Cubase should work well for you.

It's hard to tell how software programs will interact, so it is always safest to install the fewest programs possible on your audio computer.

If you can, I would recommend purchasing more RAM, especially if you will be using software drums. Even another 256MB will make a big difference.

yeah i know, i will do so when i have a few bugs saved up.

isn't there any other way to program drums than fruityloops?
i have the drumkit from hell and it has all these wave files, txt files and fxp files. Isn't there anyway that i can program the drums in cubase like i do now in fruity loops?

and what is the best way to make string sounds (for rock purpose that is?) i have read about halion?

If you want to program drum sequences, a cheap way would be to get "Drumatic" from e-phonic.com. This is a free VSTi (VST instrument) that you can play with Cubase and your midi keyboard. You just put it in your VST plugins folder(c:program filessteinbergcubase sxvstplugins), start up Cubase *preferably SX*, then in a new or old project add a midi track, open "vst instruments" from the pulldown menu, select the drum machine you just downloaded on the first available slot, and then route the output of your midi track to Drumatic.
Then play around with the sounds and read the SX instruction manual. This is a MUCH more powerful tool than fruity loops, if you take the time to learn it. 8-)

Also, take unnecessary software off the compy, it will help. Also try to reduce the number of processes running at any given time. A free 30-day trial of system Mechanic will give you enough time to do this and some other things. If you want realism for drums and strings, you might try Reason. The latest version is tre expensive, but you can sometimes find an older copy that still has the serial.

Hope this helps!
James
InnerSpace Studio

hi

i did everything you suggested, but i can't figure out how to input notes. As i see it, the drumtool you provided can change or enhance your tone, but how can i input notes?