I intend to buy a new computer based on an Asus motherboard and a Pentium IV
(socket 775) platform in a Windows XP Pro and Mandrake Linux 10.x
environment.
I want to record live performances with 2 analogic input microphones.
I want not professional quality but good enough.
I need optical in and out.

Could you help in the choice of the sound card: SoundBlaster or Terratec
(must work under Linux and Windows) ?
USB or PCI ?
Rack 5"1/4 or not necessary ?