anything in linux is possible, however i dont believe USB capture is supported last i heard??? also, if this is your first linux trip, take the Well WORN path, dont cut off through the jungle.. In other words.. find out what works well and set it up that way.. then you will naturaly start to experiment. Everyone needs a victory before the crushing agony of linux sets in!! lol
Once you get a system up and running, you can play to your hearts content. If you dont like the way something worked you can always get it back to a working point again.