How to Install and Run FreeDOS on Linux Using QEMU

This guide shows you how to set up the free and open-source DOS-compatible operating system, FreeDOS, within a Linux environment using the QEMU emulator. This allows you to run legacy DOS software and games on modern hardware without needing a separate DOS machine.

Understanding QEMU

QEMU (Quick Emulator) is a powerful, open-source emulator and virtualizer. It emulates a complete computer system, including processor, memory, and peripherals, letting you run operating systems designed for different architectures. Its lightweight and fast nature makes it ideal for running FreeDOS.

Why Choose FreeDOS?

FreeDOS provides modern DOS functionality with full compatibility for classic DOS applications and games. Its uses include running legacy software, learning DOS commands, testing older programs in a safe environment, and enjoying retro gaming.

Step 1: Installing QEMU on Linux

QEMU is readily available in most Linux distributions. Use your distribution's package manager to install it. Below are examples for popular distributions:

• Ubuntu/Debian:

  sudo apt update
  sudo apt install qemu qemu-kvm libvirt-daemon-system libvirt-clients bridge-utils virt-manager

• Fedora:

  sudo dnf install qemu qemu-kvm virt-manager libvirt libvirt-python libvirt-client virt-install virt-viewer

• Arch Linux:

  sudo pacman -S qemu qemu-arch-extra virt-manager libvirt

Verify the installation:

qemu-system-x86_64 --version

Step 2: Installing FreeDOS within QEMU

1. Download FreeDOS: Download the latest FreeDOS ISO image (e.g., FD14-LiveCD.zip) from the official FreeDOS website.

2. Create a Virtual Disk: Create a 2GB virtual disk image in Qcow2 format for efficient storage and snapshot support:

   qemu-img create -f qcow2 freedos.img 2G

3. Extract and Boot the ISO: Extract the downloaded FD14-LiveCD.zip archive. Then, boot the FreeDOS ISO image (FD14LIVE.iso) within QEMU and begin the installation process:

   unzip FD14-LiveCD.zip
   qemu-system-x86_64 -hda freedos.img -cdrom FD14LIVE.iso -boot d -m 512

Follow the on-screen instructions to install FreeDOS to the virtual hard disk (freedos.img). The installation process involves several steps, including selecting the installation target and partitioning the virtual disk. Screenshots illustrating these steps are provided below.

4. Boot FreeDOS Directly: After installation, you can boot FreeDOS directly from the virtual disk:

   qemu-system-i386 -m 64 -hda freedos.img -boot c

Step 3: Running DOS Programs

Once FreeDOS is running, you can install and run your DOS applications and games. For example, to run Doom:

1. Download the Doom game files.
2. Extract them to a directory on your Linux system.
3. Mount the directory in QEMU using the -hdb option:

   qemu-system-x86_64 -hda freedos.img -hdb ~/Games/Doom -m 512

4. Navigate to the directory within FreeDOS and run the executable (e.g., doom.exe).

Conclusion

This guide enables you to run legacy DOS software and games within your Linux system using QEMU and FreeDOS. This provides a convenient and safe environment for accessing and utilizing this older software.

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