Bob and John, YOUR two replies more than any make it clearer and I always lived in the exact same mindset you described, where "card" was a physical card you inserted into a slot. I went through all of them too, all the Creative Labs "latest and greatest" ending up with the AWE Gold 32, which is still in a closet somewhere. (Once I pay money for something I just can't throw it away. I have 3 old ATI video cards that were great in their day, but then again, so was I in my day.... time to toss them. Same concept.

This M-Audio I use is great. Plays well all the hardware and software I have tossed at it and their support is close to the quality level as the support at BIAB.

Still doesn't correct my pitch when I sing, but....