Dustin2128
November 12th, 2010, 11:15 PM
I'm working on computer projects aplenty currently, between my new hex-core desktop, search for a laptop and now classic computer project. This one however is probably doable tonight or tomorrow.
I like classic PC games, and I happen to have in my possession a 486 processor with 32 or 64Mb RAM, plus assorted expansion cards (this was before everything was integrated on the motherboard) and a 6GB hard drive (original was 700MB but I need some breathing room). Its pretty much up and running, I just need to build a simple case, hook everything up and after that's done, load FreeDOS.
The custom case is what I'm currently debating- I'm not sure whether to make a normal case, a side case enabling quick swapping of motherboards with my plethora of others (I've currently got a 486, Pentium pro, pentium 2, pentium 3, 2 pentium 4's and a Celeron D, most without cases) or a single piece- that is, integrate the monitor and motherboard with the keyboard and trackball, running it all through one power cord.
Also, is freeDOS totally and completely compatible with DOS games, hardware and programs? And can anyone recommend an install method that wouldn't require me to waste one of my few DVDs (not sure if the BIOS can even boot from DVD come to think of it, don't have any CD-Rs)? One idea I had, since I have a fairly nice P4 machine with IDE cables was that I could install to a VM and transfer the VM to the HDD. I read about it a couple months ago, but I'm not entirely sure how to do it, does anyone know?
I like classic PC games, and I happen to have in my possession a 486 processor with 32 or 64Mb RAM, plus assorted expansion cards (this was before everything was integrated on the motherboard) and a 6GB hard drive (original was 700MB but I need some breathing room). Its pretty much up and running, I just need to build a simple case, hook everything up and after that's done, load FreeDOS.
The custom case is what I'm currently debating- I'm not sure whether to make a normal case, a side case enabling quick swapping of motherboards with my plethora of others (I've currently got a 486, Pentium pro, pentium 2, pentium 3, 2 pentium 4's and a Celeron D, most without cases) or a single piece- that is, integrate the monitor and motherboard with the keyboard and trackball, running it all through one power cord.
Also, is freeDOS totally and completely compatible with DOS games, hardware and programs? And can anyone recommend an install method that wouldn't require me to waste one of my few DVDs (not sure if the BIOS can even boot from DVD come to think of it, don't have any CD-Rs)? One idea I had, since I have a fairly nice P4 machine with IDE cables was that I could install to a VM and transfer the VM to the HDD. I read about it a couple months ago, but I'm not entirely sure how to do it, does anyone know?