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In general, refering to long filenames, means just that, ability to use long names for files.

In context of DOS this usually means using the new int21h API (LFN API, often confused with extensions for FAT32 support) introduced with Windows 9x to allow usage of names exceeding the standard DOS format of 8.3 (eight characters for file name and three additional characters for the extension).

Under DOS, long filenames are usually stored on the VFAT filesystem, which extends the normal FAT (FAT12/16/32) to store unicode filenames (up to 260 characters). Long filenames may also be used when accessing CD-ROMs? or networks if the corresponding IFS/redirector supports it.

Under FreeDOS and other DOSes without kernel support for VFAT, a TSR may be used to provide the necessary support.