Fran's on the money. A little Hands On is the best way to go in my opinion.

Tom,

If you want to try without making an initial investment, I suggest a look at the freeware at KVR Audio. A great way to get your "feet wet" without spending any money.

If you don't have any software that can host VST instruments, freeware host apps that will host softsynths include :

Audiolabs V dumper http://www.kvraudio.com/get/1475.html

FX expansion Simple Virtual host http://www.kvraudio.com/get/278.html

Herman Seib VST Host: http://www.kvraudio.com/get/300.html

There are others as well.

AJ