I've never used computers to make music. I use Band in a Box, some transcription and notation software but never recorded/created anything. I've tried to get going a couple of times, but whether through bad luck or lack of nous I've never managed to get past the initial teething problems (sound cards not working etc).

I have a PC on its last legs that needs replacing and I want to make sure this time I get started with at least some basic recording. At a minimum I'd like to be able to make demos, ie ability to record instruments and vocals, feed in some basic drum patterns. The idea is to demo a set of original songs I can circulate to other musicians to complete a band. Beyond that it would be good to have enough flexibility that I can do more sophisticated stuff if I find that I'm getting the hang of things.

What should I buy, in terms of computer and software, bearing in mind that:

- ease of use is far and away the main criteria given how difficult I've found it to get started in the past
- I've never used a Mac, so I have no familiarity with them. I'm not ruling out Macs but it's a factor
- budget is reasonably flexible. I need a computer anyway so don't mind paying for a reasonably decent one.
























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