It's probably not even a computer problem. You seem to want to know how to do every little thing with a DAW without learning. Do you really think that we all installed our DAW of choice and knew all the ins, outs and inbetweens immediately? I'm willing to bet there are people that still look at the manual every now and then even after years of using their DAW. I know I do occasionally.
A DAW, like any other program, tool, art, craft, hobby, needs time and patience to learn and if everything is still screwwy after that, then maybe you should choose another recording medium. Portable/StandAlone DAW or something.
REAPER | User Guide Reaper's Manual/User Guide is a fantastic, in depth, explanation of everything you will need to know about the DAW. All DAW's have something like this or they have a HELP function built in where you can actually type and search for answers.
As for the plugins that come with DAW, they're all different but they all achieve the same things. REAPlugs look plain and simple but they are a whole lot more than that. I've read you saying before that they are rubbish. You are more than wrong. Sure they look butt ugly but you don't really need anything other than those. Everything is there you will need to work with. If you're looking for the magic plugins with the great presets for fantastic sounds then you've shit your pot full. They don't exist.
You should pick a DAW, spend time with it, learn how to use it, consult the manual if you can't find what it is you want to do. If you have any knowledge at all you shouldn't really need a manual to get going. I never did, I used common sense and when I wanted to know something I couldn't find myself I looked it up.
If you still insist on this whole looking for the Holy Grail of DAW's and are willing to eternally be utterly disappointed then you may as well get one of these babies! Comes with it's own microphone, hardwired, and all good to go.
