The only program I've tried thus far is a trial version of FLStudio, which I've found difficult to use. Everything looks like a bunch of bars and switches, and I can't seem to add any instruments. It could be the fact that it was only a trial version, or that I just haven't found out how to add other instruments yet, or that FLStudio has a limited instrumentation.
Acid and Reason, from the screenshots I've seen so far, look very similar to FLStudio, and although I'm sure there are differences, I think writing in notation would be easiest for me since I'm used to reading music that way. Just like how you would write a story in Microsoft Word, instead of writing it by hand, I want to be able to write music out in notation, instead of by hand, but I also want to be able to play the music back so I know how it sounds. The ideal program, in my eyes, would be one that allows me to put notes down for different instruments and then have the program play it so that I know if I made a mistake or not. Of course, the main important thing I'm looking for is a program with a diverse array of instruments and options, so that's my primary concern.
I'm sorry if I'm being difficult. Thanks again for all your help.