Hey guys,

I'm fairly new to Linux so you'll need to bare with with. I'm a trumpet player wanting to incorporate some technology into my performances. Basically, I wanna build a glorified audio looper in PureData with some audio routing on my laptop to be a one man band.


The only problem is that there are SO many different distributions of linux and I really don't know where to start? Should a get a mainstream distribution and download a package or should I get the smaller custom distributions for audio applications? Which ones are the best, etc...

I've done some research, but I've just come up with lists of distributions and no comparisons for audio.
http://linux-sound.org/distro.html


Basically, I'll be running it on my laptop (Compaq Presario R34xx with an AMD Anthlon XP 3000+ processor, if memory serves) with a Tascam US122 audio interface. I'll be running pure data and anything else I can find. So basically, I need something that will give the least latency. Efficiency and low latency are the biggest concerns.

Now, I've no experience with Linux, but I'm not an idiot, so I can figure things out, therefor, I don't need the easiest option, but I don't want the most complicated distribution.

I'd really appreciate any help I can get. If you guys can send me to some good sites or guides, I'd love it. But I'd really like to get some help with what distribution to choose because I'm just not sure. Pros and cons of each would really make things easier for me.

Thanks a millions billion!

There's this interesting project called JackLab. Here are some links for you to check it out.

http://jacklab.org/
http://en.opensuse.org/JackLab
http://jacklab.net/

Ok, so I'm getting and installing JAD as we speak. I'm turning my laptop into my bitch, so I'm gonna install a shitload of versions to see which will work for me. Any more suggestions?

Also, any good linux guides for complete newbies?

1. If at first you don't succeed, try and try even harder
2. Use Google Search as much as possible.

http://www.linux.ie/newusers/beginners-linux-guide/

Do let me know how you get on, I also produce music, but I don't have a spare machine to try JAD on.

Anymore suggestions?

Plenty but I don't know how relavent they would be

dyne:bolic.

This is great and lightweight. Plus, installing it is just as simple as click and drag.