FreeDOS vs. DOSBOX: Which is better for legacy software use?

[RobertX]

I've been using DOSBOX for some time now, and it has proven useful for games.

Now I want to expand it, include use for legacy software.

I want to use Windows 95/98, and maybe put games of that era into those kinds of operating systems.

DOSBOX does do that to an extent, but it seems that FreeDOS would be well-equipped for that kind of usage.

In your opinion, if you have used both, what is the more suitable path, FreeDOS or just DOSBOX?

I've included a poll to visually see who likes who more for my purpose.

[anonemoose]

I use multiple VMs and have MacOS, Win98 and XP - only one at a time due to my system constraints.

[RobertX]

I guess I should say that I am using FreeDOS inside a virtual machine if I'm going that route.

In your opinion, should I just continue using DOSBOX for installing Windows or should I consider VMs, encase FreeDOS, and install Windows 95/98 within that?

[dueda]

If you're going VM, no need for a DOS, just install W95/98 as a boot OS. Well, that's how I use a VM.
Then, if you need DOS, just call the Prompt app in the Windows' Start Menu Apps.

[RobertX]

As far as I know, VirtualBox does not have drivers for Windows 95/98, or does it?

EDIT: I just realised that the conversation has been revived. The post before your recent post is almost more than a year ago!

Much has changed.

[Fant0men]

Probably this one: https://pcem-emulator.co.uk/

DOSBox is slow and it makes sense it would not be suited to run any version of Windows (3.11 and above). Virtualization software is also extremely slow. According to LTT (and others), PCEm is pretty fast though. And compatibility is good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWEE2RJj3YI

[RobertX]

I just saw the video and I was overwhelmed, to say the least.

The thing is, I have using DOSBox and VirtualBox for a long time that it became a lifestyle. It was so much so that I am reluctant to switch to anything else.

They weren't perfect, but they worked too well to convince me to switch.

I apologise, but I'll have to give it a miss.

Still, great software though, maybe if I find a time in my life to switch, well, maybe.

Of course, I felt the same about Windows before I met Linux Mint. It was a breath of fresh air when I finally did.

EDIT: This just in, for those who decides to choose a different path than what I decide to lead, there is another Github page that includes an easy-to-use installer for the Windows platform of PCem.

https://github.com/BaRRaKudaRain/PCem-ROMs

As the URL suggests, you can also get the ROM files there. Get it before the site goes down.

[Fant0men]

Thanks for that GitHub link, RobertX. I have to admit I haven't tried PCem yet. There's many games from that era that I'd like to play again, but the urge to play those games is not enough to overcome the hurdle of learning a new program. So I see what you mean.

[RobertX]

Well, I do have an old Pentium 4 lying around.

As soon as I find a 2TB hard drive to work it on, and if it even works at that, I'll put it on the new machine.

EDIT: This might be of interest to you guys also; it's the system requirements of the system:

https://www.betaarchive.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=40232

[RobertX]

Well, well, well, my old Pentium 4 doesn't have the requirements to run the fucking emulator anyway.

I use that to run very old stuff. It has a 32-bit Windows 7, and very few RAM (like only half of what it requires).

Looks like it's a no-go for me.

Too bad, I think I'll keep my DOSBox and the 32-bit Virtualbox combo.