what would I need to get started with soft synths

[antofants]

I'm not even certain I'm using the right terminology. I've done mostly straight forward recording and haven't messed around with computer samplers and software instruments. But recently I've been concidering trying to incorporate them into my set-up. I'm currently running DP3 on a dual 533 mac under OS9.2. I haven't felt like going to DP4 or OSX because everything in my setup is currently running very smoothly and I just haven't seen the need to pitch more bills.
What I'm really trying to get are some nice string and drum sounds (without breaking the bank) that I could use to fill out some projects but like I said, I'm really not even cerain where to begin. Could someone give me some pointers?

 

[ssscientist]

Here's a site that I've found incredibly useful --- http://www.kvraudio.com. They have a whole bunch of free VST fx and VSTi's and all kinds of others besides. It's a very good resource for everything related to soft synths and computer audio in general.