Subj : Re: FreeDOS vs MS-DOS
To   : unixl0rd
From : paulie420
Date : Sat Feb 10 2024 13:11:20

 un> I have this 486dx in my basement that I want to restore. My goal is to
 un> use it as a BBS client and a DOS gaming computer.
 un> 
 un> I'm still debating whether I should install FreeDOS or MS-DOS. On the
 un> one hand, FreeDOS is up-to-date, has its own package management program,
 un> and seems easier to set up. On the other hand, it may not be as
 un> compatible as MS-DOS in regard to games that were programmed in
 un> non-standard ways.

That's a great question - on my retro hardware I usually us MS-DOS unless I'm wanting the networking features in FreeDOS [and mTCP]... however yer going to be using a fossil driver and frontdoor software to pass to telnet, right - hmmmm; and you said you want to use it for DOS gaming...

I might just try good ole MS-DOS 6.22 and see if it got all the needed functions done - I'd use the lowest common denominator that will work - if you don't need the networking tools of FreeDOS, MS-DOS has been tried and true for both of the things you want to do with the machine...

Also, I might check with the MetroNet guys - they are mostly Renegade sysOps, a majority of who have lots of knowledge running on hardware like you describe. They'll be a big help in those few tools that get a DOS based BBS connected to current-BBSing...



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