Just a quick thank you to all those who responded to my varied posts over the last few months.
Everything is starting to come together. I've loaded SFP3.1c. My Akai samples load up and play.....loverly... I pick up Orion Platinum next week. (Probably didn't need the Platinum version but at the time I ordered I couldn't get my samples working). I'll buy Acid Pro 4 when my budget allows. (I don't know how to use it but I probably can't go wrong. It seems a standard.)
It's been a slow journey for me to get my brain around the technology to the point where I can compose and arrange, but I'm starting to do that....and I'm delighted with the power ....and sound quality .. of my purchases.
And so, "Thanks be to Z"