Hmmm. I suppose budget won't run to a G3 Mac with a Digi01 Pro tools in out box?

Try: Emagic Audiowerk cards. Theres a two channel version and an 8 channel version. In both cases the Audio Quality is pretty good - miles better than a SB card, and they're both reasonably cheap for the features offered. These are audio only cards. No onboard sounds, no MIDI.

PC wise, you will need a fast hard disk, 7200 speed is fine or greater if possible. Also, Lots of memory - as much as you can afford. I would advise you to go for an Intel Processor, as more kit is compatible. My AMD system doesn't like certain programmes (sic) for instance. Try and get a system with a large Cache Memory, as this will improve performance no end. Also try to keep your system, programmes etc on one HD and leave another for just writing Audio Data. Defrag regularly.

Software-wise Cubase is good, Logic Audio is good (there's a crippleware version included with the Emagic cards). If you look at the Digidesign website, you can download an 8 track version of pro tools which works with some configurations of PC. This is however a taster product. You almost certainly will end up wanting a full 5.1 TDM system!!!

Other software to look at is Nuendo (expensive - very nice) and Vegas (which I like a lot)

Hope this helps,

English Jon