If you really want to be good as Digital Rage (Or even better) you should have the following Hardware
Processor: Although Pentium 133 should be enough for beginners Pentium II or Pentium III are highly recommended.
Memory: 32 Mb should be enough but as everybody says "More memory brings better performance" with almost any software (especially when using windows).
Sound Card: For beginners, most of the CD quality 16 bit cards available at the market should be fine but when you'll start to play like a pro you'll have to get a better sound card (With a built in synth) I recommend Creative Sound Blaster Live if you're going to buy a new one, else the Creative AWE-32/64 with a memory add-on should be not bad at all.
Notice that you don't have to get a professional sound card (like Gina etc...) and still get professional results - It's all up to you.
External Midi Keyboard: Although you can create great music without an external midi keyboard by using the computer's keyboard (It can be done with Impulse Tracker & Mod Plug Tracker), It is highly recommended to use one - Especially for the people who have background with musical keyboards.
The Software
I know that some of the people expect me to say something like: "This software is for beginners and the other one is for pro's" but in my opinion a software is a tool that you get use to it, there are so many good programs out there, some are better and some are worst but after all it's all up to you to learn how to work with the software you'll choose.
The following programs are the best in my opinion:
Impulse Tracker
The best tracker ever, easy to use and still have almost unlimited options.
Impulse Tracker is a sampler the better samples you'll use the better sound you'll hear, Pro trackers can create there own samples to create there own effects. Of course you need the talent but if you got it - Impulse tracker worth a try. To download Impulse Tracker click Here
Please note that Although Impulse Tracker works fine with windows 95/98 it is a Dos program if you prefer a windows interface program try to search the net for Mod Plug Trucker. Mod Plug Tracker is a 32 bit windows program that can do almost everything that Impulse Tracker can do but with less quality (In my opinion anyway).
CakeWalk & Cubase VST
If you're going to use CakeWalk or Cubase you better have internal & external good hardware.
CakeWalk & Cubase are a full midi sequencers, it uses midi banks with external midi keyboards and have the ability to mix the midi synth with samples and much much more.
Although you can make almost everything with these programs (especially with Cubase), it is much more complicate to learn & work with it.
For any questions feel free to contact [email protected]
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