Help! Totally new to MIDI I want to get started but...

[BardAlgol]

Hello Folks,
I'm totally new to the idea of doing music on the computer, I've always been a traditional synth / keyboard player hardware recording device user but thought I'd like to get into the new age but I'm a bit lost as to what I can or can't use.
Last year I was reading lots of Computer Music and other virtual instrument mags so I had a PC built custom last year. Now that that's paid off I want to get a cool Midi controller and some virtual synths for creating some interesting sounds but I have some questions before I get any hardware or software since software isn't returnable if it doesn't work...

My system was built bare bones as follows:
Win XP Pro 64 Bit
Quad Core Pentium
4 GB RAM (800mhz)
2 x 500 GB hard drives

I went to pick up the M-Audio 61 Key Axiom and copy of Absynth 4 today but neither the kid at the shop nor I could tell for sure if it would work on my PC. So I'm hoping someone here has a computer system setup similar to mine and can tell me if these items (and other virtual synths) will work on the 64 bit version of XP? The native instruments page for Absynth said something like: "Native Instruments need a 32 bit environment to run on a 64 bit version of XP." What does that statement of kabbalistic computer language mean? Can I or can't I use it? I don't have $200 to put on a bet, if I did I'd be at the horse track! I assumed that the 64 bit XP would be better than the 32 bit version but maybe I've screwed myself again? Anyone here have XP 64 - what can I use? (hopefully something)

[altitude909]

I would interpret that to mean that the software has to be run via a 32 bit DAW to work on a win64 (vs a native 64 bit daw). For both cases, I would email their support/sales. Dont ever trust "some kid working at guitar center", you may as well be discussing the technical details of the third stage of a Titan 3 rocket.

And yes you are wrong in assuming XP64 is better for a daw than XP32

[Oancient1]

Most reports I have seen on problems with 64-bit XP have been not with running 32-bit applications, but with having appropriate device drivers for externally connected hardware not being available and drivers designed for 32-bit interface not working in the 64-bit environment. The current wikipedia entry on the 64-bit XP seems to say that at least some XP Pro versions have a workaround through something called "the x86-64 extension ", but who can really understand the meaning of any of this technical gobbly-gook. But as altitude said, any product support team should be able clarify what is needed to make it work.

[BardAlgol]

Thanks guys, I wonder if I can score a XP-32 OS somewhere...

Well, I've got the first goodies all installed into my Vista 32 bit laptop today but I'm stumped as to how to tell the virtual synths (I bought the Komplete Synths boxset) that I'm using the Axiom to trigger the sounds when using the standalone programs.
As far as in Ableton Live lite that came with the Axiom I can't get the VSTs to show up. I select the folder that I installed the plug ins, on what I assume is the correct screen but the little banners don't come up on the work window like I've seen in screen shots. I'm hoping there's just some step I've not done but being so new I'm just floundering around and getting frustrated not being able to actually "do" anything.

Once again, I'd be thankful for any guidance.