Other than my 15 yr old tape deck and the software being mentioned here, what do I need to get the music from the tape, into my computer?
You'll need the software; of course, but you'll also need (depending on your tape player) a patch cord with stereo RCA jacks on one end, and a stereo Mini-Jack on the other end. (Radio Shack has 'em.)
IF your tape player doesn't have RCA outputs; maybe it only has a headphone jack..then get a patch cord with a stereo mini-jack on BOTH ends.. plug one end into the headphone jack, and the other end of the patch cord into the LINE IN input on the sound card at the back of the computer.
Double click the speaker icon in your system tray in the lower right hand corner of your monitor. Look to see that the Audio Control is NOT MUTED for the LINE IN. Adjust the volume of the sound in the volume control on the computer, as well as on your tape player; test to see if it's too loud.
You might begin at very low volume, then move to a louder volume to suit your tastes.. BUT; make sure that the volume is NOT too loud.. because you do NOT want to blow your sound card out in the computer. (speaking from experience here)
Set the software to record from LINE IN.. then, after the content of the tape is recorded.. you can use either Cool Edit, OR Audacity to digitally wipe out the HISS that's inherent on every audio tape, from your Mp3 file.
Lemme know if you have any other questions; glad to help. ;>)