Convert Cabinet from Windows to Linux

[locutis]

Hi,

I have a cabinet running MameWah on Windows XP. The OS is pretty much invisible. This has worked great for years but the HDD failed today.

I think it's time to move on from Windows XP. Are there any "good out of the box" solutions these days? Perhaps a pre-installed linux distro?

I've been out of the scene so long I feel lost.

thank you
Brett

[keilmillerjr]

GroovyArcade.  However, I'm not sure if the district is being actively maintained still. Release is a little out of date. A beta included attract mode front end. Idk what happened.

[locutis]

Looks cool, downloading now.

[Howard_Casto]

Xp is a much better option than Linux to be honest.  Linux doesn't get a lot of support in the emulation community, so unless you are ok with the bare bones in terms of front-ends, features, middleware and hardware support you should always use windows. 

[keilmillerjr]

Xp is a much better option than Linux to be honest.  Linux doesn't get a lot of support in the emulation community, so unless you are ok with the bare bones in terms of front-ends, features, middleware and hardware support you should always use windows.

Some valid points, but attract mode is in no way "bare bones".

[locutis]

  I can't get a new windows XP license key.

I've spent a few hours playing with Retrocade (PC) and Emulationstation on a raspberry pi.

Really like the look of emulation station but doesn't seem stable. Raspberry pi is clearly not cut out for this job anyway.

Retrocade seems ok but I need to spend some more time. If I owned a classic arcade monitor it would be awesome. Sadly not.


I have such modest needs, Mame on a PC with an IPAC connected. Surprised that things haven't progressed further on the Linux front.

[lacanian]

I was going to start a thread with a similar discussion, so i hope this post is appropriate here.

I've done my testing on a 15kHz candy cabinet using Win XP and Win 7. Win XP with magic resolutions using CRT_Emudriver looks better than Windows 7 mainly using FightCade(FBA). GroovyMAME I couldn't tell any difference with the games I tested.

What I have encountered:
- Hyperspin does not work. If I remember correctly it can't handle the large (90+) amount of video modes. This can be reduced of course.
- RetroFE does not work on XP due to some library/DLL issues.
- AttraceMode - Works fine if you use the 32-bit version (64-bit version does not load on XP 64, library/DLL issues)

My thoughts:
- I haven't tested Linux thoroughly although GroovyArcade worked fine. You get the benefit of using 5xxx and 6xxx ATI cards at 15kHz.
- I had a similar feeling about emulation support for Linux. I haven't dug deep to see what emulators are supported but RetroArch knocks of a big chunk here. Especially for a 15KHz setup as I wouldn't worry about consoles greater than sixth generation.
- For a 31kHz screen or above I think Win7 would be the ideal OS as mentioned there is definitely more emulator support for newer consoles.
- AttractMode 32-bit and RocketLauncer work great on XP. RocketLauncher really helps simplifying the setup.

Final Thoughts:
As XP gets older and people program software for Win7 and above, I think XP may be left behind due to library's that aren't supported on XP. For a 15kHz setup I think Linux would have a greater life span XP. I'm hoping Linux emulation improves with the popularity of all the Pi projects. For now I'm thinking of sticking with XP, CRT_EmuDriver, AttractMode and RocketLauncher.


Does anyone have a list of consoles/systems that don't have a emulator for Linux?

[behrmr]

  I can't get a new windows XP license key.

I've spent a few hours playing with Retrocade (PC) and Emulationstation on a raspberry pi.

Really like the look of emulation station but doesn't seem stable. Raspberry pi is clearly not cut out for this job anyway.

Retrocade seems ok but I need to spend some more time. If I owned a classic arcade monitor it would be awesome. Sadly not.


I have such modest needs, Mame on a PC with an IPAC connected. Surprised that things haven't progressed further on the Linux front.

Download TinyXP

[Howard_Casto]

Surprised that things haven't progressed further on the Linux front.

You shouldn't be.  An operating system where the majority of drivers and support come from volunteers is never going to be even remotely current.  I don't think people appreciate Microsoft and Apple like they should.  Writing a piece of software that manages the interface between hardware and other software and does it seamlessly takes a team of hundreds.  To release it for a reasonable price is even more amazing.

[vwalbridge]

You shouldn't be.  An operating system where the majority of drivers and support come from volunteers is never going to be even remotely current.  I don't think people appreciate Microsoft and Apple like they should.  Writing a piece of software that manages the interface between hardware and other software and does it seamlessly takes a team of hundreds.  To release it for a reasonable price is even more amazing.

+1

Linux is only free, if your time is worthless

[ZoOl007]

I don't agree - I agree that the majority thinks windows is easier but that's because they don't know *nix. I got sdlmame and just about anything 'classic' running just fine with a fine crt like look and everything else. EmulationStation is a good frontend.

[Howard_Casto]

I know both... windows is better in %99.999 of all situations.  Linux is for people that like tinkering with their operating system. 

I'm not knocking the os, for what it is it is extremely impressive, but I understand what it's good for and general use isn't it's strong suit.  Linux boxes make a heck of a server or embedded OS though.