OK,
I have updated it again.
I added scandisk so you can check your hard drive any time by typing "scandisk" (without quotes) at the C:> prompt
I wanted to add "defrag" but couldn't find a DOS7 compatible defragmentor.
After some further reading I've decided that "Scitech Display Doctor" is the universal video card driver for DOS. So we install a sound card driver but why not a video card driver too?
The new version of the boot CD has an option to install and register Scitech Display Doctor. I made it an option so if it has adverse effects you can choose to not install it. Options are good.
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I have also made batch files that optimize MAME for speed or quality, and a batch file that returns it to default. This automatically changes mame.cfg.
From the readme:
7. What does the "optmization" do?
It automatically changes these lines in mame.cfg
"fast"
triplebuffer = no
samplerate = 11025
resolution = 320x240
"quality"
triplebuffer = yes
samplerate = 44100
resolution = auto
"default"
triplebuffer = no
samplerate = 22050
resolution = auto
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On the topic of options I would like to add some more front ends with a menu choosing which front end will be default. The other front ends will also be installed and the user could manually switch to one of those instead.
Which front ends would you guys like to see?
What are the most popular DOS front ends?
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I would also add some other versions of MAME, versions that support more hardware. I think AdvanceMAME is the only such version for DOS.
What versions of MAME would you guys like to see added?
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I will also redo Fraggal's sound card installation, when time allows. It seems wacky - just take a look at DOS.bat on the disk. Specifically he has the sound card installation copying files, swapping out the autoexec.bat and config.sys, then adding lines to them.
Once I redo Fraggal's soundcard installation it will no longer be his disk! That is the last thing remaining - I've worked many hours re-doing the entire disk.
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If you guys want to see any DOS programs, drivers, or files included in the disk get me a direct link to the file and I'll take a look at it.
Also, this project is completely "open source" - if you want to change it to your specific needs simply look at DOS.BAT file on the CD and use "magic ISO" to replace the files on the CD image with your own files. You can test your ISOs with Microsoft Virtual PC* (which is free from M$) without having to burn them to CD.
I would also gladly accept any advice from DOS gurus! I am not one... Just a DOS student.
*http://tinyurl.com/287fx8
Supported Operating Systems: Windows XP Professional Edition ; Windows XP Professional x64 Edition ; Windows XP Tablet PC Edition; Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86); Windows Server 2003, Standard x64 Edition; Windows Vista Business; Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Enterprise; Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Ultimate; Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition.
*http://tinyurl.com/34tooe
Supported Operating Systems: Windows 2000 Service Pack 4; Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition (32-bit x86); Windows XP Service Pack 2
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I have also heard about "DOS version 7.1" allegedly it has USB support for CD drives and mouse, and can use GUI from Win 3.11, Win95, or Win98. I will look into it when time allows.
Quote:
"MS DOS 7.1
DOS 7.1, the best DOS that ever relased ! (It got USB (Drive, Mouse...) Support, You can use GUI´s (3.11, 95, 98...) they need only 600-5000kb !"
From:
http://vetusware.com/select-by/category/OS/?cat=1Notice: The above site allows 2 initial downloads, then 1 download per day.
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Notice:
I have set up mame's configuration file to expect a "sound blaster" sound card
This is a line in mame.cfg
If you are not using "sound blaster" sound card you must edit mame.cfg line:
soundcard 1
to edit mame.cfg type "setup" (without quotes) from C:> prompt
Here are mame's soundcard codes:
0. Silence
1. Sound Blaster
3. Pro Audio Spectrum
4. Ultrasound Max (CS4231 codec)
5. Ultrasound
6. Windows sound system
7. Ensoniq Soundscape
(it's not an error, there is no #2)Example, if you have an Ultrasound card you would change the line to:
soundcard 5
Note:
Running "optimizations" will reset mame.cfg to soundcard 1, so you will have to edit this line every time you run an optimization.
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It seems that getting sound to work is DOS's "Achillies Heel". Why not just stick to soundblaster ISA? A $5 card gets your $10 computer running as a MAME machine very easily.
The catch is - not all motherboards have ISA!
If you don't have an ISA soundblaster card, choose "
No sound configuration, I will configure my sound card manually" during set up, then install your sound card's driver manually. You can usually find your sound card DOS drivers at driverguide.com
I look forward to simplifying this sound card "issue"
If I can re-do the entire sound card section of this disk to become compatible with more sound cards it may become very good!
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Cheers,
Craig