looking for drum software selection guidance

I and many others use EZ Drummer. The drums sound great right out of the box and it's extremely easy to build a drum track. Very little fiddling around.

you could try this reaper install how-to: It is free and I found the sounds to be great. It is a huge download (multiple large parts). I think the default install vst is for a bunch of tracks, one for each percussion isntrument, but you can just switch it to a stereo or mono track to get started.

Hmmm. Their site seems to be down :( ~Rob.

Personally my favorite drum software packages are EZdrumer, Superior Drummer 2, and Battery. I liek the tootrack products (EZdrummer, and Superior drummer 2 for real kits), and Battery for other stuff. Superior drummer, is a bit on the pricey side but WELL worth it.