Groovy Tips and Help for Windows 7

[adder]

Hi all, Could we use this thread to share tips about using Groovymame with Windows 7.  Some of us Windows XP users have got pretty good at optimising our systems (such as disabling unnecessary processes, or speeding up boot times, etc) but perhaps are not as confident at using Windows 7.

Please share any tips you have about Windows 7,  eg. tweaks to your system which have improved things for you, or problems you encountered but perhaps have solved..

Here are some questions from a long time Windows XP user (me!) --

1. There are various versions of Windows 7, such as Home, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate.. - Is there a preferred version to use or is it a case of 'any will do' ?  I'm wondering if 'less is more' applies here, if just using the PC for Groovymame/emulation, in which case perhaps the Windows 7 'Home' version is a good choice?

2. Regarding Memory (RAM) - Is it highly recommended to install at least 4GB of RAM?

3. Are there certain things in Windows 7 which are recommended to be disabled (eg. auto disk defragging? desktop themes? networking stuff? etc)

4. Anything hardware related to keep in mind (such as recommended ATI cards to use) or BIOS options to check?

5. Anything related to DirectX in need of discussion?

6. Are there any reasons remaining to favour using Windows XP with Groovymame instead of Windows 7?

OK guys feel free to post any hints and tips etc in this thread Thanks!

[haynor666]

1. All windows 7x64 versions are actually the same binaries just differ in functions. Use Home Premium.
2. I have 2Gb DDR3 and that's enough for MAME on windows 7x64 just like any other emu.
3. I didn't bother so far to disable services but you may disable annoying services like security center, firewall, defrag.
4. Calamity driver for windows 7x64 does not support Xxxx serie. Stick to HD4xxx serie

Under Windows 7, we support the Radeon HD 2xxx, HD 3xxx and Radeon HD 4xxx families, only for the 64-bit version of the operating system.

5. There are reported some problems with switching resolutions, also interlaced resolutions are now reported as 30 Hz modes.
6. http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,143522.msg1489555.html#msg1489555 - of course that's my opinion.