Alrighty I've finally been forced to delve into DOS Box. And a very useful tool I found and have used successfully for QFG1 EGA is D-Fend. It's a front end for DOSBox that makes things a lot easier. I'd appreciate some feed back. I just started using DOSBox but I'd like to get some QFG profiles set up for D-Fend, I think this could be a big help.

D-Fend Reloaded

I would be a little cautious of D-Fend Reloaded. Alexander refuses to use a default dosbox.conf, which can lead to issues on some systems. DOSBox Game Launcher and D.O.G. are more developed and don't have such issues. Most experienced users don't even use a frontend. Everything that you might need to setup is so easy to do directly in the dosbox.conf. All you have to do to use a unique config file is to add '-conf "path to custom dosbox.conf"' to a shortcut to DOSBox, but DBGL and D.O.G. do make great game database programs, too.

I'm leery of Java programs so I did not give DOSBox Game Launcher a try and D.O.G. doesn't actually seem to have been updated in awhile. Do either of these programs allow you to make Shortcut icons to the desktop that can also be placed in the Vista Games menu that will launch the games with just a click?

I'm going to be installing these games and many other classics on my sister's Vista PC and it has to be that easy for her and my nephew. They are serious computer novices.

Also, are there any up to date set up guides for the QFG games & DOS Box around here? While I'm actually just old enough to remember when Disk Operating Systems were the only operating systems I didn't look back when MS released windows. So I'm willing & able to set up DOSbox properly for myself I just need some instructions.

Although you've said that Java programs aren't your preference, you might want to consider Jamyda, which I think would offer the ease-of-use that you're seeking. This front-end looks very much like an ordinary Windows (or Mac or Linux) folder of program shortcuts once it's set up, so you'd only have to manually create one shortcut, to Jamyda itself.

The project's website is here:

http://jamyda.sourceforge.net/

Screenshots are in the documentation here:

http://jamyda.sourceforge.net/index_en_EN.html

Sincerely,

Joseph

The main problem with Java is its performance, which doesn't matter with the frontend. DBGL can create desktop shortcuts for the games. DOSBox Game Launcher also comes with some freeware DOS games.

Since you have the collection, please answer this poll in this thread. QfG Project. You might be pleasantly surprised.