HyperSpin on Linux-OpenSource Emulation Revisited

[Nemes1s]

I have seen in past threads that there was some discussion (and reluctance) on cross-platforming HyperSpin over to Linux base OS. I have been programming linux servers and OS for some years now and have found that there has been great leaps in Linux foreign OS compatibility that would not only support HS system files, but also would make HS capable of running at peak emulation (i.e., no latency, lag or emulation glitch in as far as the rom is complete and functional as purposed) on legacy hardware! This means that HS patrons could use single core systems (like Dell Dimension 1100, which you can buy at nearly $10 a piece) with basic video output for their builds, have full OS customization (without having to boot into windows first before running HS-suggested for advanced users) and will save buku $$$ on the project. I personally have HS running at full capability on Kubuntu 12.10 (using next to nil resources on the OS).

In my personal opinion, HyperSpin is the most complete frontend available and runs far smoother than any other MAME projects to date; and, I understand that with any community we all have a right to voice our opinions and offer ways of improving upon a project...however, I believe it is up to the originators to decide the direct they would like it to go. So before I go getting into a tut on how to set it up (which is ridiculously easy with the right tools installed), it is customary to get the creators approval before doing so since they deserve 1000% of the credit for the HyperSpin Project to date and without their efforts we would not have it.

I would still appreciate you, the community, to voice your opinion on this-so feel free to post on this thread. But please, for the sake of the topic, keep it to the point of running HS on Linux. I know there are DOS bootable frontends already out there for linux, and other frontends that run on linux similar to HS. However, they are very generic and inferior to the visual ascetics and capabilities of HS.

[DrMoney]

I this would be great for exactly the reasons you mentioned, definitely count me in.

[dumlaox]

As someone who's interested in using Linux for my box (yet dissuaded by the lack of updates/support for certain emulators on that platform), I'm curious to know if there's something missing in the Linux version of HyperSpin that's present in the Windows version. Have you found any differences, or even improvements, from running HS off something that isn't its native OS?

[DeeGor]

This topic was posted in the wrong forum. This is the HyperPin forum.

That being said. I'd love to see the tutorial. You probably could even create a simple bash script / pkg / rpm to install everything for you, so those that aren't linux savvy would be able to get everything up and running in minutes.

[jeepguy81]

There is no "linux version" of HS. Sorry just want to avoid people down the road asking all over the place for the Linux build of HS. I'm intrigued as well, just trying to keep the terminology right.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[Nemes1s]

@Dumlaox: Firstly, jeepguy81 is absolutely right, there is no 'Linux Version' of HS. Now, the reason HS wont run natively on Linux is due to a couple of reasons. Primarily because Linux is lacking the .Net Framework and VisualBasic backbone which HS depends upon (at least as far as the windows version is concerned) in order to run most of its dependacies. This is the reason Linux developers came up with Playonlinux. It substitutes the core .net/vb framework with WINE protocols as well as employing Mono (a windows framework emulator for linux). Since nearly all of the .lib, .exe, and .dll files are configured for windows environments, linux, before Mono/Playonlinux, had no way of processing the signal calls HS was requesting. For instance, whenever you try to run HS on linux (prior to the tools I employ), it gives a visual Basic 6 missing .dll error. So the missing .net/vb frameworks are the issue preventing HS from running 'natively' on linux (sorry for the lengthy explaination-but its necessary to understand the issue). But there are easy work-arounds for this problem WITHOUT changing anything with HS at all. It all falls on Linux configuration-more accurately: emulating Windows on Linux in its entirety.

As for the reason why a Linux Build would be better than the Windows, for the following reason:

*faster execution rate (windows i/o processes are dependent solely on accessibility-which windows monopolizes for system calls)

*more compact coding strings (i.e., the process for coding, compiling, packaging and installing would be cut by 300%). the average install for windows is 15gb as Linux only occupies 5.4gb (with third-party drivers and updates installed optionally-4gb without).

*allows for cheaper MAME builds

*Universal input support (i.e., I used a wired third-party ps3 controller to play HS roms without having to hunt down drivers or install them).

Now this need to be made clear...I installed the windows version of HS on a Linux OS. I did not change any of the program coding in HS (You wouldn't repaint the Mona Lisa merely because it didn't match the wall paint-just repaint). Its about tailoring your OS around HS needs...not the other way around.

[Nemes1s]

apologize for the wrong forum as well.

[Nemes1s]

as for the idea of a self-installer...would most likely set it up as a *.deb file since *.tar.gz require a more experienced hand to install. Thanks for the response.

[Nemes1s]

check out groovy arcade...its a linux grub executable (meaning it requires no OS) frontend install for MAME...not as good as HS, but gives you an idea as to how efficient Linux coding is compared to Windows.

Con to Groovy Arcade: Video output configured wrong by the user. GUI is poor in relation to HS.

[djvj]

So you are saying you have HS running on a linux-based OS?

You posted this in 3 different forums, please do not do that again. I combined all 3 and left it here in the lounge and deleted your duplicate posts.

[Pyramid_Head]

I think another problem with Hyperspin in Linux would be Auto Hot Key. I don't think there is any Linux version unless there is and I missed it?

[Nemes1s]

@djvj: sorry for the multiple posts, tried posting the first time and the system logged me out-so i assumed it did not go through. wont happen again. But yes, i have got HS running on linux. Kubuntu 12.10 to be exact.

[Nemes1s]

@hunk: anything that is functional in HS on windows is functional on linux. Basically...you are running HS MAME emulation on emulated windows environment on Linux OS. If that makes sense...

[djvj]

Interesting, you should definitely put together the guide and a list of emus supported in linux. I'm sure many would appreciate the effort and like to try this out.

[mameshane]

@hunk: anything that is functional in HS on windows is functional on linux. Basically...you are running HS MAME emulation on emulated windows environment on Linux OS. If that makes sense...

could u use a native version of mame/and other emulators and not the windows emulated ones? and have hyperspin point to them?

[Nemes1s]

@hulk: linux program winetricks offers autohotkey as an optional install.

@mameshane: I wouldn't see why not as HS merely executes the emu and doesn't compile or run it. You have to remember HS is simply the wrapper on the candy bar...not actually what you eat. It's for looks and organization. No emulators are included.

[sudopinion]

.

[Nemes1s]

Sudo: you would install cygwin through 'winetricks cygwin' command in the terminal...follow instructions. Once installed point HS to desired directory of the file to execute. Should run

[Nemes1s]

Just to be clear...most of HS running on linux is done through wine installs. Let's be real...you are running win32 API system call emulation on a Xlib/XCB environment through GTK+/QT (Depending on your build). The GUI API for linux is not part of the OS...its run through X Window System.

[dustind900]

I have been programming linux servers and OS for some years now

Since Linux is OpenSource you could just create an entire image all set up and ready to go. Just leave out HyperSpin (wine installs are easy). I'm not sure how BBB would feel about it being included in the image.

You could be the first to program a HyperSpin dedicated OS!

[Nemes1s]

Would never take credit for a communities efforts. If bbb green lights the project I could create a parallel *.deb package which will aid HS in running natively on linux. There are plenty of HS-like linux frontends out there...but they aren't HS.

[jackhammersalm]

OK you have caught my curiosity. I want proof that this runs on linux (video footage). HS on Linux. Something I thought would NEVER! happen

[dustind900]

OK you have caught my curiosity. I want proof that this runs on linux (video footage). HS on Linux. Something I thought would NEVER! happen

Actually this has been possible for quite some time now that there are .Net implementations for linux like MonoTools or DotGNU.

[Pyramid_Head]

Sounds very promising! Gives me another excuse to install Linux side by side Windows that and the fact Steam finally has Linux support

[djvj]

I definitely want to see this project come to fruition.