[linux-audio-user] Non-low latency "playing around"

Before I go "all out" and build a low-latency kernel, shutdown 90% of my system, and run jackd and ardour as root.......... I would like to be able to just familiarize myself with the tools and technology. So, is it possible, and if so, what are options to give jackd for things like sample rate and such, that would work for a user in a non-low-latency environment that would allow me to run some of the plug-ins, ardour, and other jack enabled tools... kind of "test drive" if you will... without causing a system crash. Obviously, I wouldn't attempt to do any serious stuff until updating the kernel and all the other stuff. Thanks. Lonnie Borntreger