"Ringo Langly" wrote in message
oups.com

If we go with PC, what suggestions do
you guys have and what components are needed to get the audio into the
computer?

(1) The audio interface that comes with the computer system board
(2) A consumer-level audio interface, probably made by Creative Labs
(3) An median-level audio production oriented card, probably by M-Audio or
Echo
(4) A high-end interface such as the LynxTWO

note, some of these audio interfaces are Mac/PC compatible

On the PC side I've heard of such applications like Cakewalk and
others, but I'm not sure what my options are.

If you're recording live instruments and voices there are a load of
different products ranging from Audacity (freeware) to Adobe Audition to a
number of high end products including Pro Tools and Nuendo.

Also what's needed to get the audio actually into the computer?

Just an audio interface, either a PCI card, USB or Firewire attached.

You'll also need mics, and mic preamps as PC audio interfaces are almost all
line-level oriented. A small mixing console can be a useful tool and a
economical way to get a small fleet of mic preamps for an attactive price.