base. I don't know if the DOS Union forum and the union website use the same space. First, many of the links to DOS software on the original website have become invalid. I think there should be opportunities to reorganize them. Second, for the software in the attachments of members, if it's a complete original version, it can be transferred to the software library on the website as needed. Third, now there are more members with cloud disks. The union website should solicit some good software from members, and members can also report to the forum from time to time about what good software they have. Here, "good" means preferably the original version, and if there's an installation version, provide the installation version. In this way, a large number of excellent DOS software will be concentrated in the union's software library, and all DOS enthusiasts can share these software. I think that if as the largest Chinese DOS website and forum, people can't find DOS software here, they will be very disappointed, and the website will be very misnamed. I hope that in the future, the union website will leave an impression: Want DOS software? Go to the China DOS Union, and basically they have it all!


Third, suggesting opening another section

Now the posting is a bit chaotic. Some people just don't think about where to post, and some don't know where is appropriate. Some problems are cross-cutting, such as the production of boot disks, which can be posted in "Boot Disk Room" or "Download Room". And the Answer Room is like a big mixed bag, with everything thrown in. But some of these posts are also worth referring to, such as some people saying that their hard drive can't boot, etc. There are also some problems that are relatively fundamental and have nothing to do with any section. Actually, some problems are not suitable for posting in this forum at all, but because of trust in the forum and high expectations, they are posted here. It's not easy to delete them casually, and some problems are still worth referring to. Therefore, it's suggested to open a section similar to a mixed bag, where other computer problems that are not suitable for the existing sections, such as hardware, troubleshooting, etc., can be communicated. Combined with the issue of organizing and classifying the posts in the entire forum as I mentioned earlier, I think a super moderator should be recommended, who is someone who has time to be online frequently and is enthusiastic about the forum, to facilitate the organization and adjustment of posts between sections. I propose that Xiao Tian can take on this role.


The above are some of my personal thoughts. Welcome everyone to put forward your opinions and suggestions.

DOSforever has always liked to crack jokes, but this time the suggestion put forward is very serious and good! I personally strongly support it!

For DOS - type software, many forum members are willing to provide it for free, but there is no place to download it! If the software can't be downloaded, talking about theory has no practical significance. Why doesn't the webmaster listen to our opinions and organize or upgrade your New DOS Era?

A large number of excellent DOS software will be concentrated in the software library of the alliance, and all DOS enthusiasts can share these software. I hope it can be realized soon...

Regarding the server space issues for the new DOS era website and the DOS Union forum, it seems I need to explain it: Originally, the DOS Union and the new DOS era used different server spaces. The DOS Union forum used the server at www.cn-dos.net, while the new DOS era and local software downloads used servers like www.cn-dos.net, newdos.yginfo.net, dos.qiee.com, etc. But unfortunately, the servers used by the new DOS era, such as www.cn-dos.net, newdos.yginfo.net, dos.qiee.com, etc., have successively become inaccessible. So now, the relevant web pages have to be temporarily changed to use the same server as the DOS Union, that is, www.cn-dos.net. However, because the original servers used by the new DOS era have failed, the software downloads originally uploaded on the above servers are no longer available, and the server used by the DOS Union forum also has space size issues. Therefore, to truly solve the problem of software downloads and website file storage, the most important thing is to first solve the server space problem. I also hope this can be achieved soon.

Okay, let's talk about the forum posts and board issues later when there are conditions. Then, what about the forum posts and board issues?

Re: DOSforever:

I deeply feel the various issues you mentioned. Indeed, our China DOS Union has reached a point where some issues have to be faced, but we still lack solutions and resources (including human and material resources). However, as the saying goes, "Sailing against the current, if you don't advance, you will retreat". Just waiting and relying on external help will surely affect the future and fate of the union!

The opinions and suggestions you mentioned are very pertinent. It is hoped that they will receive extensive responses and discussions from everyone, and efforts will be made to seek better solutions to the problems.

It is suggested that Wengier start with personnel matters, actively absorb some talents who are fond of and understand DOS and are willing to make positive contributions to the development of the union. In addition to positions such as forum moderators, it is suggested to set up skill-based positions, such as programmers to maintain the forum code, administrators to maintain the download space, researchers to develop DOS technology, etc.

Regarding your proposal that I serve as the super moderator, I feel that I am not equal to the task. Although I am not lacking in enthusiasm, the lack of online time and management experience is still a big problem for me. In the future, these problems may not be effectively solved, and may even become more prominent. Of course, if the union cannot absorb a more suitable person in the short term, I will consider taking this position.

In addition, I would like to ask you to visit the following new topic, and sincerely hope to get your reply.

Split Topic - 2006-04-19-01
http://www.cn-dos.net/forum/viewthread.php?tid=20176

1. The post content is not in line with the theme of the section
2. Posting repeatedly in multiple sections
3. The post title is too vague
4. Some questions already have answers in the forum but are still repeatedly raised.
What to do? What to do? What to do?

"Absorbing some talents who have hobbies and understanding of DOS and are willing to make positive contributions to the development of the alliance" is a good idea, and it is also what I am happy to see. This requires everyone to actively participate. After all, the more people participate, the greater the effect usually is.

Regarding the issues of posts and sections, as for the posts in the existing sections, it may be a relatively complicated and long-term task to carry out a comprehensive organization and adjustment, which cannot be solved overnight (it would be best if it can be done as soon as possible). As for the posts sent by netizens, they are not only related to the structure of the sections themselves, but also related to the posting habits or methods of netizens, etc. It may be feasible to open a new section to try to solve the so-called "miscellaneous pot" problem. Let's try. Then what should be its name and theme? "Miscellaneous Pot Room"? Let's listen to everyone's opinions.

Re All:

Have some new opinions on the section division. Maybe there are some repetitions with past discussions, but still hope everyone can give opinions.

1. The forum is divided into Service Area, Technology Area, and Station Affairs Area according to the page display order;

2. The Technology Area is derived from "New DOS World", and the Windows series, Unix/Linux and other operating system columns are included in this area. Appropriately consider adding "Batch Processing and Windows NT Scripts" and other technical sections; the Service Area is based on the original, and the four sections of DOS Learning Introduction & Wonderful Articles (Teaching Room), DOS Difficulties and Questions & Discussions (Answer Room), DOS Software Downloads & Game Sharing (Download Room), and Station Affairs Area Website Highlights & Boutique Area are incorporated.

3. The DOS Learning Introduction & Wonderful Articles (Teaching Room) in the Service Area is transformed into a novice Q&A section. The wonderful articles are separated and incorporated into the corresponding sections of the Technology Area, specially for forum novices to post questions. The Difficult Discussions section comes from DOS Difficulties and Questions & Discussions (Answer Room), and users at or above the registered user level can post new topics here.

4. In the Technology Area, users at the novice level can only browse, users at the registered user level can browse and reply, and users at the above levels can browse, reply, and post new topics. The novice Q&A section in the Service Area allows users at the novice level to post new topics here, and the Difficult Discussions section allows users at or above the registered user level to post new topics here.

5. The novice Q&A and Difficult Discussions sections are managed by full-time moderators. In addition to maintaining order, the topics that meet the "closed" requirement are moved to the corresponding sections of the Technology Discussion Area. The rules of the novice Q&A section are relatively loose, while the Difficult Q&A section is stricter.

The above are just a few superficial opinions. There may be omissions or inaccuracies. Please point them out.

Software repository. This problem is neither too big nor too small. Buying an FTP space as a download site will do, but this is not a long-term solution.

I actually think this website is a bit too clean? There are no ads at all. From a business perspective, what is the purpose of setting up a non-profit website? Most should be to increase traffic and charge advertising fees. I don't agree with ad-free websites. I remember a phrase from one of Yu Shiwei's videos, roughly meaning: If there is no motivation, everything is fake. If a website has no economic income to maintain its maintenance costs, who can afford to be the administrator? Use this traffic and the clean interface here to open some advertising areas. It doesn't matter what form the ads are, as long as they are not pop-up windows or floating ads, they shouldn't have too much impact on browsing the web. Use the advertising fees to purchase and set up your own server, and cooperate with other large websites, making use of each other. (Being able to be used by others means you have value, and being able to use others means you have the talent to discover.) I remember it was said last year that a book would be published. I don't know how it is going. Publishing your own book and earning royalties. In this way, others are happy to have related books published, and you can also earn server maintenance fees. Isn't this killing two birds with one stone? Many things depend on how to manage. Change the angle, and maybe the world will become so beautiful!

Advertisement! My QQ is 272922032:cool:

If we do a little test, I think the management of this forum is basically a perfectionist! And very perfect! (I am also an absolute perfectionist)

Just chatting casually! Not having ads doesn't necessarily mean it's perfect. A website doesn't have to rely on ads for support, but it must rely on its own income to cover server costs. Otherwise, relying on other sources is very unstable. Do it yourself and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Carry out some commercial services without affecting browsing, but do it reasonably. The purpose can only be to obtain the necessary server maintenance fees.

Is it okay to burn some software onto CDs for sale like this website does, to facilitate netizens who don't have time to surf the internet?
http://linuxstore.freewares.cn/cd.hwp?gid=19

This method is good, but the payment issue is a bit troublesome. Students don't have online banks and rarely make online transactions, and 15 yuan is too expensive. If using the mobile short message method to purchase, the telecom will also take a part of the money. The fee I can accept is 5 yuan per copy, and if adding mailing, it can't exceed 6.5 yuan at most. Otherwise, even if I want to buy, I won't want to buy anymore.

Originally posted by willsort at 2006-4-23 12:36 AM:
Re All:

I have some new ideas about the section division. It may be somewhat repetitive with past discussions, but I still hope everyone can give their opinions.

1、The forum is divided into service areas according to the page display order...

Since the adjustment of this division is relatively large, I suggest carrying it out step by step. I wonder if it is okay. First, establish a batch processing and script section, and transfer the existing corresponding posts to this section, and then let everyone post here; at the same time, put the Windows series, Unix/Linux and other operating system sections into the technical area. Then move and adjust other sections.

But regarding the study and difficult discussion section, I think it may be better to be a technical section like other DOS sections, and it can also concentrate sections related to the DOS theme. After all, it seems a bit inappropriate to put it in the service area together with sections like chatting and water pouring? Of course, there may be better ways to do this issue, and everyone may wish to put forward.

This method is good, but the payment issue is a bit troublesome. Students don't have online banks and rarely conduct online transactions, and 15 yuan is too expensive. If it is purchased by mobile phone short message, the telecommunication will divide a part of the money. The cost I can accept is 5 yuan per piece. If plus mailing, it can't exceed 6.5 yuan at most, otherwise, even if I want to buy, I will become unwilling to buy.

Whether to charge or have paid services may be related to the nature of the website. Netizens may also have different opinions about this. But at least in China, there are probably very few people who are willing to spend this kind of money on software.

To All:
It's very regrettable that I encountered the legendary "unable to display the web page causing lost reply information" error again. The whole paragraph I just wrote disappeared without a trace. Fortunately, it gave me another chance to filter out emotional impurities and refine the text.

Re Wengier:

I agree that the work of re - dividing the board areas should be carried out step by step slowly. On the one hand, it gives the management appropriate buffer time, and on the other hand, it gives members more time to give feedback. But it's best to start as soon as possible, otherwise the story of "the first surge is strong, the second is weak, and the third is exhausted" will be repeated.

The Newcomer Entry and Difficult Problems Solving sections do contain a large number of technical topics, but their names determine the nature of "service", and the questioners and answerers in the two sections are more like the relationship between the server and the one being served. Of course, this depends on how to understand the concept of "service". And the Posting Pictures and Chatting Zone, and maybe even the forum recycling bin are just other kinds of services. Of course, it can also be considered to merge these two sections with the Download Room into a new area. The name "Exchange Zone" may be appropriate.

At the same time, I also thought about how to leave a corresponding living space for the technical zone, that is, to move the topics that have been discussed maturely in the service area to the various sections of the technical zone for further organization and discussion. At the same time, encourage members to post original and reprinted technical topics. The technical zone is more like a technical exhibition stand and a technical discussion area.

In this way, it can effectively avoid the phenomenon that the topics in the technical sections are of uneven quality and the topics in the exchange sections are all over the place. At the same time, it also lays the foundation for the future possible sorting out of forum materials.

Re 272922032:

The non - commercial route that the forum is taking now is not completely because of the perfectionism of the management. The lack of funds and talents for commercial operation is also a main factor. If you have a relatively mature operation plan, I will hold a cautious approval attitude towards your suggestion. After all, the influence of capital on technology and the network cannot be ignored. For example, the rapid rise of Qidian Chinese Network.

At the same time, what I want to say is that the founders and early participants of the alliance and the forum came together out of the common love for DOS, just wanting to provide everyone with a platform for communication and development. There is no utilitarian purpose in it. The popularity and profit of the forum are not the key points to consider. Everyone just acts according to their own heart, forming an atmosphere of equality, mutual assistance and free communication.

As one of the early participants of the forum, I cherish this very much. So, if the forum becomes unrecognizable due to some strong external forces and is far from what I have in mind, I will be very sad; but if because of these influences, it develops more healthily and more maturely, I will also be very happy. I think many people in the forum have the same feelings and the same wishes as me. So in determining the general direction of the forum's future development, I hope to be able to make bold attempts and cautious demonstrations. To this end, more people need to pay more efforts for this, and I sincerely hope that you will be one of them.

Postscript: I'm glad to have met you. But recently, free time has become increasingly precious. Therefore, I use communication methods like QQ less and less. Even the frequency of email sending and receiving has changed from every three or five days to once every ten or half a month. Almost all the online time is spent here. Therefore, this is the fastest way to communicate with me. If it's private communication, you can use the forum's private messages, which are also very fast.