Dangit, these were exactly the questions I tried to avoid! I don't mind mixing apples with oranges, I'm just looking for what is most accurate, and what is most compatible, for overall/general testing and debugging. I want to emulate/virtualize a PC as best as possible, not a particular software per-se (if that makes sense). Something that runs a DOS as best as possible, and is so well-made it could even run a full-fledged os of some kind. Like your typical console emulator, no more, no less.
My aim is debugging and experimentation. Not a particular software/os in mind. My PC is an HP G42-364LA notebook.
Emulating/virtualizing a PC. That's it, no more no less