139
Microsoft open sources MS-DOS 4.0
(www.gamingonlinux.com)
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
this post was submitted on 26 Apr 2024
139 points (100.0% liked)
Gaming
2248 readers
310 users here now
The Lemmy.zip Gaming Community
For news, discussions and memes!
Community Rules
This community follows the Lemmy.zip Instance rules, with the inclusion of the following rule:
- No NSFW content
You can see Lemmy.zip's rules by going to our Code of Conduct.
What to Expect in Our Code of Conduct:
- Respectful Communication: We strive for positive, constructive dialogue and encourage all members to engage with one another in a courteous and understanding manner.
- Inclusivity: Embracing diversity is at the core of our community. We welcome members from all walks of life and expect interactions to be conducted without discrimination.
- Privacy: Your privacy is paramount. Please respect the privacy of others just as you expect yours to be treated. Personal information should never be shared without consent.
- Integrity: We believe in the integrity of speech and action. As such, honesty is expected, and deceptive practices are strictly prohibited.
- Collaboration: Whether you're here to learn, teach, or simply engage in discussion, collaboration is key. Support your fellow members and contribute positively to shared learning and growth.
If you enjoy reading legal stuff, you can check it all out at legal.lemmy.zip.
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
Does this mean someone will make MS-DOS SoCs similar to the ned-clone blobs? i would love to have a gaming board for a small Commander Keen cabinet with ultra low power reqs
I can only hope
Dosbox runs just fine on a Raspberry Pi or similar
I'm all for that idea, but I don't think what's holding it back is the OS. It's not like there aren't ways to get there now, they're just... relatively rare and quite expensive.
I don't understand the "relatively rare and quite expensive" part, can you explain that?
I mean, you're pointing people at the Hand 386 below. You clearly know what I'm talking about.
You can buy a used thin client on eBay for $40 that will do the job so no, I DONT understand what you’re talking about.
...
A MS DOS thin client?
I assumed the guy wanted to run DOS natively, otherwise open source MS DOS definitely isn't a requirement, you can just run DOSBOX on any cheap ARM SBC. But looking at the conversation you're having below maybe they just didn't think about that?
But hey, if you have links to new small form factor 386s for under 100 bucks please do share, I'd be super curious to get one. VGA out is strongly preferred. If I was going to live with nonsense digital output scaling issues I'd just use the MiSTer I already have.
Sure, people have been doing it for years. Here's a YT walk through for doing it on an HP Thin Client but there's a whole world of this out there.
So did I.
Why does it have to be a 386? Why does it have to be new? All that's really necessary is "DOS Native" and if you head over to ebay and search for "used industrial computer", you can often find those for around $100.
In fact the YT channel "Cathode Ray Dude" has a series going right now called "Little Guys" where's he testing a variety of SFF systems, at least some of which are DOS Native industrial computer systems.
Honestly my good person, what you're looking for is out there if you're willing to be the tiniest bit flexible.
Yes, alternatives exist. But they can be... how would one put it? Relatively rare and expensive.
I am aware of single board industrial replacement alternatives, but those can be hard to get a hold of, depending on location. Shopping around for used, older thin clients that still have the right I/O and compatible-enough hardware is honestly not a terrible idea, although weirdly the video that you sent as an example highlights a bunch of caveats and issues I wouldn't even have thought about. Still, that one may be a fun project, if slightly not in the spirit, certainly off-spec for the period and definitely not plug-and-play.
Ultimately, though, I do see the appeal of a period-approrpiate, native revival device. Clearly not alone there, hence the OP and the viral success of the Hand, with all its limitations. I'm not saying you can't work around the need for that exact thing. You can and I have. To repeat what my first response to the guy was:
"It's not like there aren't ways to get there now, they're just... relatively rare and quite expensive."
Huh? You can already get a DOS capable gaming board that uses less power than the display would. If nothing else for $200USD you can get a "Hand 386", yoink it out of it's case and put it in the cabinet of your choice.
There's lots of low power options out there for you! You can start your dream project NOW...there's no need to wait!
Edit: 10 Watts, $80, and more than enough power to play Commander Keen
200 USD is more than 140 USD more than the consoles that has the soc I was talking about, of course if budget is no constraint I could start all projects I got in my want part of my brain
I added an edit that brought the cost down to $80 but it's possible to go lower, if you can deal with 16W of power draw then there's a variety of old Thin Client for sale on Ebay that can be had for $40!
At that point the materials to build the cabinet would cost more than the computer running it. Get busy!
Thank you for the tip on thin client, will definitely check them out!