what is OS and what does the hard drive do??

I'm really new at this mpc stuff, I was wondering what the OS does and the Hard drive is for.

The "OS" stands for "Operating system". It's the brain of your MPC. The Original OS that the 1000 had was kind of limited. No Timestrech, less effects, ect., but Akai came out with a new OS that you can download and install into the 1000, and best of all its free. You just have to go to their site and download it. The harddrive is what most buy when they get their MPC so they can store all there sounds on it. The 1000 itself only has RAM memory so you can not store any sounds to the unit itself, instead you need to store all you sounds on a outside source ie, harddrive, flashcard, or computer, and load them up when you turn you unit on. Good luck

I must admit, I was very surprised at the kind response to this question.

great response!

Looks like there is hope for mankind yet.

oh shit welcome back knocks...gonna give the 1000 another shot huh?

if there's anything i can tell you about the 1000 that will possibly increase its usefulness in an otherwise cruelly pillaged studio, i will. this machine will serve you well.