os configuration for ntrack in win98

[bobbo]

I was wondering how people using ntrack and win98 would best optimize their settings in the os during recording. I'm thinking of dual booting two versions of win98 but I would like to know if it is worth it, and what settings would be changed that would be different from the normal default settings that win98 has for normal internet and gaming stuff, which is what I am using right now with this computer. I'm thinking of building a new one for games and recording, and am wondering if I would be better off dual booting, or if it is even worth it.
If I do build, it will probably be something like an:
amd 1600xp
one or two 7200 rpm hd's
a descent video card
delta 1010 soundcard
probably get a motherboard with raid because of the extra ide's and upgradability
Thanks
bobbo

[Emeric]

If your going to be loading up games and other non-recording related app's you should consider a dual boot. It is worth it. In fact, I like dual booting soooo much, I wrote a brief article on it, found here - www.sigmacomputers.on.ca/dualboot.html

I wouldn't get too hung up on raid unless you really really need it.

[bobbo]

Thanks Emeric,
If I were to get a motherboard without raid, what would be the best way for me to connect these drives to the motherboard:
1 or 2 hard drives (I'm not really sure if I should get two of them)
cd-rom (or dvd/cd-rom)
cdrw

Would it be good to (or can it even happen) to not have any of these connected as master/slave type dealy thing, and can they all be connected separately to the board and would this be ideal for recording?
I guess I'm a little confused about this, thats why I was thinking about a board with raid, because it would give me more ide slots to use if it were better to do things this way.
When I look at pictures of motherboards without raid, I see two ide slots (maybe there are 4 but I'm just not sure). So if I were to use 2 hard drives, I would think it would be best to have them both on their own ide connection, and not have them connected with any other drive such as cd rom or whatever. I guess thats why I'm a little confused.
I hope this is understandable, I'm probably too worried about something that I don't even know is something that I shouldn't be worrying about. I think I just need some sleep.

[Emeric]

You have a lots of options with two IDE channels.

There is an advantage to having a second hard drive as well, it's a good way to isolate audio data from your operating system as well as improve performance.

Just set your CD-ROM's and/or DVD's to slave and your hard drives to master.

If you find you've run out of IDE channels, you can always buy an add on PCI card for cheap that will give you more.

[bobbo]

Sounds good, thanks Emeric.