[PC Software Suggestions, Please]

Thank you for the suggestions, but budget is a huge factor right now and I can't afford another machine or even another OS.

I'm not even sure I'd want to invest in another OS with Windows 8 around the corner.

And I don't do Macs. Yeah, throw your stones. I don't mind.

I did play around with Fruity Loops a smidge about a decade ago, but honestly didn't like it. The interface was just really clunky to me. I might invest in a newer version if you think it's a decent tool for "starting over."

[PC Software Suggestions, Please]

I want to get back into digital composition and editing after a 17 year hiatus. I'm guessing a lot has changed in the time since I last dabbled, so I'm looking to ease into it and relearn everything.

I'm looking for a basic, modern, cheap PC based program that will run on Windows Vista, and if it comes in under $100 that would be icing on the cake.

Any suggestions?