Total n00b and lots of questions!!!

[Exocet]

Okay so post one! BTW, this forum is incredible!

Alright.... So, I've decided to build a MAME machine. I just purchased a street fighter 3 and am trying to get the ball rolling.

So here's what I have:
Street fighter 3 cab
Ipac-2
2x happ competition sticks
12xhapp buttons
2.8 ghz dell system w/ 1.5 gb ram 80 gb hd
25" TV with svid input
Running Maximus Arcade as the front end.

So just the basics ya know? Where I'm at with it is that I've got the computer some what under check with a few issues and the arcade cab is gutted.

Computer questions:
1.) I'm using MAME 1.28 with Maximus Arcade and with a couple of my roms I need to insert a command line modifier but I can't figure out how to do it on a game specific basis with MA. Do I need to change versions of MAME??
2.) I've been looking in to light guns and it seems to be a hotly contested topic. What should I buy?

Cabinet questions:
1.) I'm really curious as to how most people are handling the TV mounting in their cab. I'm looking at just building a stand and having the tv sit on it but I do have the brackets from the original monitor. What should I do?
2.) Lastly. Admin buttons on the CP.... This again seems to be frowned upon but I would like some basic functions available on the CP. Coin, exit, that kinda stuff.

I'll post some pictures up later as to where I'm at. Until then......
Thanks guys!
Jason

[Games001]

Computer questions:
1.) I'm using MAME 1.28 with Maximus Arcade and with a couple of my roms I need to insert a command line modifier but I can't figure out how to do it on a game specific basis with MA. Do I need to change versions of MAME??
---I'd look to MA's site for such answers as they will know exactly how to do it there.

2.) I've been looking in to light guns and it seems to be a hotly contested topic. What should I buy?
---Light Guns are a touchy subject at best.  Some work, some don't.. depending on the MAME system each person has.  I would say give it some time still and wait for the infamous WiiMote Gun Hack to be stable.

Cabinet questions:
1.) I'm really curious as to how most people are handling the TV mounting in their cab. I'm looking at just building a stand and having the tv sit on it but I do have the brackets from the original monitor. What should I do?
---TV mounting can be as easy as using the mounting points already found on the corners of the TV tube.  Make some 2x2 or 2x4 braces on the sides of the cab and mount directly or fix a metal frame to the sides for added support.

2.) Lastly. Admin buttons on the CP.... This again seems to be frowned upon but I would like some basic functions available on the CP. Coin, exit, that kinda stuff.
---I never have any issue with mounting Admin controls on the CP itself.  Some make a bar under the monitor glass, while others have them right on the top edge of the CP (or under the CP on the cabinet itself).  All a point of personal pref.