Music Software for Recording

I saw the post about the microphone and appreciated the due diligence. I would like to get a simple package that will allow me to record to my laptop. I would like to create my own loops of background to practice against. Also, I would like to record from an electric piano that has a midi jack some songs that my wife has written.

I have looked at Acid Music Studio along with the condenser mike that you recommended. I also looked at Audacity, but thought it might be hard for me to understand, since there is no documentation. I would like something that is for a beginner that has support if necessary, but will allow me to grow into it. Any recommendations?

It might be worth having a go with Audacity simply because it is free! I know the documentation is sparse (to say the least), but the basics are fairly easy and there is loads of stuff on the internet about it. For instance try Googling 'using audacity'.

I found this link which you might find useful

http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm

Peter