Yes that means it
should be easier to get it to work in linux/mac..even BSD. (There is a MAME that runs on the haiku OS even!)
I have to agree with that. Linux is moving up (or is that over) from servers to desktops..it's come a long way and I think it is going to be here for the long road. Most people use linux everyday and don't even know it.
The other reason I am glad for more linux support is people make cabs with linux. Why spend more money on your cab? You feel lucky that you were able to convince your significant other you even need/want one!
So make it "as cheap as possible". Sure WINXP is still relevant for arcade cabs (there is a version of mame that works on DOS 6.2..and yes it is
still being developed.) and I have a cab that runs windows98. Linux though can be updated and supported still..so it is a good alternative. Not saying that vista, 7, 8, 10 can't be used (and there are some good emulators that are windows only..pinmame is windows only also) but the windows gui is not very cab friendly..mac works well..however I have no experience with it.
open sorce mens that it can be ported easier I think to many operating systems...but then again...they were doing that before..err I thought..maybe it wasn't so easy till now..?