my computer is faster than yours

just kidding... sort of. my new computer arrived yesterday. it's something i've been waiting to invest in for a long time, so i didn't spare many expenses. this computer is designed to be my home pc, a CAD workstation and a home recording studio. it should perform all of those functions with relative ease and outstanding performance for several years.

so, what i'd like to ask for is advice on soundcards and software. i've read several reviews and have a few ideas, but i haven't settled on anything. my plan is to be able to record several artists that i know from my apartment. mostly for fun, and also to help these friends put together ideas, rough drafts, demos, etc.

Alienware offered a few software packages (mostly cakewalk) and some soundcard options (higher end Soundblaster and M-Audio), but in both cases i opted for the minimal side of their offerings so i can build the audio stuff on my own.

so, any advice? good or bad experiences? thanks in advance!

todd