Hey Roger...If you didn't like Linux then you would never want to install Fido. The 2 1/2 inch thick manual is meaningless..It is all trial and error and for serious hacks only. I do have a copy of the original second edition of Fido...of course you would have no reason to install Fido unless you were hub networking...
I am thinking seriously about (*this is so retro) installing Spitfire on the DOS machine and running a 24 hour BBS...I must be a glutton for punishment but this area could really use something like a BBS.