DOS Com1 General Question

[rkn704]

I have a number of DOS programs that require a genuine Com1 port for serial coms. In these programs the port is fixed.

If I have a modern Host PC (say Windows 10) without a Com1 port can I use Virtualbox to provide the link between the DOS Com1 port and a USB to serial device on com 10 or whatever.

I have tried to read through some of the Com related posts but would appreciate a direct answer to this question.

Thanks in advance.

[mpack]

In theory yes, you can configure a VM that way - in fact it would be the default behaviour. However, providing access to physical hardware is not really the forte of a virtual machine, and some applications do not like the increased latency (small delays) inherent in using a simulation.