Steam Deck newbie questions re: emulators, Windows

[mapeno59]

I just received a gently used Steam Deck yesterday, and have been in the process of learning how it works and what it can do. I have a few questions.

1) I plan to install EmuDeck once my new micrSD card arrives. Does EmuDeck install a DOS emulator, or do I need to install one manually? I have used DosBox with my old 2013 Nexus 7, so I'm somewhat familiar with that. I welcome any recommendations on DOS emulators.

2) I'm thinking of installing Windows 10 or 11 on an external ssd so I can run Windows on my Steam Deck. For those of you who have done so, how has that worked? Is one Windows version better than the other for the Steam Deck?

3) To install any non-Steam Windows game on Steam Deck, do I simply install within Bottles or do I need to do anything else to invoke the Proton gods?

Thanks!

[mapeno59]

Don't know about you, but I'm running macOS Ventura and Android 13 on my SD... ( ;

But seriously, my gently-used SD will be a great gaming console once I have my emulators set up! Installing Windows may be overkill, but whenever I get a device, I like to see what it can do!

Thanks for your feedback!