Don't forget about '
Goldwave'.
It's still a really good program for 'free'.
One of the nice things about it is that it doesn't 'expire' on you if you don't pay for it. I don't recall if it has any 'nag-screens' though. I do know that it is not 'crippleware' nor does it watermark your work in anyway - plus - you
can save your work!
Here's some info on the app. (from CNet.com)
# License: Free to try; $45.00 to buy
# Average User Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 163 votes)
# Downloads: 2,218,592
# Operating Systems: Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows 2000, Windows XP
# Additional Requirements:700MHz processor;256MB RAM; 200MB HDD; Accelerated video card running at 16-bit or true 32-bit colour; DirectX compatible sound card driver
# Limitations: No limitations
# Date Added: January 19, 2009