How do you administer your cab?

[rchadd]

I figured i'd install VNC Server on the PC in the cab, connect to my laptop using a crossover network cable and administer by running VNC Client on my laptop.

therefore wouldn't need mouse,keyboard (wired or wless) or DVD drive connected to the PC in the cab.

suppose a wireless network would be idea but cost too high when compared to cable solution.

[rchadd]

BTW: I'm running XP Pro in the cab - so would RDP be a better option to use?

My laptop is running Windows 2000 - i  assume there is RDP client available.

[SpamMe]

I'm using VNC in my cab for anything that'll take more than a few seconds. I have a slim keyboard in the control panel for short tasks.

I'm using winxp and I prefer vnc for this kind of thing. It seems to take better to running games/frontends than remote desktop does (but to be honest I never really took the time to troubleshoot it).

[maraxle]

I set mine up the way I wanted the first time, and forgot about it.  If, by some stroke of bad luck, I ever needed to make a change on it, I would plug a keyboard into my KeyWiz and flip the little switch.

RDP or VNC would be fine for your purposes.  I'd go with RDP since it's already there, but that's just me being lazy.

[Witchboard]

If you already have a wireless router, don't throw out the possibility of networking it that way due to cost.  I got a 802.11b USB wireless NIC for free after mail in rebate.  I plan on using that when I need to transfer files.  Just plug it into the USB slot, do my thing, then unplug.  If you don't already have a wireless router, then it wouldn't be an economical solution for you.  Use one of your other methods.  

[Goz]

I too am using wireless (802.11b) w/ RADMIN. You can see a nice comparison between RADMIN and VNC here

Using this with wireless is a breeze. you can also play some of the classics remotely (not sure why I've tried, but did).

Of course I also have a mini keyboard attached.

-Goz

[F1r3f1ght3r]

USB wireless (b) and tightvnc.

[tep0583]

I just pull the HD out and stick it into my desktop pc.  

I can then add/remove roms, play with mamewah, ect.

[ThePaul]

Wireless & Remote Desktop

[greywolf22]

Yup, in agreement with most people here...USB wireless for updates to the OS and anything that I need to download (unplug it when I'm done)...although I also have a 100 MB wired connection from my cab to my switch for big data transfers and for VNC access (VNC over 802.11B seems a little to slow for me)  

[whammoed]

Tiny keyboard and DVD rom mounted inside cab.

[SirPoonga]

VNC, network share.

It doesn't take much to maintain my cab  I have a network share on this computer witht he roms.  I setup samba on the cabinet to use the share.  I just use advancemenu sfor now since it is the best linux frontend, though I still don't like it.

[fredster]

a twisted pair ethernet cable sticking out the back of the cab.  When it needs some work, I Plug it into the computer in the next room and do what it needs.  

[danny_galaga]

i use a wireless mouse. new roms are put in with a USB memory stick. a macro automatically audits on opening mame. occassionally i need a keyboard but the wireless one is crap, so i have to plug one in  

[Tilzs]

Twisted Pair and remote desktop / SSH. No need for a keyboard, dvd/cd, or mouse.

[Minwah]

I have a 20gig USB2 HDD for transferring stuff (very quick)...and an RF wireless keyboard/mouse.

I still find it a bit of a chore to be honest...but I don't like networks