Question for people who use their computer and a keyboard at the same time

[BrianR]

I have a keyboard (Casio CTK-691) that I want to connect to my WinXP machine.

I believe I need a new sound card with a MIDI interface to do it. I also need software that is capable of handling the incoming music, setting it into staffs, saving it and printing it. Editing and playback through the computer speakers is a desirable option.

I have also seen software packages that claim to do it all (including make me coffee [/joke]) that operate through the USB 2.0 port. I am leery of these as I've yet to see an all-in-one package that did anything really well.

And since when is the USB port designed to be a music interface anyway?

Is there a musician here who can offer advice to me on this?

I'm considering this for the software and a good Soundblaster for the sound card.

Brian