Need some direction

[BROKENARCADE]

Hey everyone. I would really like to start up a mame machine. I have been waiting to build one but just never understood all the computer aspects of the game. I do a lot of arcade and pinballs but never anything with a computer. I see that there are so many options available for front ends, and everything else. Is there a guide out there for someone like me that will take me from step one to the last step? What programs do I need, what hardware is required and the minimum requirements, etc. Let me know if you guys have any great suggestions. thanks

[leapinlew]

I don't have any "great" suggestions, but I think a decent one is to tell us what kind of games you like to play first. From there, we can determine the computer you should run.

Also tell us what platform you plan on running (windows, linux, mac) and we can then offer some front end advice.

The last piece of advice is to tell you to just jump in. You'll figure it all out. 

[loadman]

Try the....

WIKI WIKI WIKI WIKI WIKI WIKI WIKI

I want to earn some 'budabing' points 

[BROKENARCADE]

Well i have all the dvds, with the games, and the hard drive i think chd. I like to play all sorts, pacman, classics, simpsons, tmnt, mortal kombats, etc. I like just about everything and I am most comfortable with windows. Hope this helps.

[loadman]

Well i have all the dvds, with the games, and the hard drive i think chd. I like to play all sorts, pacman, classics, simpsons, tmnt, mortal kombats, etc. I like just about everything and I am most comfortable with windows. Hope this helps.

Seriusloy, Have a look at the wiki

An easy start is Mame32 until you get the idea..

But when you get serious for a cab you want a FE that does not look like windows... Then you would use command line mame and your pick of the FE's