Feedback How do you play old games?

[TomRiddle]

Like the title said: How do you guys play old games? (with old games i mean old pc games from 95-2006 lower than directx 9)
i searched the web and found many ways but now im confused sould i go with?

-windows compatibilty mode + game specific fixes (wont work for me most time)

-using dxwrapper/dgvoodoo2 (fixed some games but gave me horrible coil whining from my gpu)

-setting up a virtual machine via vmware/vmbox

-installing winXP as second OS and keep it offline (dont think there are any driver for my hw on xp)

- using linux with proton/lutris

-using linux and setting up a vm via kvm with dedicated gpu

-just use/build some old winxp machine

Any ideas /input are welcome

I use steam and that method has worked out well so far with me with something like DOOM (1993) or HL1

 

[AncientBoi]

Let's see... Back then, I had a windows 7 comp. And viruses were at a high. If any game absolutely needed to connect to the internet, I simply didn't play [or even download them]. I did break that rule once by downloading a [cyber sex game], I refuse to say the name, and It Took Over My Comp. Took me 3 days to get rid of the virus and ReSet it to the way I had it. Never Ever Again shall I do that.

All those reports down the drain 'cause of that. Sheesh.