I hear that DOS-based programs will not work with Vista. Is that true?
For 64 bit machines, you cannot run DOS programs. They removed the Win16 and DOS box completely as there's no way to make real mode programs run under x64 mode. Win64 has a residual 16 bit stub for installers as some old CDs use a 16-bit Win3.x setup bootstrapper. Windows knows what those few programs look like and what it is trying to achieve and will then fire up the real Win32 version of the installer. That's the total extent of the 16 bit compatibility mode left in Vista. Windows 2008 Server does not have even that.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/282423
For 32 bit machines, Vista's 16 bit mode and DOS box is still there, but ... for how long? Few customers would be using it, and I doubt the next post-Vista consumer Windows will have any 16 bit support.
It's really time to move with the times. All processors sold by Intel and AMD are now 64 bit capable. Microsoft Windows Server 2008 will be the last 32 bit version of Windows Server, and then it'll be 64 bit only.
http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/wi...ws-client.aspx
There may be one more consumer version of Windows 32 (currently called Windows 7), but if there's the same sort of delay between XP and Vista, that is by no means certain as in seven years, there will be nothing but 64 bit computers left.
For more info about the x64 transition:
http://www.microsoft.com/servers/64bit/overview.mspx
If you're still using DOS boxes, I suggest using Citrix on top of 32 bit Win2k3 R2, and then letting the clients choose any old platform, including Mac or Linux or the hardened little Wyse wireless terminals. That works real well - my local hospital uses this and it seems to work just fine for them.
Andrew
(who is typing from a Mac, and loving it).