Non-Gaming Applications. \ VOGONS

Non-Gaming Applications.

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First post, by Crimsonite

Posted on 2014-04-18, 03:00

Crimsonite Offline

Rank Newbie

Rank: Newbie
Posts: 5
Joined: 2014-04-18, 00:40

I see a thread on here that says DosBox is no good for non-gaming apps. Well that's just bullcrap. I started a novel twenty two years ago on an old AT computer running Dos 6.2 and the Q&A2 word processor. After many years when everything associated with that computer was obsolete, it was stolen. All I had left was the old Ditto Easy QIC tape backup with the App and files on it. Recently I found an old AT with Win 98 on it, and found a Ditto Easy. Amazingly the tape was still good and I restored Q&A2 and the files. Then I copied everything and moved it to my new laptop. Immediately I went to DosBox and mounted the drive and ran the .bat file that is necessary to run Q&A2. It ran perfectly and still does so that I am able to complete my novel. In case you are wondering why all the trouble - it is impossible to get Q&A anymore, anywhere; and no modern word processor will read Q&A files.

Reply 1 of 2, by collector

Posted on 2014-04-18, 03:21

collector Offline

Rank l33t

Rank: l33t
Posts: 4490
Joined: 2003-01-15, 10:39

It is not that it can't run some applications, but it is not complete in terms of features that many applications need, like SHARE, or the ability to set/configure the CONFIG.SYS. Many things are missing on purpose speed or reducing unneeded complexity. There are liability reasons to discourage people from using DOSBox over emulators/virtualizers better suited for the job. This does not mean that you cannot use it for apps, just don't ask for help when things go wrong.