I want to start recording directly into my computer...any tips?

i would go out and spend a hundred bucks on an interface. that'll let you plug in and usually comes with free software. you can bounce your mix to a wav file, or sometimes even mp3 and then burn a disc, yes. you need an interface to work it like that, a standard mic input on a computer is full of line noise you don't want to hear. my advice is to get a 2 channel interface (your local guitar center has some like this) and wail away. good luck dude.