Download or buy a recording program that suits your needs. Whether you want to record just as you would in a recording studio, using a multi-tracking interface that allows you to record each instrument and voice separately, or you not want to be bothered with the complexities of multi-tracking, free programs are available for download.
Connect your instrumentation if you have it. You can connect guitars, bass guitars and other analogue equipment directly to your PC by attaching 3.5 mm adapters to the ends of your stereo cables. For XLR microphones, you will need an XLR-to-USB cable. You can also record your music through your computer's internal microphone, but this will inhibit your audio quality.
Open your software and create a new audio file (File > New) for your new song. If using a multi-tracking program, you can create new tracks (audio layers) by selecting the "New Track" option from your menu bar. Create one track for each layer that you plan to record. For instance, if you need to record four instruments plus lead vocals, you will need five tracks. If you do not plan on multi-tracking, you can skip this step.
Press "Record," typically found near the top or bottom of the window. Begin playing your first instrument, speaking through your microphone, or playing with your band. If using a multi-tracking interface, you will first need to select "Track 1," at the top of the left column. When you finish transmitting your first piece of audio, press the "Stop" button.
Record additional tracks if necessary. For example, if you recorded a guitar solo in track 1, you might return to the beginning of the time line (which typically appears along the top of your window), select "Track 2" and record a lead guitar pattern to follow your solo. Repeat this process for each track on your window, until you have a complete song. If not using a multi-tracking interface, you can skip this step.
Save your first song. Click "File" on your menu bar and choose the option that reads "Save As Audio File," "Export File," "Bounce" or "Save as MP3." When the Export dialogue window appears on your screen, enter the song title, choose a format (typically MP3 or WMA format for compressed songs, or WAV or AIF format for uncompressed songs) and click the "Save" or "Export" button.
Repeat steps 3 through 6 for the remaining songs on your CD.
Transfer your completed song files to a CD burning program. Open your selected software and drag your song files directly onto the main window space.
Create a playlist for your songs if necessary and if the program allows it. Just select the "New Playlist" option on your software window and drag the song files from your "Music" library onto the playlist. Use your mouse to drag the song files into the order in which you would like them to appear on the CD.
Insert a CD-R into your CD-ROM drive and begin the burning (copying) process. If you previously created a playlist, click it once with your mouse to select it. Click the "Burn" button on your software window to copy the songs onto the blank CD. Some burning programs may use the word "Copy" or "Transfer," or just feature a large red dot, like a standard "Record" button.