Recording workstations/software

I've been playing guitar for about two years now and I want to start recording. Ive been looking at some workstations and guitar recording software (i.e. line 6 rifftracker) on musiciansfriend.com. What I want to know is what I need other than the software, or how would I get the sound of my amp into a workstations. Someone please tell me what I need to start recording!!!

OK well:

1) how much do you want to spend

2) what kit do you all ready have

3) do you just want to record guitar

Take a look through past threads on this subject too if ya get the chance.
It's been covered in detail a bunch of times and there's a ton of good info on different systems available.
I don't know how long these forum posts are archived but there was a discussion not too long ago about different systems and price points and what basics you'd need to get started.

Download Reaper, it's as good as CubaseSX and PRoTools plus it's free - you can send $30 to the developer if you like it but that is entirely up to you. Check it out - it has all of the functionality of a Pro sequencer/mixer/recording station. It's getting really good reviews and lot of people are actually favouring it over their previous DAW systems: http://www.reaper.fm/