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| Aimee's Tips for Old Computer Games/Software; From Experience and Reading | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jul 15 2008, 06:48 PM (89 Views) | |
| Aimee Wilbury | Jul 15 2008, 06:48 PM Post #1 |
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1. If you have old DOS games, but you have a Windows NT-based system (XP and Vista), you can use DOSBox to play them. 2. To make it easier, I recommend getting a "frontend" for DOSBox. Still, learn the commands, in case the frontend doesn't work. 3. You can run Windows 3.1 on DOSBox, but you have to be VERY CAREFUL not to put it in the wrong place. Just google the instructions. 4. 16-bit games do not work in 64-bit Windows. Some 32-bit games have 16-bit installers, but if you have CD, sometimes you can copy the program files and it'll work. Fortunatly, some 16-bit games have the DOS versions which will work with DOSBox. 5. XP and Vista have something called Compatability Mode. Right click the program file, click Properties, then Compatability tab. Try different options. 6. Some people say that Virtual Machines work well for installing Windows 9x on your system, and playing 16-bit games. I haven't tried it so I can't tell you. 7. For games on non-PC systems, you can get emulators. You download the emulator, find the ROMs (actual games), load them in and there you go. DOSBox is an emulator for the Disk Operating System. 8. If there's thrift stores nearby, sometimes you can find old computers there. However some parts may need replacement. People say anyone who can turn a screwdriver and read can build a computer. I can't even turn a screwdriver (pain.). 9. Older games have not-so-good graphics, but great gameplay, compared to some modern games. 10. Here are two sites for downloading old games. It's technically illegal, so your own risk: http://www.the-underdogs.info http://www.abandonia.com 11. If you have old games, never ever throw them out (even if they're on 5.25 inch floppies), or the manuals. You never know when you'll find an old floppy drive. 12. If you're getting a new computer and you're a retro-gamer, make sure it has a floppy drive. If you already have a computer, get an external floppy drive. 13. Never keep magnets near floppy disks. 14. Or take them apart. I did once and mom was unhappy. Luckily there weren't files on it. 15. Text-only games sound boring but get really addictive after a while. 16. For some classics, you can also get freeware or open-source clones. Three I can think of are Freeciv (Civilization), Freecol (Colonization), and OpenTTD (Transport Tycoon Deluxe.) 17. Google is your friend. You can find patches, solutions to problems, and even cheats (about 75% of the time.) 18. Always do a virus scan if you downloaded old games off the internet. Even if the site is good, sometimes the viruses appear for no reason. 19. Maxis made really good games until it was eaten up by EA. Now all they seem interested in is Sims expansions, which is sad because the SimGames were good. 20. Yard sales and thrift shops often have old games. I got SimIsle, SimCity 3000 (okay, not-so-old), SimTown, SimEarth (the DOS version on floppy disks), and SimCopter, and a few others I can't be bothered to remember. Oh wait, I got a few different editions of Railroad Tycoon too. 21. Bargain bins are also a good place to get them, or liquidation stores. 22. Always remember the games (and specifics) of programs you have. I have 3 copies of SimCopter. Why specifics? Maybe you have the DOS version of the game and find a Windows version...
Edited by Aimee Wilbury, Jul 15 2008, 06:56 PM.
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| Aimee Wilbury | Jul 15 2008, 07:03 PM Post #2 |
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STOP CHANGING THIS ADMINS
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Why specifics? Maybe you have the DOS version of the game and find a Windows version...




2:21 PM Jul 11