DOS emulators vs. Windows emulators

[Timstuff]

Which is preferable for a self-standing arcade cabinet?

[ahmer]

Generally Speaking,Dos emulators are much preferable for some reasons.
1)If emulators configure it properly as well as memory, they gives good emulation as compared emulators in windows.
2)You don't need to wait for start or shut down.Just Put the power button Off as you do in original arcade machine.

Mostly people use windows version to get rid of different problems in
Dos ,like settting a sound card, disk cashing ,memory expension etc.

you need to configure all these your self in dos.

[Timstuff]

So, what would be the best DOS emulator from running Mame compatable roms? Is there a DOS version of Mame avalible, or something that offers similar functionality?

[Lilwolf]

Yes... there IS a dos version of mame.

But DOS version is NOT the best for most systems.  If you have a 1gig machine or faster.  I would go with windows.  You get too many extra options... Plus it gives mame access to more memory (only useful for a few games...)..  And the easy of sound card configuration is REALLY worth it.

Also, I hear that they may stop supporting the dos build soon. 

[JoeB]

You can also play laser disc games (DAPHNE) in windows, but not dos.