A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), or sequencer, is the heart of your computer music rig. There is a different DAW for every personality, and the right DAW will help you compose and produce better. For years, the game was limited to a few major players (Cubase, ProTools, etc.), but finally some top-notch freeware has landed.
If you bought some retail-boxed audio or MIDI hardware, there's a chance you've received some sort of feature-limited commercial DAW inside. If you have, give it a chance in addition to what you read here.
NOTE: Mac users - GarageBand is a great starter DAW, and it certainly may fit the bill.
Linux users - you're in luck! You have tons of resources and software freely available (not all are listed here) - check out 64studio for one.
Ardour
Possibly the most impressive free DAW
Sorry Windows users - Mac/Linux only
Koblo Studio
Promising open-source project with a social approach
Single EXE (portable)
Does not yet support VST
Too soon to tell if it will follow through on all its promises... let's hope!
LMMS (Linux MultiMedia Studio)
Contrary to its moniker, it runs on Linux and Windows
Familiar, easy to use GUI (modeled after FL Studio)
Still some wrinkles to iron out on Windows
MU.LAB
Fresh GUI, modular, portable
Quality integrated effects and instruments; VST support
Free version limited to 6-tracks, 16-bit export
REAPER
OK, so REAPER is not technically freeware. It's shareware with a trial period of 30 days, but you can continue using it for free as long as you want (with registration reminders of course).
HOWEVER - REAPER is such an amazing program in every aspect that I strongly encourage supporting the developer by shelling out the measly license fee, if it's within your means.
Incredible software - in a league of its own
Very talented, helpful, and motivated developer
"Time limited" trial period (not really freeware)
