Ok...i am finally in the market for some recording equipment. My intent is for whatever I buy to be completely compatible with my PC and I cant afford Mackie or protools. (yet) So my question is...can anyone give me some good ideas to lower cost alternatives. I do catch on to software quickly so I wont need a dummies book to come with what I buy...but I also am just beginning...so its not nessesary this year to buy something suitable for a top artist. ((Again I say yet)) ;) A friend also suggested i just play directly into the computer with my guitars and then alter them with effects programs. Any mid to lower cost suggestions on that idea as well? Thanks I appreciate the help if you could - Tara Anne