OS and Frontend

[sleong]

I'm trying to decide whether to use Windows or Linux (Ubuntu) as an OS and then once an OS is decided which front end to use!

What are your thoughts?  I'm aiming more towards Ubuntu because it is free!  If I go this route what are my options?

[paigeoliver]

The majority of emulator (and related) software is written for windows and the windows versions are usually more mature as well.

Windows might as well be free too, it is invariably already installed on whatever used computer you pick up off craigslist to power your project.

[Louis Tully]

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[eldiau]

Paigeoliver has a point, many emulators are more mature on windows...
but if you are going mainly for mame linux is great.

I have a linux cab with mame and daphne.
I use:
- lubuntu 12.04.3,  even lighter than xubuntu
- mahcade current checkout form launchpad repo (but advmenu is great too and they recently added a "cab mode" to qmc2)
- mame/groovymame and daphne

I did an initrd customization to mount the harddisk read only with Overlayfs so I can just switch the cab off.
The 15khz output is much more flexible than windows, works great even with my GeForce 7600 GT PCI-E, once you get it right in xorg.conf you can add as many modlines as you want and groovymame can generate them on the fly...

[jdbailey1206]

I agree with Louis.  I have "tinkered" around with Linux only and it is, in itself, quite a nuisance.  You are already going to be fiddling around with getting all the MAME software to work.  Just go with something you know (Windows) and don't have to work that hard at.  Have fun with it.  And if you are lucky enough to have a spare pc laying around don't be afraid to experiment with Linux of Ubuntu.  Then if you decide to make another machine you can have the experience of knowing Ubuntu or Linux and you can try to create a new Linux based arcade.

By the way Ubuntu is WAY more user friendly.  It is definitely a good stepping block if you want to venture into a new OS.

[sleong]

I agree with Louis.  I have "tinkered" around with Linux only and it is, in itself, quite a nuisance.  You are already going to be fiddling around with getting all the MAME software to work.  Just go with something you know (Windows) and don't have to work that hard at.  Have fun with it.  And if you are lucky enough to have a spare pc laying around don't be afraid to experiment with Linux of Ubuntu.  Then if you decide to make another machine you can have the experience of knowing Ubuntu or Linux and you can try to create a new Linux based arcade.

By the way Ubuntu is WAY more user friendly.  It is definitely a good stepping block if you want to venture into a new OS.

I use Ubuntu on the day to day basis as my main system.  I don't have a system with Windows on it any more.  I used to keep one with Windows but that just got used for something else.

Been trying to get something to work in Ubuntu but no luck.  I think I got the Groovy Arcade to work but not very nice frontend to use.

If I do get a Windows machine, where and how do I start? Like which emulators do I need and then how does that tie into the Frontend software?

What are the minimum system specs now for a mame system?  I'm hoping to run games like Street Fighter II and games from that generation and older.  Maybe Street Fighter 4 if I can find it and can get it to work as I see it has other steps to take from another topic in here. 

[paigeoliver]

Ah, the ever famous what PC do I need, I really only want to run older games and maybe "INSERT BLEEDING EDGE GAME HERE".

A PC picked out of the trash will be more than powerful enough for everything but the bleeding edge stuff, if it isn't then just roll back your mame version until it is. Most games that people really care about were running full speed in 2001 on 1999 era hardware.

The PC in my main cabinet is an Athlon 64 based system and it is close to 10 years old at this point. It runs mame .78 for everything but Robotron (which it runs the first version that got the timing correct).

[jdbailey1206]

Well Sleong it sounds like you shouldn't have an issue using Windows.  Most of everyone's posts I have read on here have taken to Windows XP.  It's cheaper to buy, strong enough to run any MAME, and it's not as 'full' as 7.  I can't speak for anything but Maximus Arcade.  I have used it and if you follow tabs its really not that hard to configure.  There are many tutorials.  I have also heard that hyperspin is excellent to work with.  The originator of the weecade has updated his website with a plethora of ways to go as far as Operating Systems and Front Ends go.  It can be found here. 

Like everyone states it's not smart to talk about Emulators.  (I feel like emulators have turned into Voldemort.  "They which should not be named!"   )  Anyway.  Just do a Google search for emulator ratings and you should come up with some valuable information.  Most websites that do carry Roms and Emulators usually have a rating software like any other program. 

As for hardware I agree with PaigeOliver but don't get a system that is really old.  Fun Fact:  Tried to use my system from 2000 to start a Fix It Felix Cab for my nieces.  P3 1GB of memory.  It wasnt happy.  Did it run XP?  Yes.  But the version of Sjaaks FIF requires the version of dot net framework 4.0 that wouldn't run.  I got to 3.5.  Needless to say I went on a quick search and found a system considerably cheap that would run it.  Its being shipped this week.  The basic outline for the system is as follows:   Dell Refurbished Black 745 Desktop PC with Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2GB Memory, 80GB Hard Drive and Windows 7 Home Premium (Monitor Not Included). 

I too have a Athlon 64 system that I run my weecade on.  I have SF2 installed and it runs fine.  I'll get you my specs for my weecade when I get home.  Otherwise if you use Ubuntu (it sounds like you know a little something about computers) here are PS3's specs.  Just go off of these to gauge what your computer will run if you are going to go as far as emulating PS3 games.  Just a word to the wise.  I played Sonic on my weecade the other day and if felt weird not having a controller.   You could also do what some have done and add a USB wired or wireless game pad and use that when you want to get the feel of the home console.  I have a feeling I will do this in the future.  I have a spare Microsoft Windows XBOX 360 controller laying around.  Plus its kind of a nuisance trying to play and the emulator pulls up a window because the emulator interprets the arcade control as keyboard shortcuts.  Learned that the hard way by also playing Sonic. 

Anyway.  I'm done.  Go play.  Don't be afraid to experiment and ask questions.  Good luck.

[Minwah]

I still think Windows XP is hard to beat.

[sleong]

Well Sleong it sounds like you shouldn't have an issue using Windows.  Most of everyone's posts I have read on here have taken to Windows XP.  It's cheaper to buy, strong enough to run any MAME, and it's not as 'full' as 7.  I can't speak for anything but Maximus Arcade.  I have used it and if you follow tabs its really not that hard to configure.  There are many tutorials.  I have also heard that hyperspin is excellent to work with.  The originator of the weecade has updated his website with a plethora of ways to go as far as Operating Systems and Front Ends go.  It can be found here. 

Like everyone states it's not smart to talk about Emulators.  (I feel like emulators have turned into Voldemort.  "They which should not be named!"   )  Anyway.  Just do a Google search for emulator ratings and you should come up with some valuable information.  Most websites that do carry Roms and Emulators usually have a rating software like any other program. 

As for hardware I agree with PaigeOliver but don't get a system that is really old.  Fun Fact:  Tried to use my system from 2000 to start a Fix It Felix Cab for my nieces.  P3 1GB of memory.  It wasnt happy.  Did it run XP?  Yes.  But the version of Sjaaks FIF requires the version of dot net framework 4.0 that wouldn't run.  I got to 3.5.  Needless to say I went on a quick search and found a system considerably cheap that would run it.  Its being shipped this week.  The basic outline for the system is as follows:   Dell Refurbished Black 745 Desktop PC with Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 2GB Memory, 80GB Hard Drive and Windows 7 Home Premium (Monitor Not Included). 

I too have a Athlon 64 system that I run my weecade on.  I have SF2 installed and it runs fine.  I'll get you my specs for my weecade when I get home.  Otherwise if you use Ubuntu (it sounds like you know a little something about computers) here are PS3's specs.  Just go off of these to gauge what your computer will run if you are going to go as far as emulating PS3 games.  Just a word to the wise.  I played Sonic on my weecade the other day and if felt weird not having a controller.   You could also do what some have done and add a USB wired or wireless game pad and use that when you want to get the feel of the home console.  I have a feeling I will do this in the future.  I have a spare Microsoft Windows XBOX 360 controller laying around.  Plus its kind of a nuisance trying to play and the emulator pulls up a window because the emulator interprets the arcade control as keyboard shortcuts.  Learned that the hard way by also playing Sonic. 

Anyway.  I'm done.  Go play.  Don't be afraid to experiment and ask questions.  Good luck.

Well I'm still in the process of building my bar top cabinet (using the Weecade plans with modifications to it).  It was just something that came abouts to me when I was pondering about how to get the system and software ready.

Main games mainly Street Fighter II and Street Fighter 4 (if I can find this and get this to work). 

I'm going to focus on a Windows XP OS and now trying to find a Frontend that is free and easy to setup!  I might try Hyperspin.

[paigeoliver]

Here are the recommended requirements for the PC version of Street Fighter 4 from the Steam store page.

OS: Windows Vista
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo 2.0 GHz and up
Memory: 2 GB RAM

I think the arcade version runs on 2008 era PC hardware so that isn't going to be emulated any time in the next decade.

[sleong]

Here are the recommended requirements for the PC version of Street Fighter 4 from the Steam store page.

OS: Windows Vista
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo 2.0 GHz and up
Memory: 2 GB RAM

I think the arcade version runs on 2008 era PC hardware so that isn't going to be emulated any time in the next decade.

I've tried Google and so many versions came up.  Which would be most close to an arcade version? 

hmmmm. . . . .maybe i need a system upgrade then!!  Usually would the video on-board be sufficient for the games as well or is it better with an upgraded video card?

I'm assuming the on-board video would be sufficient!

[jdbailey1206]

If you are looking to match a certain game you've played I would try to find that game see if it is possible to port it.  By this I mean I played a certain game on a certain system and now I just need instruction on how to put that game on my computer.  Or if you are just happy with having any version of SF4 then I would look to Steam , download it, and play until my heart's content.  Fun Fact:  The system requirements for SF4 on Steam's website match exactly with a pre-built refurbished computer I just picked up off of Walmarts website.  Not sure if it was mentioned here or another post but don't go out of your way to create a monster computer when you can get one for next to nothing online or at a pawn or thrift shop.  (Hey Macklemore?  Can we go thrift shopping?  What? What? What? What?    )  Good luck to you sir.