Old School Operating Systems

[clydefrog]

I wasn't sure where to post this (but i do own windows 7 ), so Mods, feel free to move this thread.

I've always been interested in computers, and I have decided to make it my career choice, however only recently have i acquired a deep interest in computer history.

I'm going to get to the point. I would very much like to try out the old school operating systems like MS-DOS, Windows 1.0-3.1 and even the old Mac OS'.

So, how would i go about doing this? I doubt i can just install those OS' on my current rig, or maybe i can...i dont know. Is there like some sort of emulator i could use? Or do i need to get a hold of a really old computer first? I think i have my dads old windows 95 in the basement somewhere.

Any tips for a fellow enthusiast?

thanks in advance

 

[Ijack]

You should be able to run old versions of Windows in a virtual machine such as VirtualBox. For ancient versions of MacOS you're probably better off getting a cheap old Mac from eBay.

 

[Herr_Koos]

VMWare, Windows Virtual PC, or Sun Virtualbox are all possibilities. Once you have the virtual machine up and running, you can install any old OS on it.

 

[clydefrog]

Oh cool thanks guys.

So are those programs free?

Also where can I find old os'? Is it still illegal to torrent a 12 year old os lol?

 

[Ijack]

So are those programs free?

Yes

Also where can I find old os'?

eBay.

Is it still illegal to torrent a 12 year old os?

Yes.

Note that you won't be able to run Mac OS in a virtual machine.

 

[Herr_Koos]

Oh cool thanks guys.

So are those programs free?

Also where can I find old os'? Is it still illegal to torrent a 12 year old os lol?

I suggest you buy a Microsoft Technet subscription. For $199 you can legally grab every Microsoft OS from DOS onwards, plus lots of other software (including Virtual PC ).

 

[clydefrog]

I suggest you buy a Microsoft Technet subscription. For $199 you can legally grab every Microsoft OS from DOS onwards, plus lots of other software (including Virtual PC ).

Whoah that's pretty neat!

I'll check that out thanks!

Aside from ms and mac os' are there anyother important retro operating systems I should try?

 

[Herr_Koos]

Linux?

 

[Ijack]

Early versions of Linux or the BSDs are great fun to play with (and relatively easy to understand). There are all sorts of other OSs that you can access via emulatiors: CP/M and AmigaOS spring to mind.

 

[clydefrog]

Thanks guys you've all been really helpful

 

[clydefrog]

Best answer selected by clydefrog.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey