Some of the bigger wave editors are more than you need for simple recording, especially for a beginner. I use an older program called CD Wave. Very simple... Just select the right source in the Windows Mixer before hitting the record button (when opened the playback controls are displayed, click properties / recording to view the recording controls), adjust the recording level with the slider for that source. The default file quality / format is audio CD quality wave, so no other settings are necessary. The great thing about this program is the simplicity and the speed at which you can split the file into separate CD tracks when you're done recording. I've used some of the fancier recorders / editors, but I always come back to this for recording and splitting.
And it's shareware with a free trial (fully functional, no time limit)
http://h1.ripway.com/royphil345/CDWAV162.zipOh... and you will of course need a 1/8"" stereo plug to two rca plug or jack adapter cable. If the cable has rca jacks instead of plugs, you can add a standard rca patch cable for a little more length. plug the stereo 1/8" plug into the line-in jack on your computer. This is all assuming you will be using a standard stereo cassette deck with rca jack connections?
