[linux-audio-user] Newbie questions for live gigging

I've been lurking on this list for a few months... I haven't even created a Linux Digital Audio Workstation yet, but I'd like to. I'm becoming more and more a believer in Open Source Software not only on the server but also on the desktop... (I digress, sorry). I'm looking at the latest MIDI sound modules and thinking can't I achieve many of these things using Linux and my PC? 1) I want to have many sounds available for live playing (via MIDI) on my keyboard. That's the top priority. Lots of sounds. Good quality sounds. I'm thinking a sample playback machine or sound fonts (right?). Can't I even achieve BETTER sounds with my PC than with a very expensive new sound module? 2) I'd like to be able to sequence those great sounds. It would be even better if I could use the sequencer WHILE playing live sounds through this machine. 3) It would be very cool to be able to edit those sounds and tweak them. Doesn't have to be "live" though. MY QUESTIONS: Can I achieve these goals without too much fuss (remember I'm a newbie)? Which "distro" (CCRMA or other?) would be best/easiest? Do I want to go with sound fonts? What sound card should I go with (not too expensive, ok?)? Thank you Linux Audio Gurus! -- =========================================================== "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose." -- Jim Elliott RICHARD K. INGALLS Director of Information Technology Glenwood R-8 School District West Plains, MO email..ringalls (at) glenwood.k12.mo.us web....http://glenwood.k12.mo.us ph.....417.256.4849 fax....417.257.2567 "Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see." -- C. S. Lewis ===========================================================