DOSBox v0.70: Open source DOS emulator for MacOS X, Linux, Windows

DOSBox v0.70 is the latest release from the DOSBox Team. For the uninitiated, it is a DOS-emulator that uses the SDL-library. DOSBox has been ported on different platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS X. The DOS emulator itself is open source and has garnered the support of a lot of its users. It emulates the following:

• CPU:286/386 realmode/protected mode,
• Directory FileSystem/XMS/EMS,
• Tandy/Hercules/CGA/EGA/VGA/VESA graphics,
• and for sound a SoundBlaster/Gravis Ultra Sound card.

DOSBOX offers countless hours of reliving the classic games that newer systems may have a problem running. It is common to find that the games from the 80s and early 90s to be unplayable since they would be too quick (some of the programs use the clock speed to dictate the speed of the game). With DOSBox, it is not only possible but actually relatively easy.

It’s been reported that the program’s stable and nobody’s had any trouble with running classics such as Maniac Mansion, Alley Cat, Wing Commander, or Frogger. It’s inevitable that there might be a few classic games that don’t work with this version though.

Note for downloads: The windows executable is in the main folder, the zipped .dmg file for MacOS X and the other file for FedoraCore.

Download: DOSBox v0.70

Click the full article to see a quickstart guide.

DOSBox v0.70 is the latest release from the DOSBox Team. For the uninitiated, it is a DOS-emulator that uses the SDL-library. DOSBox has been ported on different platforms, such as Windows, Linux, and MacOS X. The DOS emulator itself is open source and has garnered the support of a lot of its users. It emulates the following:

• CPU:286/386 realmode/protected mode,
• Directory FileSystem/XMS/EMS,
• Tandy/Hercules/CGA/EGA/VGA/VESA graphics,
• and for sound a SoundBlaster/Gravis Ultra Sound card.

DOSBOX offers countless hours of reliving the classic games that newer systems may have a problem running. It is common to find that the games from the 80s and early 90s to be unplayable since they would be too quick (some of the programs use the clock speed to dictate the speed of the game). With DOSBox, it is not only possible but actually relatively easy.

It’s been reported that the program’s stable and nobody’s had any trouble with running classics such as Maniac Mansion, Alley Cat, Wing Commander, or Frogger. It’s inevitable that there might be a few classic games that don’t work with this version though.

DOSBox 0.70 is simple to use and easy to obtain. Here are the basic steps in running the game in Windows which were based on Firestorm225’s guide, though we would advise reading the readme file that comes with the installer just to be safe:

• First, you will have to download the program (remember to choose the installer applicable to your platform) and install it. Once you have done so, move your legacy games into a single folder on C: (if you’re using windows), this will make it easier for you to access the games.
• Run DOSBox.
• Type in “mount c C:(name of directory for your legacy games)” without the  quotations. This makes your dosbox treat the mounted directory as drive c:
• Navigate your way to the directory of your game and run the executable program.
• Sometimes, there will be a problem as the game might be running too fast or too slow. This can be corrected by the following function keys.

• CTRL + F7 = Decreases frameskip
• CTRL + F8 = Increases Frameskip
• CTRL + F11 = Slows down the game
• CTRL + F12 = Speeds up the game

Other options to make your life simpler.

• CTRL-F5 Save a screenshot (Goes to Snaps folder)
• CTRL-F6 Start/Stop recording sound output to a wave file (Goes to Waves folder)
• CTRL-F9 Automatically close DOSBox
• CTRL-F10 Capture/Release the mouse (If you need to use the mouse within DOSBox)

Note for downloads: The windows executable is in the main folder, the zipped .dmg file for MacOS X and the other file for FedoraCore.

Download: DOSBox v0.70