Here are to freebies

http://www.kramware.com/mixsense/

http://www.nch.com.au/dj/

FL studios or (Fruity Loops) is a good choice,
Its not free but you could look it up online for free.
Look on youtube and it will show you how to download it for free

Good beat making software is not free, though there are trial versions. I use Reason 4 to make my music, and I love it. Check out some videos on youtube of different programs to see which one looks like it will suit your needs. Check out Reason, FL Studio, Acid, Garageband, and I'm sure others will be suggested as well. Then download some demo's and try them out to see if you are willing to pay for the program. Here is a song I did on Reason 4. http://www.zshare.net/audio/592774843a78…

hi,

Here are a few tips.

1) Identify what kind of beat you want to create. A beat designed for a hip hop song is different from a techno-beat. Target your audience.

2) Focus on the drums. Most great songs have outstanding drums.

3) Layer your beat. Fill in some gaps. Use percussion loops that supplement the initial loop. But make sure it fits.

4) Heighten the loop with single snare samples.

5) Don't rely on (funny) samples.

6) Play the kick on a separate channel so there are no effects on the beat. Compress the kick so it fits to your other loops.

7) Fix bad loop points.

Compare your beat to great ones.

9) Experiment! Listen to different kind of music.

10) Make your own rules!