1 the Gog version is the same as the disc build with a few extra files that mostly just allow for more up to date Gpu options found in current Windows

2 will it actually run = that is down to the new systems ; OS, Cpu and Gpu... in that order of importance but in general Intel chips on Windows 10 are your best hope with any of these sort of games and you should avoid W11

3. honest answer is Gog is just as much of a dead end as Steam when it comes to Windows 7 [or older] games and in two more years your choice will be Windows 11 or 12... neither of which will play older games

Windows 11 plays older games. Why would it stop doing that?

A few tweaks may be necessary, but the basic structure is still the same. The different compatibility modes help a lot.

Good Idea, use a drive emulator and substitute for USB Stick. Will do.
Yes, I do not want MS trashing my SSD(s).

Windows 11 - First we had a runaway diesel engine, now a runaway PC. And the train wreck keeps pushing.