One of the most valuable service provided by a good manufacturer is a web site that will allow you to download the latest BIOS update, if not go elsewhere. Avoid motherboards that try to build-in everything. You don't want a built-in sound card or network card and you most defiantly don't want built in graphics. Built-in options are generally of poor quality especially Graphics. The obvious advantage to getting separate components is that they are easily upgraded.
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Yes believe it or not there are many plug-ins available for free or almost free. This article point's you in the direction of some of the free VST's on the web.