I installed DOSBox on three of my computers for testing purposes: my ThinkPad W541, the IBM ThinkPad T42 and – to test out the software’s compatibility with macOS – my early 2014 MacBook Air. Now, let’s talk about the games and software I’ve ran in DOSBox and my DOSBox “setup.” My Configurations for maximum performance and reliability.įor someone like me who wants to learn more about DOS and enjoy classic DOS software like games but doesn’t have the money to purchase a vintage computer, the DOSBox option is probably the best choice. DOSBox is similar to running DOS in a “general purpose” virtual machine like VMware, except DOSBox is configured to run specifically DOS and already has emulated sound drivers, etc. While DOSBox may not be as nice as having your own IBM PC or PS/2, it offers some advantages. Option 3 is what this entry is about – installing DOSBox. Option 2 is to setup a virtual machine, such as VMware, and run an actual copy of MS-DOS or one of its clones. Want video? You’re going to need to buy a CGA or VGA video card? This may sound easy, but some cards are rare – especially those for proprietary or rarely-used expansion ports like IBM’s Microchannel expansion ports. Want audio? You’re going to need a SoundBlaster. configuring settings.) Plus, old computer hardware isn’t just pricey alone – you also have to buy accessories and cards. Along with this, you do get the true PC experience – from the fun of having your own vintage computer hardware to the hardships it brings (i.e. But that can be a pricey endeavour and the hardware is over 20 years old, in some cases (like the IBM PC) nearing their 40th birthday. Option 1 is to lay down the money and buy a period computer, such as an IBM PC or PS/2, Tandy, etc., that runs MS-DOS and is compatible with your programs. Today, you have a couple options to running MS-DOS and its programs: Mostly, however, MS-DOS is more used for the former: playing games and experiencing the 1980s computing environment. FreeDOS, etc.,) MS-DOS has largely been phased out and replaced with full graphical user interfaces like Microsoft’s Windows (which was no longer a shell of DOS in Windows NT and Windows XP) and Apple’s macOS.ĭespite this, MS-DOS (and its sister, PC-DOS) is still used for nostalgic purposes, or to run legacy programs that are still needed but have not been ported to a newer, contemporary OS.

It’s been nearly 19 years since Microsoft released the last version of MS-DOS. Want to run yesterday’s software on today’s hardware? No problem…

Playing dos games floppy disk emulator