Introduction and orientation request

[gmaslin]

I have decided to dip my toes in linux sound production but don't want to make a serious financial commitment so I will need some advice from the old-timers here on the limitations I will face using the following:

Computer: i440BX mainboard, P3-850MHz, 640MB Ram, 120GB Drive, nVidia G3 AGP GPU and a choice of the following ISA sound cards (AWE64, Ensoniq VIVO90)

Initially, I would like to try using it as a universal effects box.This computer is really quiet but doesn't have usb 2.0 so I am planning on using the midi port on the sound card for the foot controller. Some of the hardware i have budgeted for is listed below but please advise what may be unnecessary or missing.
1/4" to 1/8" phono patch cables (input and output)
D-15 pin to split 5 pin midi interface (midi in/out control)
midi foot controller (one that matches the midi table capabilities of the software)

Software: Debian, Jack (which one?), Rackarrack, ACI

Am I on the right path here? Which forum section would be best suited for my goal. Please advise.

[male]

Keep in mind, a $35 RaspberryPi will be both quierter, more powerful, and use far less electricity than the system you mention.

If you have only one CPU core, then JACK1 is fine.

[gmaslin]

Thanks for the suggestion but what would the cost become after making an enclosure, then adding peripherals and storage? The old computer described has an optical drive, a keyboard for making notation and printing options not available on the Pi (parallel port support). Plus, the box is really quiet (51dB @25cm). Judging from your reply, should I assume my list of hardware is appropriate for my purpose? Will the 850Mhz processor be adequate given the sound card will be the DSP/APU? Anyone have any experience with the sound cards I have listed? I have just been donated an FCB1010, is there a better midi foot controller for my purpose?