The others have you setup nicely with freeware. If you get the itch to take it to the next level, here are some suggestions for you with programs I use (or have used) in the past.
For a non-musical background I recommend:
FruityLoops (good to make custom loops, takes practice to master)
ACID Pro 4.0 (Craft a complete "looped" song, less than 15 minutes with this and a loop library)
For a musical background with MIDI Experience I recommend:
Cubase VST (free with soundcard) or Cubase SX (cost me 400 bones)
OR
Used copy of Cakewalk SONAR (Cheap off of ebay)
AND
MIDI keyboard and good soundcard with low latency
If talented with live instruments/vocals and a decent microphone and soundcard:
Cool Edit Pro/Adobe Audition (same thing)
OR
Soundforge 4.0+
My 2 cents <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Happy Songwriting!
