Is the Civ III in GOG more stable than Steam's version?

Issues with Steam version:

1. Clicking on the trailer crashes the game

2. Clicking while AI is moving crashes the game

3. Clicking next on Victory screen crashes the gane

among the other minor bugs.

Is GOG's version better in this regard?

The Steam version got two updates that GOG didn't, mainly to include Steamworks multiplayer, but it broke stability and even compatibility on a not-so-small amount of computers.

I played a bit of it on GOG and I don't recall any of the bugs you mentioned. Just now, I briefly tried clicking while the AI is moving and attacking, had no crashes at all.

There is a Compatibility Notice under the system requirements -

Compatibility notice (Windows 8 or later): DirectPlay is required to be installed on Windows 8 and above

This is done through Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Window features on or off > Legacy Components > DirectPlay --- for Win 10

I haven't tried a game yet, Just making a observation.

I see. I think the addition of multiplayer ruined stability in Steam's versions. Both Civ III and Civ IV in GOG doesn't have multiplayer, right?

More like it was lack of quality control when changing the game's code. The GOG versions of Civ 3 and 4 still have LAN, TCP/IP, hot seat and play-by-email. Only the connection to GameSpy no longer works since that service died 5 years ago.

Gotcha, thanks dude.

By the way, if I wanted to get into RTS, what would be the first game you'd recommend? I'm stuck between anno and aoe2

Haven't played any Anno/AD games to be honest, but AoE2 is a strong contender, albeit a bit more complex and with longer matches than most others. I'd always recommend C&C Red Alert 2 for newcomers since it's RTS at its most distilled.

Rise of Nations is a great RTS if you're looking for an RTS that's similar to Civilization series. It's basically civilization in RTS form.

I still have my CD and the Steam HD version. But the game is probably the best underated RTS bar none. The campaigns are like the board game Risk, which I think suits RTS campaigns and am puzzled as to why modern RTS games haven't utilized that idea because it works so well.

I have CIV III, PTW, CTP, and CIV IV on CD. Is there a way to get them to work on Win 8.1 Pro or is it better with Win 10?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

Civ3 and Civ4 work fine but you'll have to find a way to circumvent the SafeDisc DRM on both OSes. There is no difference between their performances on Windows 8 and 10.

How do I get the CD versions that I have to run or do I need to get the GOG versions?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!

Read my above post. "work fine but you'll have to find a way to circumvent the SafeDisc DRM on both OSes"

Ever heard of Google?

Yes.

Thank-you! I downloaded and installed the GOG versions and they work great. Should I install the update files that you use on the CD versions?
GOD Bless and Thanks,
rich!