All for podcasting

I became interested in podcasting ...

In general, there are a number of questions for which I would like to receive an answer / advice from the pros in this business ...

1. Software
I am a Win / Linux user. What software may I need for recording and processing sound. There is experience with SoundForge.
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2. Microphone and iron
Let's just say that the blogger’s budget is not that big. Interested in high-quality, affordable and low-cost equipment.
Here I read about amplifiers - is it really necessary at home at home ???
ps - budget in the framework of $ 50-100

3. Publication
Well, this is probably a question for flashers, how can I make a player and dynamically load an audio track into it ... if anyone can help and on this occasion, I’m waiting for answers.

And yet - thank you very much for your attention to the topic - I think this will be useful for beginners.