Dictionary of Terms

[Impman66]

Are there any links on here that give a Glossary/dictionary definition of terms used on this forum, such as Attract mode, SSH, Arcade Bezel and the like. Just wondered as I am pretty oh Fey with computer terms, but a lot of the stuff on here leave me thinking WTF is that.
Thanks

[herb_fargus]

@impman66 good portion are described in the docs.

[Impman66]

@herb_fargus excellent, thanks Herb, will get looking :)

[caver01]

@impman66

Attract Mode
This refers to an emulator front end--software that presents configurable game selections to the user and allows them to choose and launch titles with emulators. The look and feel of the front end software is often configurable. Themes may be used to set consistent styles, colors, fonts, layouts. There have been many popular front ends that run on different operating systems (MameWAH, MaLa, AtomicFE, GameEx, Maximus Arcade, HyperSpin, Attract Mode, Emulation Station). Although we think of Attract Mode as the name of a front end, the term originally comes from an arcade game that is not being played--it runs a demo, (flashing lights, sounds, etc.) in an attempt to lure someone to drop in a quarter. This is the games's Attract Mode.

SSH
Secure Shell. This is a protocol for remote login from one computer to another. It is like telnet--a command line interface, a terminal session. Commands can be issued in an SSH session remotely which is especially useful for editing, moving and copying files, restarting, etc. all without touching the actual system. This allows computers to be access without monitors or keyboards attached. It is disabled in Raspbian by default for security reasons, and even on a RetroPie image it needs to be enabled in order to work.

Arcade Bezel
Technically, this the physical cutout that surrounds an arcade display. The bezel can be cardboard, plastic, glass, or might include a graphic overlay that hides the mounting bracket and provides clean or colorful artwork surrounding the video. In emulation it is possible to "fake" this effect using image files. A .png file with transparency can be used as an overlay if properly configured. This allows graphics/artwork to surround the game image. The bezel/overlay effect can be a very convincing copy of the original arcade experience, although some are made simply to take advantage of the pillar box that results from displaying a 4:3 aspect ratio game on a widescreen display.

[Impman66]

@caver01
Couldn't have explained it any better, thank you so much Caver

[Alturis]

@herb_fargus said in Dictionary of Terms:

@impman66 good portion are described in the docs.

I have found that to be partly true and partly untrue. Very often while reading the docs something is explained but without specifying the details of what it means or a specific example. I think the docs explain 99% of everything to those that already know what they are talking about. But are not written for newcomers at all and often answer one question but introduce several more.

They also tend to just want to describe a procedure for how to do something while using terminology that hasnt been explained or defined, and without explaining how something actually works or what is being specifically checked for by the software at hand. Instead of explaining where emulator X looks for data Y it instead directs you to a lengthy procedure to install something that doesnt explain how the system actually works.

Example from : https://retropie.org.uk/docs/Arcade
"Start with a full Non-Merged ROM collection (not an individual ROM) with the exact MAME or FB Alpha version number for the emulator you wish to use. An incorrect version or missing files will cause most or all games to immediately exit. In other words, lr-mame2003 will only work correctly with a collection of MAME 0.78 ROMs, mame4all will only work with a collection of MAME 0.37b5 ROMs, and so on.?

• Whats a rom collection?
• Whats a non-merged rom collection?
• Whats a merged rom collection?
• What does individual ROM mean?
• Whats the difference between MAME and FB Alpha?
• Missing files? Which files do I need ALL of them? That cant be.

Sometimes they are spot and answer your question for sure. But I would say as a recent newcomer simply directing someone to "read the docs" is only mildly helpful. There is certainly room for a summary FAQ and Glossary or common misconception bullet points etc.

Or what is really needed is better standards in the docs so that all these terms can just be clicked on to have them defined as you are reading about something you want to do.

Overall I think that things are not that complicated but for newcomers the documentation is dizzying.

[rbaker]

@alturis said in Dictionary of Terms:

Whats a rom collection?
Whats a non-merged rom collection?
Whats a merged rom collection?
What does individual ROM mean?
Whats the difference between MAME and FB Alpha?
Missing files? Which files do I need ALL of them? That cant be.

From your link above, click the third link

[Alturis]

@rbaker Yep I understand that the documentation contains information about everything somewhere. I was just pointing out that most often there is a lack of organization or presentation of information in a way that would make it quicker and easier to understand.

Lots of terminologies used where it is assumed the reader already understands. I was merely agreeing with @Impman66 that it would be useful to have a glossary. And I think better yet to have the documentation include links or bubbles directly to that in their texts.

[ByteThis]

I set up my own Retropie and customized the hell out of my image by reading a TON of information that is all available on the net without asking a single question. If I had a problem, I searched until I found my answer. Sure there is a lot of information, but you will always find an answer. Just a matter of taking the time to read. Google is the best source ! :-)