Windows

Are you saying that opening a console window (DOS prompt) in Win2k or WinXP causes the rest of the system to slow down? This is contrary to my experience. If it's true, I'd look for some goofy memory settings in the window properties, or something odd in the CONFIG.NT or AUTOEXEC.NT files.

If you open a console window, then start a DOS program in that window, and other program are adversely affected, that's a differently hued equine. In that case, the fault usually lies with the DOS program, though checking the CONFIG.NT and AUTOEXEC.NT is again advised. My experience is that most DOS programs run pretty well in Win2K or WinXP. Games would be the exception to this, since most require direct access to the hardware, which modern OS's do not allow.

Bud, in config.nt, I have this after all the REM statements:

dos=high, umb
device=%SystemRoot%\system32\himem.sys
files=40
device=c:\windows\system32\ansi.sys

And yes, on any computer I open a DOS window or program, the machines run slow. Programs, docs, the OS. Everything. Not much improvment on speed when the program is closed, until a reboot that is.

Found a working solution, not 100% effective but good enough. Accessed the DOS shortcut's properties and under MISC, make the idle process to HIGH.

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