MY GODS HONEST OPINION GRAHAM.
ive been into the crazy song gig for too long. lol.
i do it cos i'm a sucker for work. lol.
but if you LOVE it like i do. one just gets on with it.
the TRUTH is there is a learning curve to whatever platform
(win or mac) that you choose, and whatever software you choose.
there is no way to sugar coat it mate.

to do it properly, you need to understand well your computer environment (my advice keep your music computer off the net.)
AND you need to understand well the tools you will be useing.

so the best thing is, to do it in bite sized chunks you can handle. and take it easy , one step at a time.

the above is THE TRUTH.
i sincerely wish you every happiness in doing your music.

my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb.)