Ubuntu

Install Ubuntu 16.04 with settings on a separate partition

Setting up a Linux installation can be done in many different ways, but preserving your settings and bookmarks is nice, so you don't have to redo them after a re-installation. This set-up uses another partition (in the example, called "documents") to store your photos, documents, settings for installed programs and your mail program, and connecting to them via symlinks.

Installing and recording music with Ubuntu Studio

If you want to record music with the Ubuntu GNU/Linux system, Ubuntu Studio will make the installation of the programs needed much easier, and get you started with just a few clicks. As well as audio programs, video and graphics programs are also part of Ubuntu Studio.

Apart from a computer, the music programs installed with Ubuntu Studio and an instrument, you will need something to interface between your instruments and the computer and an external USB sound card can do just that.