I 'm getting a lot of requests for some guidance on choosing and installing software for MAME cabinets... This is all you need to get started and make a functional software on your MAME cabinet. Installing and configuring the software is easier than you might think and there are guides for everything out there.

The OS - Operating System
With computers getting more and more powerful, there is no reason to choose DOS, Linux or Windows 98 anymore. The wise choice today would be Windows XP as it is a lot faster and less demanding than Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Another reason for choosing XP for your MAME cabinet, is software compatibility. You can choose from a wide range of front-ends and emulators.

Different varieties of Windows XP
I recommend choosing one of the light, or "stripped down" versions of Windows XP. You can make such a version yourself by using nLite. nLite lets you strip down Windows XP. Read about and download nLite here:

Download nLite here

Guide to nLite here

Another and easier way of stripping down XP is downloading Tiny XP. This version of XP is already stripped down and lets you boot faster while using less memory and hard disk space. BEWARE! While nLite is totally legal as it requires a legal copy of Windows XP, Tiny XP is illegal! I will not give you any links or help you find a copy of Tiny XP! I recommed using nLite. Having said that, Tiny XP is still less consuming than a nLited version.

The Frontend
A frontend is a graphically overlay for your OS. This frontend gives you a simple GUI (Graphical User Interface) that lets you choosing games, music and more with your simple joystic controls. Yes, you do not need a keyboard or mouse.

I will recommend two frontends for you at this time, none of them are free:

Maximus Arcade
This is a simple but very sleek and nice looking frontend. The downside is that software customization it kept to a minimum. The upside is that it looks fantastic and you can easily make your own stunning themes.

I recommend this frontend to everyone who prefer looks before speed and customization.

Download and more info here: Maximus Arcade

GameEX  
This frontend isn't as pretty as Maximus. But it will do anything can think of and more so. This is the one to choose for the nerd ;)

Download and more info here: GameEX

Guide to GameEX here

Good luck and I will be updating this guide...

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