I bought this software over 2 years ago (peep the date) and have
enjoyed myself tremendously. I was new to music creation with software (actually, i totally new to everything) but i was making music (albeit corny) in no time!The interface is so easy to use. I don't remember a bunch about trying to learn Home Studio, but I know that the help system (online, and printed book) were very good, and helped a lot.
Home Studio 7 is surprisingly rich in features. After a year i still discovered new features. At this point however, i'm ready to move on to a higher version and/or a professional grade.
One of the coolest things that came with Home Studio 7 was the virtual piano. The Virtual Piano lets you use your PC keyboard as a MIDI input device. That will suffice if you're on a budget and can't buy a keyboard to do this.
Home Studio is also offers wonderful ability to archive your works. There is the nomal .wrk file that you do all your work with. Then there is a .bun file. This File packs all your song's audio along wih the MIDI and what you get is a nice bundle (.bun) that can be taken to any machine and used.
This software also allows you plenty of room to customize it.
You can use your on colors in certain places, and use a gif background. It works on Windows 2000 also.
