software

I wont to be able to record myself so I can play it back and lesson for mistakes and areas I could improve in. I would like to be able to record on to my computer.

Suggestions?

It's actually very simple, and more affordable than ever. The first thing you will need is a recording program. Cakewalk, Guitar Tracks...there are a bunch that you can get for under $200. There are some free versions on the net that are limited in what they offer, but can give you an idea of what they are capable of.

Next you will need something to send tone to the computer. This is where the choices get much more vast. I will suggest something like the POD, V-Amp or Boss GT-6. There are many, many more options however. You can get the V-Amp for under $100, and it will give you many combinations of amp models and effects.

The V-amp combined with an entry level recording program can have you recording from the $250 pricerange. That is where I'd start until you decide you're really serious.

If you're trying to record yourself on a budget (and you don't care about sound) then go to radio shack, pick up a 1/4 inch to 1/8th inch converter and you can just plug your guitar straight into your sound card on your computer. (I find that the line in works best for this, though you could use the mic input with the volume turned back on your guitar.) Use windows recording software, and you can save little snippets of stuff on your computer for playback. I figure if you just want to listen for mistakes and stuff, this would probably be all that you'ld need. Plus you can get your feet wet in the world of recording, and then decide what you really need for pro stuff later.