Useful Resources
This page contains a collection of links to a massive quantity of different software that I use and enjoy; this said, I cannot guarantee the availability or security of any of the programs. Download at your own risk!
LMMS
LMMS is the number one piece of software I suggest. It is what I use for at least 90% of my music, best of all, it is free and completely open-source.
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There are multiple versions available, and my personal preference is the Linux Beta appimage, due to the darker interface and redone mixer chain, although, you do need a Linux operating system to use it.
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Another plus to LMMS is that its built-in VST interfacing tool Vestige works with most of the free VST plugins I have tried, making it extremely easy to gather a few freeware synths to extend your collection.
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Image of LMMS splash screen from LMMS forums
Screenshot of VST Planet I took
VST Planet
Despite the large number of ads around this website, it still manages to offer over 100 completely free VST synth plugins, many of which run excellent in LMMS, and work in Linux via WINE.
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One of my personal favorite synths offered by VST Planet is TAL Bassline, which makes some of the best bass sounds I've heard.
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Image of LMMS splash screen from LMMS forums
Ardour
Ardour is yet another free DAW in which I enjoy producing music in. Its interface has many more feature than LMMS, although this does make the interface WAY more complicated.
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This is not the DAW for a non-experienced musician, but if you have some experience in other DAWs, such as Fruity Loops or Ableton, or enough determination then this is a great option.
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The only real issue I have with Ardour is that I cannot get the VST instruments from VSTPlanet to work in it, but this can be worked around by sampling them through LMMS and importing the WAV file to Ardour.
Ardour splash screen.Sourced from the DAW Studio.