Hi JenEllen...
You might try out this fully functional demo of Fruity Loops 3, if you want a free/share ware program. http://www.fruityloops.com/English/frames.html
I've heard much good about Fruity Loops.
Myself, I use Cakewalk Pro Audio 9. (Started with Home Studio, moved to Cakewalk PA6, then to CWPA8, now CWPA9)
I record on a Sony MiniDisc Recorder and record into Cake through Creative's SBLive LiveDrive (a special thingy* that lets you plug stuff like recorders into the front of your computer). I had to go out and purchase a special type of cable to plug in between the sony and the LiveDrive/Sound Cards, though, as it didn't come with the recorder.
CWPA9 has the further advantage of being able to create MP3s right from the program. For some samples of the quality of recording I get, I have some pieces here:
http://www.mp3.com/SeannaRowe
I'm sure others will help out with their own favourite music recording programs...
Good luck!
~ Jande