Cubase

I know it's expensive, I read somewhere that Sony do a similar bit of kit but I can't remember what it was called.

i use this
. http://tonematrix.audiotool.com/

Good but plenty of other options out there, kinda depends on what you're gonna use it for, if you're asking I'm guessing it'll have far too many things you'll never even use. Reaper is free apart from a nag screen and does pretty much most stuff you'll likely  need especially with the amount of vst plugins etc available.

I've wanted to get to grips with some sort of music creation software or another but am daunted by the learning curve.
I don't mind the learning to use software per se but all the elements of musical instrument inputs and stuff like that that have to be mastered puts me off as I'm not really musical but have often thought 'I'd do such and such to that track to make it banging'.
When I'm drifting off to sleep sometimes I hear what would make great electronic music, but how the hell do you put these ideas into something is beyond me.
There are midi kits and iPad drum beat makers, dj software, synthesisers etc which are said to be great tools.
F uck knows where to start tho.
What is the general consensus of protools or fruit loops or the other music creation software to make stuff?

We use it to provide bass and secondary drums for our band.
It must be quite easy to use as our guy that programs it isn't really in to computers.
When we recorded a single and B side the studio used it too.

Thanks all, I'll give reaper a go and see if I'm capable of getting to grips.

did you ever try Reaper? I've got Cubase 3 VST installed now but not had chance to try it out yet the manual is like a bloody encyclopaedia