there is a whole plethora of software avaliable for production, and most of it is stand-alone by nature. i recommend going and getting a bunch of demo-programs, and just seeing what you like. So, technically all you really need is one of these progs, but from what i hear the hardware can add a much more professional quality. i recommend getting the Reason, Fruity Loops, Buzz, etc. demos. Although Buzz i believe is freeware, so there is no demo for it.

please don't type in all caps.