Computer recording software

Hiya, just got myself a new laptop (which should hopefully run something like this) I'm after something I can record my electric guitar on, edit it and stuff. Need something pretty basic but something that will sound good enough to go on CD?

quote N00b Killer

Audacity is one you could use. I have FL Studio but for some reason, it doesn't like the way I'm hooking my mics up to my computer so I'll use Audacity to record stuff.

Thanks. I have Audacity - installed the Gsnap plug-in but not sure how to install the skin for it?

Download Reaper.

I used Audacity for about 2 years, I learned to milk it for all it's worth, but there are a lot of limitations and obstacles to get over.

Reaper takes some getting used to if you're coming from Audacity, but it's not that bad. It also has a grid, which you can snap your tracks to, and the ability to insert plugins, which has the potential to make your music sound way better than it ever could in Audacity.

You should also be aware that if you want it to go on a CD, it doesn't just depend on software, but also what other equipment you have. I used Audacity with a shitty electric guitar for years, and at best, I had mid-quality demos. I have slightly better equipment now, and I am recording an EP with Reaper, and it's coming out way better. It's still not as good as it would sound in a pro-studio (obviously), but it sounds more polished than I could have gotten it in Audacity.

Reaper also has a metronome :D.