Hi!
To me it sounds like you have a decent enough setup.

There are a few things that you may want to double check/ run by other PC users.

1. RAM. You may want to increase it to at least a gig or more. Some software instruments use a lot of samples so the more RAm the better.

2. Hard drive space. You may want to add an additional HD. It's always a good idea when doing digital audio. In fact it's always a good idea to store all of your documents and files on a separate hard drive. Safety is the main reason.
Now, 40Gb may sound like a lot but if you're going to use plugins with large sample libraries (for example I use something called DFH superior drum library. It's over 36 gigs). I think you could only benefit by adding an additional 100 gig drive. At least....


3. ASIO drivers. You really want to use the ones that cause as little latency as possible. Can't be specific nor I have any links. However if you search this forum I'll sure you'll find quite a lot of info on this subject.

4. Check if your sequencer/audio program can be used to host VST plug-ins and instruments. Ideally you want to run soft synths right inside your sequencer/audio app. In case if it can't do that you may have to upgrade to something more advanced like Sonar or Cubase.

Now, I haven't mentioned this yet but there is this really cool music program made by Propellerheads. It's called Reason. It's like a virtual studio in it's own right. It can't host other soft synths but it has plenty of it's own. Think virtual mixers, virtual synths, virtual FX units etc. Great for grooves but it can also be used for ambient/atmospheric type stuff. I'd give this one a try if I were you. For a beginner it should be awesome.
Since it's a standalone application it cannot be used as a plug-in. You can however rout it's outputs and tracks right inside your sequencer/audio app via the use of Re-Wire.

Also, there's Native Instruments Reaktor.
Great virtual instrument that even lets you create your own synths via the use of it's multiple modules. Very versatyle. THe interface is great. Very AI like. I think it's one of the best ambient soft synths since it covers just about any approach to sound creation there is. Using it is actually an ambient experience of it's own.
Have fun with that stuff. If you have any further questions that I can answer I'll be around.

-ED-

[This message has been edited by 3351 (edited 12-01-2005).]