Most recording software has available trial or limited versions which you can download. Try a few and see which seems best suited for what you want to do. Also visit the Tweakheadz website for some good info on various programs and valuable tips on using them, and other recording gear. A Google search for free recording software will let you access quite a number of downloadable programs (Reaper, Kristal, Audacity etc...) which can get you started until you decide on a program that you really like. Audacity is a good one to learn the basic concepts of computer recording on, it's really simple to use and works with almost any soundcard. Other things to start thinking about are mics, preamps, audio intreface, mixer, and the all so important room and room treatment. Recording takes a bit more than just a decent computer.
