How to run DOS program in macOS

Running DOS programs on a modern macOS system requires the use of a DOS emulator. macOS does not natively support DOS-based applications, so an emulator like DOSBox-X is necessary to create a suitable environment. This emulator allows you to run old software and games that were originally designed for the DOS operating system.

DOSBox-X is a recommended emulator for this purpose. It accurately replicates the DOS environment and supports various hardware configurations. This makes it effective for running a wide range of DOS applications and games on macOS.

Setting up DOSBox-X on macOS involves using Homebrew, a package manager for the operating system. After installing DOSBox-X, you can download and run your desired DOS programs directly within the emulator. This method enables you to use legacy software on a modern system with minimal setup.

1. Open the Terminal on your macOS.
2. Install Homebrew if it's not already installed.

   $ /usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"

3. Use Homebrew to install DOSBox-X on your system.

   $ brew install dosbox-x
   Warning: Treating dosbox-x as a formula. For the cask, use homebrew/cask/dosbox-x
   ##### snipped
   ==> Installing dependencies for dosbox-x: libogg, flac, libvorbis, opus, libsndfile, portaudio, fluid-synth, libslirp and sdl2
   ==> Installing dosbox-x dependency: libogg
   ##### snipped
   ==> Running `brew cleanup dosbox-x`...
   Disable this behaviour by setting HOMEBREW_NO_INSTALL_CLEANUP.
   Hide these hints with HOMEBREW_NO_ENV_HINTS (see `man brew`).</ dosbox-x Downloads/Golden\ axe/GOLD.EXE
   LOG: Early LOG Init complete
   LOG: DOSBox-X's working directory: /Users/shakir
   LOG: Logging init: beginning logging proper. This is the end of the early init logging
   LOG: Logging: No logfile was given. All further logging will be discarded.
   LOG: DOSBox-X version 0.84.1 (macOS SDL2)
   LOG: macOS EXE path: dosbox-x
   ##### snipped

4. Download the desired DOS programs or games.

   Related: Abandonware DOS

5. Run the program's executable file using DOSBox-X.

   $ dosbox-x Downloads/Golden\ Axe/GOLD.EXE
   LOG: Early LOG Init complete
   LOG: DOSBox-X's working directory: /Users/shakir
   LOG: Logging init: beginning logging proper. This is the end of the early init logging
   LOG: Logging: No logfile was given. All further logging will be discarded.
   LOG: DOSBox-X version 0.84.1 (macOS SDL2)
   ##### snipped