Is it true that Apple computers can run

[antares@delphi.com (Leonard Lanigan)]

With appropriate hardware/software any Apple since the Apple II+, (except the
IIc models and Mac 128/512K models) will run DOS programs. 

For the slotted Apple II line (+,e,gs), the PC Transporter (PCT) works very
well (I have and use one). It will read/write 720K DOS 3.5" disks in standard
Apple 800K drives when those drives are connected to the controller port of
the PCT card. Also available were 5.25" and 3.5" "Transdrives" which were
designed specifically for the PCT. The PCT uses a NEC V30 (improved 8086)
processor at 8MHz, which runs about 3X as fast as the original 4.77MHz 8088 of 
the IBM-PC. Amazing software allows use of PRODOS hard disks as DOS volumes. I 
have never found a DOS program which intended for PC/XT; CGA class computers
which will not run on this card. An amazing achievement. 

For the early Macs (Plus and SE), s software solution called Soft-PC (from
Insignia Software) is available. Again, it is a remarkable bit of emulation
programming. Biggest limitation is getting DOS files into the Mac. With a
superdrive-equipped Mac, this is not a problem, as the superdrive will
read/write 1.44MB DOS disks directly. This solution works, but is EXTREMELY
SLOW on the old 8MHz 68000 machines. I have two versions of SoftPC, an early
one which will run on the Plus and SE and a later one which requires a 68030
processor. The newer version adds EGA graphics and CD-ROM capabilities, and is 
faster. 

For newer, slotted Macs there are both hardware and software solutions. Orange 
Micro makes a complete line of cards which, like the PCT, are complete DOS
computers on a card. The Orange Micro series goes all the way up to 486-66
processors (perhaps further by now). Apple also makes a DOS compatibility card 
for the newer Macs. These cards may also be able to handle OS/2, but I am not
sure of this. 

Insignia has several updated versions of the SoftPC line, including
SoftWindows which is available for 68030+ or PowerMac models, and as the name
suggests, runs Windows as well as DOS software. 

So, yes. Any properly configured, slotted Apple II and any Mac from the Plus
on will run DOS software. 

Regards,
Leonard Lanigan(ANTARES@delphi.com)
BVI Research