A comparison of the major versions of DOSBox:

1. Original DOSBox (DOSBox-Staging, DOSBox-SVN)

• Purpose: Accurate emulation of DOS games and applications.
• Key Features:
  • Lightweight and stable.
  • Good compatibility with most DOS games.
  • Basic CPU, sound, and graphics emulation.
  • Limited networking (IPX for LAN games, basic modem emulation).
• Limitations:
  • No built-in GUI (relies on external frontends).
  • No support for Windows 3.x/9x (only pure DOS).
  • Limited file system and hardware emulation options.
• Best for: Classic DOS gaming with minimal setup.

2. DOSBox-X (Fork of DOSBox)

• Purpose: Enhanced DOS and early Windows emulation with more features.
• Key Features:
  • Better networking: Supports TCP/IP, packet drivers, and improved IPX.
  • Windows 3.x/9x support: Can run some versions of Windows (95/98) in emulation.
  • More hardware emulation: IDE controllers, SVGA, and better sound card support.
  • Built-in GUI: No need for external frontends.
  • Save states: Save and restore emulator state.
  • Improved file system: Supports long filenames, FAT32, and more.
• Limitations:
  • Slightly heavier than vanilla DOSBox.
  • Some features may be overkill for pure DOS gaming.
• Best for: Advanced users, running Windows 3.x/9x, networking, and extended DOS applications.

3. DOSBox Staging (Modernized DOSBox)

• Purpose: A modernized, community-driven fork with performance improvements.
• Key Features:
  • Better performance: Optimized CPU and graphics rendering.
  • Improved accuracy: Better sound and MIDI emulation.
  • Modern features: Pixel-perfect scaling, shader support, and fluid motion.
  • Active development: Regular updates and bug fixes.
• Limitations:
  • Still focused on DOS gaming (not Windows 9x).
  • No built-in GUI (but works well with frontends).
• Best for: Users who want a more polished DOSBox with modern enhancements.

4. DOSBox ECE (Enhanced Community Edition) (Discontinued)

• Purpose: Added extra features to original DOSBox.
• Key Features:
  • Added save states, pixel shaders, and OpenGL rendering.
  • Some Windows 9x experimental support.
• Status: No longer actively maintained (DOSBox-X and Staging are better alternatives).

5. DOSBox Pure (Libretro/RetroArch Core)

• Purpose: Simplified DOSBox for RetroArch.
• Key Features:
  • Lightweight, designed for emulation frontends.
  • Easy save states and rewind.
• Best for: RetroArch users who want DOS emulation.

Summary Table

Feature	DOSBox (Vanilla)	DOSBox-X	DOSBox Staging	DOSBox ECE	DOSBox Pure
Windows 9x Support	❌ No	✔ Yes	❌ No	⚠ Partial	❌ No
Networking	Basic (IPX)	✔ Advanced (TCP/IP)	Basic (IPX)	Basic (IPX)	Basic (IPX)
Built-in GUI	❌ No	✔ Yes	❌ No	❌ No	❌ No
Save States	❌ No	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	✔ Yes	✔ Yes
Performance	Good	Good	⚡ Optimized	Good	Good
Best For	Classic DOS games	Advanced DOS/Windows	Modern DOS gaming	Old mods	RetroArch

Recommendation based on Internet Access

• For networking and/or Windows 3.x/9x support: DOSBox-X.