One of them is that 32-bit software in the day frequently came with a 16-bit installer, which will stop cold in Windows 7 and 10. Most software developed for versions from 95 to XP and Vista was 32-bit software, but there are still problems. (Macs have cut off use of 32-bit software much sooner than Windows.) 16-bit software (such as was developed for DOS and Windows 3.1) is another story unless you have a special version of Windows 7 (I’m not sure about 10) you’re out of luck. The reason why it isn’t so: Windows 7 and 10 can still run 32-bit software, although how much longer that’s going to be valid is an open question. To get started it’s important to understand the reasons why this is so.

As is the case with the DOS software, this includes programs that are still can be run and free (or can be obtained at low cost) while having user-friendlier interfaces than DOS programs.

Great engineering software obviously didn’t end with the DOS era, but much of it which was developed for Windows 3.1/NT/95/98/Me/2000 and even XP is no longer usable in Windows 7, 8 or 10. A few years ago I put out an article entitled Partying Like It’s 1987: Running WEAP87 and SPILE (and other programs) on DOSBox, where I describe the use of DOSBox in running engineering software (and also Windows 3.1.) A great deal of engineering software developed in the DOS era can still be used for engineering design and analysis, providing a) the engineer can handle the text-based interface and b) the engineer can get it to run, which is the primary object of DOSBox.

Run windows applications on mac