I would like to get started working with PD as well as CSound under the linux platform. Unfortunately the last two attempts I have made at getting these to work have been nothing but headaches. I have tried Slackware and Ubuntu. I was wondering what distros you all have found to be audio friendly?
thanks.
Jacob

Try this live CD to test out your system
http://puredyne.goto10.org/

Imho the best permenant install is done with a stock Debian system.
Start by downloading the Debian base.
Then select "desktop system" from the second stage install
Boot into the Gnome desktop and then

apt-get install alsa-base
apt-get install alsa-utils
apt-get install jackd
apt-get install qjackctl

run alsaconf

then
apt-get install blackbox

set blackbox as your default window manager in gdm

Sadly there is no Debian "A/V workstation" yet, so you'll be missing the realtime low latency kernel. But it makes a solid system to start work with.

After that you'll need to be more specific about your "headaches"