Sorry Jase I didnt see this before.
I've alway's recorded through my digital 8 track until i got my filthy imac and now I'm a converted garageband user, as it is so simplistic to use and also alot of fun.
As for Pc software, I used cakewalk several times, i got a copy from ebay, but it was a pain to set up and to be honest was too complex for a beginner (producer) like me.
I'm not aware of any great freebee software I'm afraid, and would still opt for a SD or XD card recorder personally, you can pick them up quite cheap now.
For a good live recording (for your band) and a good home recorder, my drummer had this
http://www.gear4music.com/Recording-and-Computers/Zoom-H2-Digital-Field-Recorder-and-USB-Mic/7TC
We used it to record our recordings on our myspace
http://www.myspace.com/theredhotsillypeppers
and just rerecorded the vocals for clarity.
It was a very handy bit of kit and so easy to use.