So I recently started doing some home recording and have found a few programs such as Reaper and Audacity, I also picked up Adobe Audition just to check it out but I don't really know how to work to it well yet. Anyways this is how I am getting my sound into the comp:
[Guitar]---> [Peavy Transtube 112(headphone jack out)]----> Creative SB Audigy 2 Line-In.

Now the thing is if i plug the cord all the way into the headphone jack I get a wicked hiss and squeel sound> However if I don't put it all the way in it works just fine... Is there something I'm missing here? I think this method "should" work but I'm sure theres some way better out there for rather cheap.

I've also been looking at these as far as home recording:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/PreSonus-FIREPOD-10Channel-FireWire-Interface-with-Cubase-LE?sku=184131

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-GuitarBox-Pro-?sku=700457

Any input would be much appreciated!