What kind of software/hardware do i need..

[crashdmj]

If i want to network my mame machine to another computer to do updating/organizing etc.? Thanks

[Homebrew]

That depends on a few things.  First, do you know anything about networking?  Do you have an existing network?  Just trying to figure out if you need to know every last detail.  You don't necessarily need any extra software depending on what you need to do.  If you just need to go in and ocassionaly add some roms or editied a file, then no added software is needed.  If you wanted to do things like restart the computer or run emulators, then you would need extra software.   A little more info on what you need to do and how much knowledge you have on networking would help alot.  Also whether you want to go wireless or wired network should be considered, though not extremely important.  Not much changes either way.

-Kevin

[crashdmj]

Ok i have little to no networking skills, I am currently hooked up through cable net at an appartment but I share it with my roomies on a hub/hud?? The main purpose for the network would be to add roms, organize, do updates if i have to. The comp. i want to network will be in an arcade cabinet. One of my roomates is majoring in computer-end user tech. so if anything got too complicated i could make him do it but I was just wondering about the essentials.

[Silverwind]

That depends on a few things.  First, do you know anything about networking?  Do you have an existing network?  Just trying to figure out if you need to know every last detail.  You don't necessarily need any extra software depending on what you need to do.  If you just need to go in and ocassionaly add some roms or editied a file, then no added software is needed.  If you wanted to do things like restart the computer or run emulators, then you would need extra software.   A little more info on what you need to do and how much knowledge you have on networking would help alot.  Also whether you want to go wireless or wired network should be considered, though not extremely important.  Not much changes either way.

-Kevin

also.. if you are running XP.. I know it has some built in remote management (at least XP Pro does)..

I've not used it as I utilize remote administrator instead.. it's excellent..

[Homebrew]

Well to just add/update roms and edit files, the remote administration is not needed.  You can just share the files on the network.  One thing to consider is how do you feel about running a network cable to the cabinet?  If you don't like the idea of that, then you can go wireless, but wireless is significantly slower.  So if you were to be transferring large amounts of data, its gonna take a while on wireless.  If its accessible, you could just run a cable to the computer whenever you need to update.  As far as software, you don't need any added software unless you're trying to things such as shut down the arcade computer from another computer terminal.  Or another example would be trying to start your front end or emulator on your arcade computer, but trying to do it remotely from another computer.  I doubt you need to perform such tasks, but if you did, then you would needed added software.   I hope all that didn't sound confusing.  If it did, please let me know.  But as it stands now, i'd say all you need is a network card for your arcade computer and a network cable.  

-Kevin

[crashdmj]

Thanks you i think I have a good idea what i need to do now.

[SirPoonga]

Easiest way to do it.  

1) Get a NIc for each computer (3com preferred)
2) get a linksys router
3) get network cables

that's it.

[eightbit]

Easiest way to do it.  

1) Get a NIc for each computer (3com preferred)
2) get a linksys router
3) get network cables

that's it.

Easier way to do it-
1) get your Computer Science room mate to hook you up