I've been using Windows XP, but wish to get another PC to run only Linux. Plan to have the PC put together by a local shop rather than buying one from a retail store.

My problem is that I'm not sure what hardware I should have put in this PC so that I'll have a minimum of compatiblity problems with Linux (Mandrake 9.0).

I need something that is fairly fast because I do editing of music files and some graphics, as well as use the Internet quite often. Because of the music editing, a good sound card is important.

Would appreciate all suggestions!

here's a good place to start.....

http://www.linuxquestions.org/hcl/index.php

mdk 9.0 support quite a lot for diff hardware.
if you are worry, don't get those most up-to-date hardware.

if i were u, i go to mandrake site : http://www.mandrakelinux.com

go to hardware, you can see what are the supported hardware.

hope that helps

Have you considered building your own box? You probably can save yourself some pretty decent cash by rolling your own. Once you decide on the set of components you want to get, you might want to look into buying and assembling them yourself. That's what I did, and couldn't be happier (note that up until this machine, I had never built my own rig.) Seriously, give it a shot. BTW an excellent online vendor for PC hardware is NewEgg, found here: http://www.newegg.com/ Great prices/service. It's where I got my stuff, and I'd recommend it. Good luck with whatever your decision is. -- J.W.