??? Frontend and Bootup

[EnderWiggen22]

Hey. I need help deciding on the right front end to use. I like the looks of GameLauncher, and it seems one of the easiest to use. I just don't know how to go about setting up the computer to boot the software immediately.

MY GOAL: make the users of this cabinet have no idea that there is a computer on the inside (no windows splash startup image, no desktop, no need for keyboard or mouse at any time [unless i'm reconfiging something], and windows sound during startup, and the front end shouldn't look like XP or anything)

QUESTIONS:

Are there certain combos of frontends and emulators that work better than others?

Should I use a DOS or Windows frontend?

How do I go about making all the right programs load during bootup w/o showing the desktop ever (or at least masking it to look like a mame graphic or something)?

Can anybody help me with this?

[gamecreature]

This link breaks down the features of the various front ends - http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Front-Ends

This link tells you how to hide windows - http://wiki.arcadecontrols.com/wiki/Hiding_Windows

[loadman]

Should I use a DOS or Windows frontend?

If you have a decent PC use windows XP

[MYX]

Should I use a DOS or Windows frontend?

If you have a decent PC use windows XP

Yup.
 
BTW, If you are just starting to come up to speed on this stuff. Take some time right up front and read as much as you can on the WIKI and do some searches on this site. More than likely, your topics will have been discussed reciently and a lot.