Well I love cubase its wicked. But if your just getting started you may find it a little tricky at first. It might be helpfull to get a book in how to get started first . or a couple af magazines with tutorials init.
I also use Reason 3.0 which is really easy to use from the start. But with cubase keep at it, its alot more rewarding in the long run. :cheese:
More thing to get depending on your budget would be
Midi Keyboard
Decent sound card
Some soft Synths (e.g FM7, V-station, Battery 2)
Maybe a hardware synth like a Access Virus.!!