You can use the DOS MAME version with a frontend (FE) that will make it look all pretty and bring up game lists, etc.
You can also have the FrontEnd load up on bootup so you don't actually have to manually start any program.
Go read the FAQ and Wiki on this site, and spend a few minutes in the Software forum, You'll get a lot of answers there.
And one more thing... Don't ask "what's the best Frontend?" There isn't one.. just go try some.