TAMING DOS APPLICATIONS

There are still a lot of DOS applications out in the business world, as many developers create DOS-based business apps for clients because the users prefer the older OS. While DOS is a perfectly serviceable operating environment, DOS programs can place certain performance demands on your computer that could put your Windows programs at risk of becoming unreliable.

DOS programs are often designed to constantly scan the computer for input from the keyboard, which can drive up the CPU's usage. This takes CPU cycles away from other programs, which might make them slow, unresponsive, or even lead to application freezes.

You can, however, set a sensitivity timer on the DOS application, which shortens the amount of time that Windows will let pass before deciding the application is dormant and reducing the number of CPU cycles passed over to the application.

To change the Idle Sensitivity setting, right-click the shortcut used to start the program's executable file. Select Properties and click on the Misc. tab. The Idle Sensitivity slider will allow you to dictate how long Windows will wait before designating a DOS program as dormant.

A Low setting increases the time the program has before Windows marks it idle, while a High setting gives the program less time before Windows marks it idle.

To decrease the program's taxation of CPU cycles, set the Idle Sensitivity to High. When you are done, click OK.

This will improve the responsiveness of your program and avoid system slowdown.