After transferring your recorded files from your recorder (via USB), you'll be ready to mix them into a song. Most songs are composed of layers of tracks, or individual recordings of instrumentals. With your mixing software you will be able to edit these, apply effects, and export your entire project as an mp3 or wav.

To record vocals and accoustic/wind instruments, you'll need a microphone. Accessories that might help include a mic stand and a pop screen (to cut out the noise most people make in pronouncing p's and s's). You'll also need a quiet location. If you get really into it, check out the link on sound-proofing below.  You're microphone plugs directly into the recorder.

If you're using an electric instrument you won't need microphones or amplifiers. A good pre-amp (including the one built into the head of your amplifier) will do everything you need. Pick up a 1/4" to microphone adapter at some place like Radioshack and you'll be in business. Plug it from the line out on your pre-amp to the mic-in on your 8-track.

The first step is to pick up something to record yourself with.  Most likely this will be a Digital 8-track, which will let you record your songs into digital .wav files which you will later transfer to your computer for mixing (see below).