Best software to get started in electronic music?

[Koncept17]

Hey everyone! I'm new to electronic music. I'm already messing around with my microkorg synthetiser but I want to get more serious. I am wondering what is the best software to start out and create some great beats. Thank you.

[bongomania]

Ableton Live is one of the most fun and versatile programs out there. It's a good starter, and it's also fine for professional use.

[wheelyjoe]

REASON by Properllerhead. It's AMAZING

[Deluge Of Sound]

+1 to Reason.

[doberman]

I would say to try and decide what it is you want to be doing with the software first since certain programs lend themselves better to different applications. For instance, is live processing a bigger interest than home editing? I don't actually do very much stuff personally with electronic music, but my roommate has a degree in computer music and has had access through school to virtually all of the major programs. I could see what he thinks would be best for someone starting out

[geeza]

Here's another vote for Reason. It's fantastic.

[MNAirHead]

Ableton is kind of the live dj mix stuff.

[mulchor]

Reason looks awesome, but kinda expensive if it ends up not being the right package for you.

Is it a lot easier/better/different from Fruity Loops?

Demo/lite version that's not restricted to the point of useless?

[MNAirHead]

part of the dealio is if files can be moved and used by others etc..