Software help please

[kg]

So an important piece of equipment in my home recording capabilities decided to quit and I'm deciding if I continue on with a Roland Boss-type digital studio or if I switch over to a computer/windows-based program. Keep in mind that although I am quite good with technology, I have very little brain power left at this point to absorb something overly complicated. That being said, does anyone have any suggestions for user-friendly home studio software that I would be able to get the job done [very well] on?I've looked at Protools and Cakewalk/Sonar stuff...just would like to hear what your suggestions are.Now that I'm rambling, I'm wondering if anyone's been using any version of the boss in conjuction with a PC?

[og]

If you just want to try something simple, Kristal is free (kreatives.org), and easy enough that I was able to figure it out. Lots of people are using Reaper, which is shareware. Free to try.I use a USB interface, but the folks on the Kristal forum use a wide variety of mixers, preamps, and other inputs.

[mazz]

Keep in mind that any new Mac computer such as an iMac or Mini comes with Garageband which is a pretty powerful piece of software. From there one could trade up to the lower version of Logic and still have all of the same sounds (plus more) and concepts transferrable from Garageband.Plus the new Macs will also run Windows which is like having two computers in one, if you absolutely must run Windows every once in a while.The Minis are pretty reasonably priced if you already have a keyboard and mouse and monitor. You could add a Firewire drive and an M-Audio or comparable interface and be up and running pretty quickly.http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/We....sktop/ mac_miniJust another option.Mazz

[kg]

Thanks very much, everybody. I appreciate your responses. I'm getting closer to a decision (That in itself is a miracle.)