os & frontend

[neuromancer]

I took about a year off from my arcade cabinet, but I'm about to the point that I can work on it again.

My CPU is going to be the 700 Mhz Duron that I bought back then.

I'm thinking of running W2k, just because I'm familiar with it, but I suppose 98 is an option. I don't think I'd use DOS.

Will it make a significant difference in performance to use one of those os's vs. the other?

Seconly, I see a lot of talk about MAMEWAH. Is it the "leading" frontend now?

I'm pretty sure I'll be using a PC monitor.

Thanks!

Bob

[Lilwolf]

If you aren't going go with DOS, I would go with win92se

Mainly look at the OS that was designed for computer of your speed.  Memory is probably more a part of it.

You CAN get xp to be about as fast as 98 by removing all the fuglies...

but you can also optimize 98se...

I think both being fully optimized you will get a few percent in 98SE.  

but you will also get another jump by going with DOS.. but you loose your hwstretching.

[neuromancer]

Well, I think hwstretching will be important for me because I've pretty much decided to use the fixed frequency monitor I have that only runs in one resolution.

So I guess that tips the scales to windows of some sort.

Is there a concensus of opinion for "best" frontend for windows? Or a best two?

I'm really getting psyched to getting started again. I actually had everything running for a short time, but the PC died a hideous death.

Bob

[electricd]

I switched to Mamewah about 2 months ago and swear by it now.  It (in my opinion) is the BEST FE for someone who wants to hide the fact that thier arcade is really a windows pc!