Old cassette tapes to HD (PC hard drive)?

[Soap]

Gang, I'm needing some help.
What I'd like to do, is keep it as simple as possible and yet very functional.

Myself and various family members, would like to take these older cassette tapes and put them on my HD, from there burn them to CD.

I've never had a reason to do this untill now.
So it maybe alot simpler now than several years ago.

What I need to know and do:
1. Hardware/Device?
I'll be using a older JVC deck from the 80's that has rear RCA jacks.
Will this deck be okay to use or does anyone forsee any problems?
If so, state why and the simplified solution.

Connection....deck to back of PC?
Never had a reason to do this before.
Is straight forward?
Meaning connect RCA cables from deck to back of PC?
Also, just asking, is/are there any bios settings that I will need to enable or disable?
I don't see why I should, but I thought I would ask nonetheless.

2. Software? OS...I'm using XP.
The software that will simply and easily import the songs from the deck to the HD? What software will do this without hassles?
Audacity? Its been recommended, will it do the job?
As well, are there any other recommended software to perform this task?

This is important, cause its important to various family members,
and I got nominated for the job.
Your help and guidance is appreciated.
Also, if theres a part of the process I'm missing and forgetting,
please bring it to my attention.

Thanks

[uberthrall]

Dude,great question!! I need to do this myself and don't have the faintest idea as to how to get it done. I hope someone who knows answers this one!!

[texasfury]

jvc line out >> soundcard line in >> .wav capturing program

You will have to mess with some settings in the Windows Volume Control applet, to make sure you have the correct source. Now all you need is a capture program. If you don't have one, I have a "express" version of SoundForge that will work fine, let me know.

And once you capture it, you can mess with it, like remove hiss, normalize, EQ, etc. My express version wouldn't be as good as the current full fledged apps, but you can start recording with it right away.