-I use Cakewalk Home Studio 2002. I upgraded from a free version of Express Gold 8 that came with a SBLive, that I still use. I had no experience with any other software previous to that, CHS just looked similar to the free software I (kindof) already knew how to use, and it cost considerably less than the couple others people online mentioned.
-CHS has done odd things now and then, but most programs do.
-CHS does everything I need, recording and mixing-wise. I have a couple free .wav editors if I need them. I see people say how such-and-such software is pro and so much better, but I listen to their recordings, and for the most part I can't hear much of any difference.