[sdiy] Small Resistors and slider pots

[Reverend djbluE (Chromatest)]

Hi all, I'm building one of Tom G's Mad Mouse Pro's and I somehow got
1/8 watt resistors in one of the values, the 68k.  Are these useable,
or should I get the 1/4 versions instead?

All Electronics http://www.allectronics.com has a special on 9K linear
slide pots for .25 each.  These are 2 inches long with a 1.25 travel. 
I was thinking these would be perfect for adsrs if not an entire
synth.  The only issue was the 9K value.  Is this going to be a useful
value?  I was thinking that a 1k resistor could be used in series, but
there still would only be 9k in travel.  0-9K or 1K-10K.  
They are part number LSP-9K in case anybody is interested.

And while I'm at it, can anybody point me to a power supply tutorial
somewhere?  I've searched most of the major engines and not found
anything helpful.  I'm especially interested in the differences
between switching and linear supplies, and why one is better than the
other for certain apps. thanks!
-ben