Elle, I make my own compositions, which answers your first two questions.
I thought about the giga sampler and found the discussion about it very interesting, but somehow over the last years I more and more get back to my external gear, where I feel much more comfortable and which gives me inspiration while playing.
Somehow this doesn't work with for me with software.
I do use thought the PC for recording and try out's once I have an idea.
Fred
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Keyboards/Sound Units: Kurzweil 2600S, Roland VR-760, Acces Virus C, Roland G-800, Akai AX60, Minimoog, Machine Drum, Roland R8-M, mediastation x-76