Direct 3D vs Direct Draw vs GDI

[OldSchoolGamer]

Direct 3D vs Direct Draw vs GDI

What is better for emulation? After searching for the answer to this question, I've got mixed results. Some people say one is better for one thing (like streaming) and not the other and vice versa etc. I always thought that the best graphics goes in order from best to worst :

1. Open GL (Considering the user has a video card)
2. Direct 3D
3. Direct Draw
4. GDI

Is that right?
I'm confused because of this quote I read from the Microsoft website:

GDI automatically enables DirectDraw when the display driver is initialized.

So how can an emulator have an option between GDI or Direct Draw when GDI automatically enables DirectDraw?

Now, is the speed is the complete opposite?, which goes:

1. GDI
2. Direct Draw
3. Direct 3D
4. Open GL

In case it depends on a computers specifications, here are mine:

P4 w/ HT, 3.0 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2 Cache, 1 GB RAM, Microsoft Windows XP 32-Bit Home Edition Service Pack 3, 128 MB ATI Radeon X300 SE

[lee4]

This is my opinion

Open Graphics Library: Is Multi-platform software heavy lies on the hardware
Slow speed but Hi-quality Graphics
This best for rendering polygon graphics.
You need powerful video card

DirectX: Is Mircosoft Multimedia software interacts between software and hardware
(DirectDraw and Direct3D)
Intermediate speed and graphics
DirectDraw
smoothes text, video, 2D graphics only.
Direct3D
mainly rendering polygon graphics
This good enough if your hardware not powerful enough.

Graphics Device Interface: Is your computer basic display.
Fastest speed with lo-quality graphics for Computer without Video Card
GDI will not rendering polygon graphics or multi-layer graphics
As for GDI switch to DirectDraw because DirectX is installed.
Good for text and pictures only