[linux-audio-user] Recommendations for the newbie?

Thanks to all who replied to my earlier posting about available apps for linux audio in comparison to Window$/Mac apps. Now that I know there is an abundant supply of apps... What would be your recommendations to help a Linux newbie make the transition and begin using a Linux DAW? In other words how do you make music using your Linux DAW? Next, sound card recommendations? A friend may donate a Delta66 with Omni I/O breakout box to me. I may also purchase a SB Live! (EMU10K) card for using soundfonts. What cards work well? Good driver support. Low latency. Good D/A chips. Low noice. Etc. Finally, is there a preference to Intel or AMD CPUs and chipsets? Does one seem to work better than another? VIA chipset? nVidia? Intel? Sorry for asking what probably seems mundane to you. But, I'm new and want to get educated before making the switch. But I am dedicated to making the switch from Window$ to Linux. -- =========================================================== Richard K. Ingalls Director of Information Technology Glenwood R-8 School District West Plains, MO email..ringalls(a)glenwood.k12.mo.us web....glenwood.k12.mo.us ph.....417.256.4849 fax....417.257.2567 "Glenwood R-8: home of the mustangs!" ===========================================================