Getting started - Silly question?

Hello aboyes and welcome to these forums. You'll find many helpful people here and a lot of useful information. No (well, very few) questions are silly - but osme answers can be. :) Using those CM free VSTs is a great way to start. You've got a wide range to play with and you can learn a lot just using them (and the native Reaper FX and JS FX too, of course). Make sure that you try out AlphaCM and Dominator - and (if you've bought the right issues) DrumCore 3 CM, and Guitar Rig CM, and ... If you can, get hold of a copy of the Computer Music Beginner's Guide Special #32 - it's full of tutorials for beginners, using Reaper. They will ship it internationally:

Cheers dude. I have that magazine stored away somewhere I'm sure! Whats AlphaCM and Dominator? Are they synths? Basically want a good beat maker, bassline maker!

They are 2 of the synths on the CM cover-mount DVD. Both with a wide range of preset sounds. The beat-making and bassline-making is up to you. :) If you get stuck just come back here and ask. Best of luck.