New to this, on a student budget.

[Astronut]

Hi,
I've been using free recording programs for a few years with really no idea what I'm doing. Ive recently gotten a computer with windows 7, and want to get slightly more serious about recording. I've looked into Pro Tools, Ez Drummer (Drumkit from Hell), and something to actually write my own drum loops for DfH. (I play pretty much everything but the drums...) I currently dont have the money to spend on much equipment (pretty much just plug right into the computer), but what would be the best option for multitrack recording?

 

[moresound]

Down load Reaper as your DAW it is free until you decide if you like it and if you do it's only $60.
Then you will need an A/D converter with preamps and a few good microphones.