Can anyone recomend audio recording software for background music?

[bweath]

I'm just getting started.
I plan on making some video shorts and need some audio recording/mixing software.
I would like to record acoustic-electric guitar and vocals onto my computer.
I would like to use the software for adding effects and maybe some other instruments, then mix it all together and add it to my movie.
I'm using Sony Vegas Movie Studio 9 Platinum Pro for video editing, if that makes any difference.
I saw a M-Audio Fast Track that comes with Pro Tools® M-Powered™ Essential Software.
Is this any good? Or would you recommend something else.
Recording on the computer is totally new to me - I'm used to recording on my old Tascam 4-track.

[guns1inger]

Worth looking at Reaper for a low cost multi-track recorder/mixer. It also have video preview so you can mix/edit while you watch the footage. Best of all, it has a very reasonable try before you buy policy - 30 days of full use, then a nag screen - and the full version is very cheap compared to most comparable programs.

[hech54]

Second vote for Reaper. Fantastically easy to use too compared to others.

[bweath]

Just checked out that software. It looks really good.
Now what about plugging my guitar 1/4" and my mic XLR into the computer?
Is there a box that runs through USB, like the M-Audio Fast Track that you would recomend?
Or is there some kind of a sound card with those?

[hech54]

I go from my guitar amp to my LINE IN on my sound card. 1/4 inch to 1/8mini cable/adapter will do the trick.