Music Making with a Computer for Dummies

[Chater-La]

Hi!

We are launching a short article series on how to choose a computer (and with what specifications) for creating music on a computer. Enjoy!

Here is Part 1:
http://en.audiofanzine.com/computer-...r-Part-1-.html

[tybs]

...at this point in building my home studio. I started the process about 3 weeks ago and have encountered, as should be expected, roadblocks and confusion about how to select the right computer (among countless other things but we'll leave those for now). This article was very helpful and I hope pt 2 is coming soon!

[Chater-La]

Part 2 is coming next week and it's all about PC vs. Mac debate and which is better for making music..

[Chater-La]

Here it is in all its glory Mac vs. PC for music making...let the games begin!

http://en.audiofanzine.com/computer-...mac-vs-pc.html

I myself enjoy a good laptop I can throw out every 4 years....

[dgatwood]

The keyboard issue is a highly region-specific thing. The EN-US Mac keyboard is basically identical in layout to a PC keyboard except for the function keys, modifier keys, and things like page-up/page-down. And you can always use a PC keyboard if you prefer it. The @ sign is shift-two on both Mac and PC keyboards over here. And so on.

As for copying and pasting files, Command-C, Command-V. Same as on a PC except different modifier key (command instead of control). Windows stole the keystrokes from the Mac platform way back in the '80s.

The Mac doesn't support the shift-Ins/shift-Del key combinations for that, I don't think. That said, you have to move your hand from the main part of the keyboard to use those combinations, so I'm really not sure why they even exist; they're much clumsier.

[rayc]

The Mac/PC article wasn't bad & posting these links is very good PR for Audiofanzine - we need to be seduced by what is offered that suits what we do - much like PC/Mac marketing.

[Bob Dudley]

I am just absorbing this site and suggested reading while wrestling with wires, an old, old, mackie 16 channel and my soundblaster soundcard, and power tracks pro audio to see if I can get a system off the ground before deciding to invest in i/o gear, etc. I am embarrassed at my ignorance but am frustrated enough with the mixer's multiple ports and knobs to ask the stupid question. How do I get the sound output from my soundblaster card to the mixer to play in my ear without it being included in the track I am currently laying down? Am I just too inexperienced for this site? I just ordered my "home recording for dummies" book and am waiting for its arrival. but I am also excited to get to the next stage. redudley3@gmail.com

[CraigCyril]

Hey! You have posted an awesome post, which helps to choose a computer and also helps to creating good music on computer. I found this very helpful. Thanks.

[ktheo86]

Great post! Thanks for the links.

[marykabrown]

Do you have for linux please?