Jan 21, 2005 12:22 pm ya need to know how many inputs you're gonna record at once (ie: drums?) based on what you said, it looks like you're gonna need about 4, now do you need mic pres?? good chance you do, so i'd look into gettin' a mixer with atleast 4 pres on it...then there's phantom power, got any condencer mics? if so you're gonna need phantom power...my point is ya gotta figure out exactly what you need (and give yourself a bit of room to grow) and accomidate accordingly.
as for software, it's basically personal preferance, in your situation, i'd check out Cakewalk Guitar Tracks (er i think that's the name anyway) it's recording software that's geared twards guitar players.
peace
wyd