yeah..... I guess one reason I mentioned ProTools FRee is that it's a free download of a major upgrade later that's pretty much standard in the industry.

Personally I don't use it, but a lot of studios have ProTools systems which makes transfering files a lot simpler.

Also, I may be partial or whatever but, I've used Cubase for years and so far found it to be the best overall software for doing midi and audio recordings.

The tech support sucks big time, but if you study the manuals enough you'll never need it.

Not to be pushing my own material or anything but if you want an example, here's a a coupla tunes I did in less than 1/2 hour using Cubase, Halion, Absynth and the included LM-4 drum machine from Cubase, and using the built in sound card for my old Mac G3 beige machine bought from a used store for $250 bucks. These are just lofi MP3's so the .wav files on the CD are much better.

http://s93744050.onlinehome.us/mp3/Rocksplosion.mp3
http://s93744050.onlinehome.us/mp3/Orbit.mp3

or even orchestral stuff
http://s93744050.onlinehome.us/mp3/Eventide.mp3

..

The main advantage with pro-quality software is you can add a lot more effects, VSTi Instruments and other advantages that make coming up with a tune much faster and convenient.

This stuff was done completely within the computer using just computer synths, a guitar plugged into Amplitube and the stock sound card provided with my old Mac G3 Beige computer running OS 8.6