yes mate, thats what sequencers do... obviously you really are starting from scratch and i really cant reccomend fruityloops too highly for a beginner. just take it one step at a time, print out the help files (they're wicked, illustrated and really easy to follow) and start from the kick drum up! to be honest its best to leave riffs for a while cos the whole synth programming thing will just mess with your head. concentrate on getting a kick/bass loop going, four beats is all you need, then add something else... a clap for example, then hi hats... its a headfunk to start with but youll learn so much everytime you turn your computer on and each day youll get closer to making something you actually want people to hear!
the only way to advance is to crack on!!!