Hardware Software Options.

Hello... Typically most Low cost DAW/Audio interfaces are USB2 connected... the I/O's very per product and price but two channel inputs/outputs, XLR and Line level inputs/outputs are common... Some might offer a direct guitar (impedance) inputs too... this helps when you want to Record late at night with just headphones and when other people are sleeping. Also some guitar AMPs offer a "Line level out" too for this purpose... it's important to have the "Impedance" of your Audio connections correctly connected, AND planned for the best audio recording and signal to noise input.

These units can also be used/seen as a "Sound Card" in your Windows OS too, and are self/internally "hardware" processed VS a MB "Software" chip that needs to use the CPU as the processor. This means faster and better performance Audio than using a "Sound card". Also you need ASIO communications/driver for the BEST audio use... and Most Sound cards/MB's don't offer this Fast I/O feature.

I typically record my "Wav files" at 48000 24 bit's and find this a Good reproduction of my audio work... so look at the reviews, specs and see what units have to offer with recording capabilities. Software wise a lot of Units will have a free version of something... but most anything you prefer to Run/Use will work these units... every software has a different work flow and eye/ear candy to them.

Typically buying a "PRO" version software will offer free extra "plug-ins" for effects... But there are a lot of free and buy-able "Plug in's" that help to create the sound/tone you want... these "plug in's" will work with most any of the software you choose to use. B )

Basically I would suggest Looking/learning what's out there first and determining your needs and use.
https/ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-audio-interfaces/
http/ledgernote.com/columns/gear-reviews/best-audio-interface/
http/www.wirerealm.com/guides/top-10-best-audio-interfaces
http/www.musicradar.com/news/tech/the-best-budget-usb-audio-interfaces-in-the-world-today-570850

Hello... Pro Tools?... Good question and I would suggest posting that too. B ) ...I can't tell you anything about that, basically back when I was starting out "ProTools" was a higher $$$$ entry point, as well of using/buying a APPLE computer system.

I went with Windows OS, Cakewalk (Sonar), and Personus for my first DAW system. Like I said every Software will have it's advantage or Disadvantage in work flow... basically you need to know that you are recording "WAV" files and this audio format is Standard across all Software... so basically you can import/export/copy/paste your Audio files across multiple Software needs/use... Your recordings are not LOCKed to any "ONE" software used. B )