First off, decide how many tracks you plan to record at once. This will help you determine what type interface and mixer you will need. I wish someone would have told me this when i was first starting, it would have saved me a lot of confusion.
Try out a few of the free or trial recording softwares before you decide to buy. Most do pretty much the same things but the layouts are different. You'll find some are much easier to use than others.
Expect to spend more than you may expect. Good gear doesn't come cheap. You don't have to have the most expensive but you do need good quality gear to make decent recordings.
DO NOT believe everything a salesman tells you, just because they are selling something doesn't mean they know anything about it (other than the price and how much commission they will make if you buy it.)
Keep asking questions. Be patient, no one learns the art in a few days. Above all, have fun.