not easy answer on this one. first,. in SW production i would recommend you some audio sequencer like Logic or Cubase or stuff like that. Start with the default instruments and effects. i think these are ok for understading, and you can do some pretty good things with these and move to the others after while. Very good side for lot of infos on VST instruments and effects,.is http://www.kvraudio.com. check the All plugin section and look around, there.There is plenty of good stuff, some of them free some for cash.. first i would go for Digital Fishphones and mda plugs, these are free., and i would recommend some PSP plugins, Waves, Arturia, GMedia or Native Instruments, these are for cash... It's hard to recommend some stuff as this can be also very much up to personal taste, and something what is the best for me doesnt need to be same with you and vice versa.. I'm sure you will find the best tools after some time,.
I am not talking too much about musical part of thing, learning how to read music and then do it,, and so.. When you have some musical feeling you will find the good way for moving further after some time. Referencing to the similar stuff can also helps i think. cheers..