Atari ST and DOS PCs: A Forgotten Disk Compatibility Story

In 1984, Atari faced a challenge in getting an operating system for the Atari ST. Due to time constraints, they partnered with Digital Research, opting for their nearly-complete GEM OS instead of the then-unfinished Windows. GEM would later be ported to PCs, but it didn't gain traction. However, Atari ST's use of GEMDOS, similar to PC-DOS, and the identical disk format, allowed for surprisingly easy file transfers between the Atari ST and PCs. Despite minor compatibility issues, this was revolutionary at the time and remains relevant today. The article also recounts an attempt to run DOS programs on an Atari ST using pc-ditto, a third-party emulator. While slow, the ability to run some DOS applications showcases the Atari ST's unique charm in the retro computing world.