Hello all. I've been using Music Creator Version 2 for about a decade now, and I'd like to upgrade to something more current. I have some questions, however.
 
1) If I don't have any instruments to plug into my laptop, will I still be able to make music with my mouse and keyboard and then hear them in playback?
 
2) I'm primarily wanting to upgrade so I can get better instrument sounds. Am I thinking about this correctly that upgrading to MC6 will allow me to have better synth sounds coming from my computer speakers?
 
Thanks for your time!

Welcome to the forum.
Does MC 2 support VST instruments and effects? Using VST instruments can expand your library of sound immensely.
Then there is the operating system problem, since many of the older programs won't work properly on Win 7 or 8... possibly not in Vista, too. We may all be forced to evolve when our XP computers finally die.
You will still be able to use the mouse to enter data in MIDI tracks. Which keyboard are you referring to? A MIDI keyboard or the computer keyboard?
You will still be able to use a MIDI keyboard with MC 6.
If you use the Staff view to write much of your music and use the keyboard shortcuts in the staff view like I do, you'll be greatly dissappointed that they have been removed.
But it's still an inexpensive program with a lot of bang for the buck. The VST support will be especially valuable to someone looking for more and better sounds. If you can afford it, it may be worthwhile to get it anyway, but keep MC 2 loaded in case there are things you like better about it.
 

The big question here is what is your current OS?
Is the laptop you mention the same machine you have been using for the past 10 years?
As Greg mentioned, VST instruments will really open possibilities for you.
Native VST support was introduced in MC4, and I suspect anything in MC2 was DX, which is now all but gone.
If you are running XP, MC6(the non-touch version) is a viable option.
If you have a newer laptop running W7 or W8, the MC6 Touch version would be better. Even better, Sonar X3 is available at the same price for registered customers. Way more bang for the buck, but it will not run on XP.

RobertB
If you have a newer laptop running W7 or W8, Sonar X3 is available at the same price for registered customers. Way more bang for the buck, but it will not run on XP.

Best suggersion