Hi there. I'm hoping to buy some hi-fi for my laptop computer because since coming to MS i've taken music a lot more seriously. but I know virtually nothing about it, so I've got a bunch of noob questions which I'm sure many of you guys are experts in and can answer me.

1. What do I need to connect an amp to a pair of speakers?
2. What do I need to connect to a laptop to an amp? I heard USB connection is better. Does it bypass my (crappy) soundcard?
3. After connecting the laptop to the amp, do i need anything else to connect the speakers to the laptop? Or are they connected already via the amp?

EDIT: OMG!! my 666th post here (just gotta say it for the heck of it)

Http://www.obsessable.com/how-to/how-to-hook-up-your-guitar-to-your-computer/

Google, it usually has just about every single answer to all your questions about computers or things related to computers.

Thanks for the help.
I just want some confirmations...
1. do i need sth like these to connect to a DAC?
2. is a DAC an external soundcard?
3. is the connection DC 24V for the amp?

HDMI, USB, SATA, FIREWIRE cables that cost 5x times the normal amount because they have GOLD in their connector housing and other special shit are worthless. Get a normal USB cable and a decent cable to go from your amp to whatever part of your computer.

Now if it would be considered an external sound card, I dont know. But don't fall into the gap of consumers that get scammed into buying expensive cables that won't give you any real improvement over a generic cable.