Since posting I've contacted Line 6 technical support and had a number of questions answered, but maybe can clarify a number of points here.  I need both the hardware interface to the computer and software for recording.  In my previous post when I mentioned GuitarPort, I was talking about the Line 6 product that includes a red hardware interface and Riffworks recording software.  It's my understanding that the red GuitarPort interface may be a bit limited in capabilities and I'd be better off with something like the POD UX1 interface and buying either Riffworks or some other recording software separately.  Is that an accurate statement?  Is there any advantage to buy the GuitarPort (red hardware interface) that includes recording software other than a lower cost as compared to buying the POD UX1 and Riffworks separately?  As for the GuitarPort online product you mentioned, I really don't know what that is or how it relates to the red GuitarPort hardware interface.  Further explanation would help.  I do know that I'd like to use which ever hardware interface I end up with and associated software to work through some lessons that teach fretboard layout, music theory, and instruction on playing specific songs.  Are those types of lessons included with the recording software or is that where GuitarPort online comes in?  The other thing I'm a little fuzzy on is where the guitar effects or modeling is done.  If I want to get a Black Panel type amp, is that done in the hardware interface (either the red GuitarPort box or the POD XT), or is that something that is configured or provided by the recording software on the computer, such as within Riffworks?

Yep... that's pretty much everything I need to know.