Starting Out

Dear Mike: I am a novice at this and know little to nothing about the technical side. I have been composing for many years (non-professionally, and all still with paper and pencil!) and would very much like to begin using a computer. My interest is basically classical-style and written (as opposed, I think, to "sampled" music). As far as I've been able to make out, Finale or Finally Allegro would be the right software for me, but I'm completely at a loss when it comes to hardware (whatever it is that actually produces the sound). My questions are these: I would like hardware (midi or whatever it is called) that reproduces the sound of a piano as well as possible (I've heard that Kurzweil has some of the best) and also traditional orchestral intruments. Any advice? What do I need? Is there a store in either the DC or NYC area that you could suggest where someone could actually help me with this and where I might be able to hear the different possibilities? Also, I know have a four year old PowerMac 7100/80 -- a dinosaur -- and am planing on buying a new computer. Which is best for music composition, PC or MAC? I was thinking of getting an iMAC. Do you think that makes sense? I hope this isn't too much all at once. Thank you. Josh Gilder

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