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Windows 98, XP, DOS, or Linux?
Daniel270:
Normally, I'd agree with you Piper, but when I got ready to check into upgrading this particular PC for other gaming, I saw on the HP site that it's pretty much strictly PC100 chips (that's all the MB supports)...
so, I'm stuck with it like it is unless I come across a good deal on some more RAM
jcoleman:
--- Quote from: Lilwolf on June 05, 2004, 04:41:01 pm ---And for Linux. It SHOULD be the BEST answer once you get it setup... FREE is always good. it IS stable (compared to MS which is 2x as stable as the last version)... BUT you need xwindows to get mame to run and that isn't as stable. The is some versions that don't require it but I hear they aren't as fast. Also you will loose many other emulators support and frontend support.
--- End quote ---
You do NOT need X-Windows to support MAME on Linux. As a matter of fact, my last two Linux builds for my cab did not even have X-Windows installed. AdvanceMAME is the way to go with Linux, particularly if you have an arcade monitor. A friend and I (you may remember him from MAMEd-Millipede fame) have both used Linux successfully in three cabs. The Matrox g400 is a great card to use with this setup, BTW. This is the way to go if you want TRUE resolutions and scan rates.
ArcadeVGA is also great for this, but I don't know how well it's supported in Linux, and that is off topic anyway. :)
It's true that you do lose some emulators in Linux, as well as most of the front ends. It all depends on what matters to you most. I'd say if you are only looking to play the old classics, then Linux & AdvanceMAME is the way to go.
Coleman
krick:
Check out this thread (about halfway down and again near the end) for some of the pros and cons of various versions of windows...
http://www.arcadecontrols.org/yabbse/index.php?board=1;action=display;threadid=33
TaaJ:
One Thing, don't listen to the people who say Windows 98SE is so and so many times faster than XP.
20 seconds of tweaks will crush these assumptions.
For one, turning off the gawdy XP themes and using classic, will give you upwards of 3-5% speed and efficiencey.
Tilzs:
Linux works great if you are able to get it setup. You don't need Xwindows, just run advance mame and advance menu. If you want more fancy front end you might want to look at windows however, there are a bit more choices.