My advice would be to get one of these...
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MDOFASTTRACK
Its only like $100 new, and you'll be able to get audio into the computer no problem. I don't what software it comes with, but you could download some free-ware like this...
http://kreatives.org/kristal/index.php?section=download
That's a nice little 16 track virtual studio, completely free.
Now simple drum machine...
http://www.threechords.com/hammerhead/
That's free also...pretty basic, but it'll keep a beat for you, and you can download better sounds for it if you want.
So with Kristal, Hammerhead and the Fast Track, you should be able to do some nice demos of songs for the band to hear. ANDY

vinyl_justice wrote: hi i'm a total beginmer to home recording and need a bit of advice on how to get started. I searched the forums but couldn't find an answer so sorry if this has already been covered.
i'm looking for a really basic way to record demos on my computer so I can get a better idea of structure before taking them to my band. I have a guitar, a bass and a decent mic but no way of connecting these to my computer. I also don't have any recording software but would need something with a very basic drum machine.
So basically Im looking for the cheapest way to achieve all this. I'm hoping someone knows of an easy-to-use package that would make a good starter kit.
Thanks in advance.

The cheapest way I know.
Go here and down load this free recording program.
http://dspcdn.acidplanet.com/acidxpress.exe
until you buy a better sound card, buy a 1/4 to 1/8 inch plug so that your guitar or mic will plug into the mic line on your PC.

to control your line/mic levels

click on start .....Now

click on control panel

find and double click on the speaker(sounds and audio devices)

click on the audio tab and then on the recording sound audio volume bar

cool eh, it brings up a recording console.

click options and properties to adjust the size or components that you want to record.

OK now here is the trick, if you don't already know.

A check mark in the stereo mix or wave box will record internal sound to your recording program. (you can record whatever you listen to)
the line in and mic boxes of coarse need a check when using them to record outside the PC.

let me know how it goes.
Brad