NETROOM, a video BIOS system, was a product of early DOS memory management technology developed by Helix Software Company in Long Island City, NY. Its unique “cloaking” function allowed for the system and video BIOS to run in extended memory, freeing up precious upper memory blocks for additional drivers. However, NETROOM’s lifespan was cut short when Helix was acquired by Network Associates in 1998, right around the time when computers with vast amounts of memory were becoming more common.
FAQ
What is NETROOM?
NETROOM is a video BIOS system that enabled the system and video BIOS to run in extended memory using the “cloaking” function of an early DOS memory manager. This freed up upper memory blocks for additional drivers.
What was the role of Helix Software Company in developing NETROOM?
Helix Software Company in Long Island City, NY, developed the early DOS memory manager technology that allowed for the “cloaking” function to free up upper memory blocks in order to run NETROOM.
Why did NETROOM’s lifespan come to an end?
Network Associates acquired Helix Software Company in 1998, right around the time when computers with large amounts of memory became more common, making NETROOM’s technology less relevant.
Conclusion
NETROOM was a groundbreaking technology for its time, allowing for the system and video BIOS to run in extended memory by freeing up upper memory blocks. However, it was short-lived and became irrelevant due to the increasing prevalence of computers with vast amounts of memory. Nevertheless, NETROOM remains an important piece of computing history.
