Steinberg CuBase is cross-platform, and comes bundled with a variety of audio interfaces.
Yes Cubase comes with some hardware buys.... as a low-level package of software which as any one using it knows lacks many of it's useful features found in the Cubase SX series or Cubase 4.........so you can upgrade to SX or Cubase 4 at a discount so as to get more functionality from the software. That’s what I had to do. But starting to learn recording from scratch will involve lots of time with that BIG learning curve of home recording. It's like buying a gym set to lose weight........you have to learn to use it too, it does nothing on it's own. But dedication and love of the music produced is what drives us to becoming proficient at the craft.
My advise to Velma (wife) is do just as you are doing and involve your husband TOO....research and research and know that what one person thinks is the only way, might not be the way for you to go. It is not easy to take things back after you find out they are not what you REALLY needed in the 1st place. You won't bring all that stuff home and within a week know if it is what you want. By the time you find out it is lacking or over-kill the grace periods are over, and it is yours. Just my opinion which even gets me things I did not need at times.