On the CWOp mailing list, someone asked:
Does software exist to convert simple old DOS programs [i.e., what we now have to call ‘applications’] to produce a version that will work in the later Window$, such as 10, Jack, Queen and so on? I want to ‘update’ my machine [i.e., throw it away & buy a new one], but still have valuable and useful old work.
On the mailing list, someone replied:
Yes, DOSBOX is free and runs all the old DOS programs very well. Only one problem I’ve encountered with it. If the old program requires the use of the ALT key while it’s running, DOSBOX does something else when you use that key. Otherwise, it works beautifully. I use it to run the old PUFF microwave design program. Also Yagi Optimizer.
A third guy added:
It runs under Windows including Win10 and gives you a DOS window on the screen. The advantage is that it allows you to slow execution speed down to emulate the old boxes. Supports serial ports and other old peripherals.
Built to run old games but I use it to to run programming software for old radios. The key is setting up the configuration file properly for what you want to do.
The DOSBox website notes:
DOSBox is a DOS-emulator that uses the SDL-library which makes DOSBox very easy to port to different platforms. DOSBox has already been ported to many different platforms, such as Windows, BeOS, Linux, MacOS X…
DOSBox also emulates CPU:286/386 realmode/protected mode, Directory FileSystem/XMS/EMS, Tandy/Hercules/CGA/EGA/VGA/VESA graphics, a SoundBlaster/Gravis Ultra Sound card for excellent sound compatibility with older games…
You can “re-live” the good old days with the help of DOSBox, it can run plenty of the old classics that don’t run on your new computer!
DOSBox is totally free of charge and OpenSource.
I think that one of the keys there is that there are versions that will run under Linux and MacOS. It might be kind of fun to play around with her on my Mac.
Dave, N8SBE says
Mmmm! Zork, anyone?