Nowadays most operating systems don’t support DOS programs and games. Luckily, there’s a way around that. Thanks to DOSBox, you can enjoy all your favorite DOS games and programs on your computer. We will show you exactly how to do so in this guide.
What is DOSBox?
DOSBox is an open-source emulator that is capable of running old DOS games and programs. DOSBox is completely free and compatible with nearly every version of Windows, Linux and macOS. Compatible with a large variety of DOS games and programs, DOSBox is the best option for anyone looking to run DOS stuff on their PC without the hassle of actually having to install and use DOS.
Installing DOSBox
Depending on what operating system you’re using, the steps for installing DOSBox can vary. The installation process is very simple, no matter what OS. Just follow the steps below:
How to Install DOSBox on Windows
How to Install DOSBox on macOS
How to Install DOSBox on Linux
Since there are multiple forks of Linux, the installation process can differ slightly. However, the only difference is the command you’ll run on the Terminal. Ubuntu users don’t need to run any command as DOSBox is available for download on the Ubuntu Software Center.
For Debian-based systems
Fedora/RHEL/CentOS based systems:
Arch-based systems:
For Ubuntu and Ubuntu-based systems (if Software Center has been uninstalled):
You might be asked for confirmation so proceed with the on-screen instructions to confirm the install. In most cases it will just be pressing ‘Y’ (yes):
Setting up DOSBox
The instructions for setting up DOSBox are essentially the same for every operating system. Although we’ve explained the process for setting up DOSBox on macOS previously, we’ll be doing the setup this time on Windows. Linux users will have to run this command on the Terminal to open the DOSBox application:
DOSBox Setup
This command is not necessary if you already know what DOS games/programs you have inside this directory and what their names are. Otherwise, you’ll see a list of all the files present inside the directory, from which you can discern the name of the file you’re trying to run. For macOS, the command will be like this: For Linux, the command is the same as macOS:
Editing the Config File
Since you’ll have to repeat the process of mounting the folder every time you open up DOSBox, it’s better to edit the config file once to quicken everything. This will allow you to launch DOSBox with the mounting process already done. Simply follow the steps below:
Modifying config file on Windows
Modifying config file on macOS
To modify the config file on macOS, you need to access the Library folder.
Modifying config file on Linux
Running Games and Programs on DOSBox
DOSBox is only an emulator and does not come with any built-in games or programs. Unfortunately, many DOS programs and games are not available for purchase. A handful of old classic games are available on the GOG Galaxy Store for purchase, but in most cases you’ll have to rely on the Internet. You can find a surprising amount of old DOS games legally and ethically online. Some of the best sites include:
DOS Games ArchiveClassic ReloadInternet ArchiveAbandonware DOS
Any game or program you download will be in the form of a ZIP file, which you’ll then need to extract. Make sure you put the extracted contents directly into your DOSBox directory and NOT the extracted folder. Any folder inside your DOSBox directory will simply not work.
Launching a game
To run a game in DOSBox, follow these steps:
Launching a program
The procedure of running a program on DOSBox are the same as the steps followed for running a game on DOSBox:
Handy Keyboard Shortcuts for DOSBox
Additionally, if you want to view a complete list of keyboard shortcuts for DOSBox, run the following command in DOSBox:
DOSBox Alternatives
Even though, DOSBox is as close to perfection an emulator can get, everyone may not be a fan. An alternative to DOSBox is PCem, an emulator whose main focus is to run older operating systems. PCem is free to download and use, and while the source code is free to view, it cannot be modified. PCem is only compatible with Windows and Linux. Other alternatives include DOSBox-X and JsDOSBox.
Conclusion
Besides giving you nostalgia through old classics, DOSBox is also a very versatile tool for running compilers for older programming languages. DOSBox has also been utilized by many modern game studios in remaking or porting some of their most popular games. It is one of the most invaluable tools out there on the Internet. We hope you enjoy reliving some great childhood memories! Is DOSBox compatible with every DOS game and program?DOSBox is compatible with most DOS programs and games, but not all. You can check out DOSBox’s official compatibility list to see which games are compatible. Can DOSBox mount a CD-ROM?Yes, you can allow DOSBox to mount a CD-ROM by entering the following command (D represents the drive letter of the CD-ROM): Is there a better user interface for the DOSBox app?Yes. DOSBox has numerous user-friendly interfaces available for you to choose from. These are termed as “frontends“. They are available to download for free on the DOSBox download page.
