What do I need to use DOS and/or Windows 95 / 98 (also known as 9x) software?
A 'one size fits all' solution does not exist. Basically two options are available for running legacy (=obsolete) pc software: emulation of the legacy software on recent hardware or use of authentic legacy hardware. Both ways have their (dis)advantages. Ideally you take a look at the hardware requirements of the software which you want to use, the purpose (e.g. play games or control a machine) and your own preferences to make a choice.
Emulation:
+ Most DOS software can be emulated
+ Emulators available for most recent operating systems
+ No dependency on potentially malfunctioning legacy hardware
+ Free or low costs
- Lack of physical I/O (e.g. serial ports, ISA slots) for physical legacy devices (e.g. printers, machines)
- Graphical image quality of old games on flatscreen monitor is less compared to use of legacy CRT monitor
- Sound quality is different compared to use of authentic legacy sound card
- Not all legacy hardware supported
- Emulation of Windows 9x games is very limited
- Can be buggy
- Learning curve
Classic Computer Shop does not offer emulators. Most MS-DOS based emulators can be found using a search engine and are available as a free download.
Authentic legacy system
+ Full compatibility with legacy software
+ Optimal image and sound quality
+ Physical I/O (e.g. serial ports, ISA slots) for physical legacy devices (e.g. printers, machines)
+ Authentic experience
- Dependency on potentially malfunctioning legacy hardware (repair or replacement may eventually be needed)
- Costs involved with purchase of legacy hardware
- Availability of some legacy hardware
Classic Computer Shop does offer several MS-DOS, Windows 3.x, 9x, NT 4.0 and 2000 compatible pc's, some of which need some work (e.g. installation of an operating system) and others are ready to use. If you want to use such a pc, then you need the following peripherals (unless they are included):
1) Keyboard (PS/2 or 5-pin DIN plug)
This item can be found at Classic Computer Shop, elsewhere online or in thrift stores. Also available online or in specialist computer or cable shops are PS/2 to 5-pin DIN adaptors.
2) Mouse (PS/2 or serial plug)
This item can be found at Classic Computer Shop, elsewhere online or in thrift stores. Also available online or in specialist computer or cable shops are PS/2 to serial adaptors.
3) Monitor (can be any recent monitor with VGA or DVI input*)
Some new flatscreen computer monitors still have a VGA or DVI input, but not all of them. Be aware that an old graphics card may not be able to utilize the full (widescreen) resolution of the monitor. The online used market or thrift stores should have plenty old flatscreen monitors with either VGA and/or DVI inputs for sale. Also available online or in specialist computer or cable shops are VGA to DVI adaptors. In case of a flatscreen monitor it's better to choose a screen with a 4:3 ratio because some old graphics cards and games can only display 4:3 low resolutions. For optimal graphical image quality using old pre year 2000 games a CRT monitor is highly recommended. CRT monitors (with VGA input) in good working condition are pretty hard to come by these days. Only buy an used CRT monitor when you can see it working. Make sure to turn the brightness and contrast to the maximum setting to check the picture tube for weakness. The picture tube may be tired after years of use (= picture may be dim) or have image burn-in. *Some really old pc's from the 1980's, early 1990's and IBM PS/2 might not have a VGA graphics card, but a different one, e.g. a CGA card. Those need a matching proprietary monitor or special adaptor for a specific type of monitor.
4) Speakers (3.5mm jack plug) (optional for gaming)
This item can still be bought new in most computer shops.
5) Gamepad or joystick (DA-15 or USB A plug) (optional for gaming)
This item can be found at Classic Computer Shop, elsewhere online or in thrift stores. Be aware that many recent USB A input devices do not work with Windows 9x.
6) Storage media or ethernet card
To install software (from the internet) on or exchange data with a legacy pc you can either use storage media or ethernet. Most legacy pc's have a 3.5'' diskette or 5.25'' floppy drive, an optical drive (e.g. CD-ROM) or ZIP drive. In those cases you can use diskettes, floppy disks, optical media (e.g. CD-ROM, CD-R(W), DVD-R(W)) or ZIP disks. CD-R(W) and DVD-R(W) discs are still available new, but you may not be able to find e.g. new 3.5'' diskettes, because they are out of production for many years now. Some legacy pc's have USB A ports. You can use an USB A stick to exchange data (in Windows 98 you need a driver to do this, which is installed on ready to use legacy pc's from Classic Computer Shop). Alternatively you can exchange data using a CF or SD card if you equip the pc with a CF or SD card reader (connects to IDE port, adaptors available elsewhere online). Desktop legacy pc's are equipped with ISA and/or PCI expansion slots, that accept matching network interface cards (available at Classic Computer Shop, elsewhere online or in thrift stores). You can set up a network between a legacy and recent pc.
