I would like to learn how to make digital recordings of my newly built diddley bows.
(and future CBGs, as my experience grows)
These websites are among places I have searched for information to educate myself on the process, and what gear may be required to accomplish the task.

As I learn, a description of my goal might be to record what is called a podcast.
If there were to be a background soundtrack underlying all, it would definitely be the Kinks, performing Low Budget !
(Pls, pull it up on Youtube!)

There are many devices to get the sound from the source to the computer.

Direct recording to PC using the mic input, with the onboard audio capability was never a consideration, as I knew the quality would be poor, and I don't even own a microphone for the computer...

Handheld digital audio recorders were first to come to my attention.
For $100 the Zoom H1 or Tascam DR-01 can be shipped to your door.
They are quite small, operate off batteries, and may be positioned upon a camera tripod as you play your instrument.

Other similar devices, for less, are most likely best suited to voice recording, dictation/notes.

The H1 and DR-01 each have a pair of mics, will accept external mics, and store audio on a sd chip.

A significant step up from these is the Zoom H4n which has extensive features including multi-track recording and it will directly interface with a DAW. (Digital Audio Workstation, a software program on your computer for mixing and production)
Freeware and shareware are available for D/L.

IMO, based upon reviews at any number of websites, as a newbie, I would purchase a Tascam DR-01 because I like the physical operating button arangement of the device, the display, and it's ability to easily identify various audio files created.
This level of recording devices is apparently quite useful and highly thought of by, and for, singer/songwriters.

Perhaps a next step up would be to use either a direct interface to the computer via firewire or USB interface and do all the mixing required via the DAW software on the computer.
A guitar, and/or microphone may be connected for conversion a computer can make use of.
There are many levels of quality and capability available in this equipment.
Some, consider this a superior method to using an analogue mixer prior to manipulation of the sound within the DAW.

Another option would be to employ a mixer, which would accept inputs from instruments, microphones, and other devices.
It would combine them for transmission to the recording device, or computer, for manipulation within the DAW.

I have made note that a particular acoustic guitar virtuoso employs as many as 6 microphones at one time while recording a session. At a newbie level, this probably will not be required, but it does warrant consideration. (Perhaps two for your CBG, one for your vocals, that many for a friend who may wish to accompany you... and how about a drum machine, or an additional vocalist or bass player??? :-) It goes on, endlessly.)

If you are using piezos in your CBG, you are going to want, or need a pre-amp for the input to your recording device.
Mixers have pre-amps in them, and most have at least 1 or 2 channels available with phantom power, for use with condenser microphones.

A mixer may add value to the overall sound of your audio production. Time domain (delay units and loop machines), frequency domain (EQ's) and dynamic domain (reverb/adding space and compressors for creating sustain and evening out the sound level).
This may be better accomplished with individual effects pedals, or within the DAW.

At the newbie level, I'm looking at Behringer products. 802, 1202, 1204, with effects or not, some with the USB option.
You might have a look at the Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface.

Somewhere in this presentation, the M-Audio 2496 Audiophile PC computer card should be considered. Review it's specs to see if it is suitable for your purposes.

A dynamic microphone is generally the first option for a newbie. Options include omni, and cardioid pattern.
At this level, the Shure SM 57 & 58 are the shining stars to which all others are compared.
Also look at Behringer xm8500 and GLS sm57 & 58.

Condenser microphones are said to capture vocals and acoutic guitars particularly well.
They are somewhat more expensive, and require power, from some source, which may be the mixer.
A discriminating vocalist could easily spend a thousand dollars on a quality condenser microphone, upwards.
Of particular interest to me are the Behringer C-2 and ECM 8000, which are well under $100.

A USB mic is not advised, if only because it ties up a port.

Connection cables are important, as well as extra cables on hand!
The quality of Monster cables was advised to me. They are pricey.
Mogami is also a top name.
GLS offers bulk packs of cables for instrument and microphone, inexpensively.

I am a proponent of buying locally. If possible.
There are no manufacturers, or even music stores in my little two horse town.
I am a craigslist shopper.
It's a great way to help musicians upgrade their gear and improve their capability, help out students, and buy gear at a somewhat discounted price.
This is also the best way to collect an amazing amount of defunct items that are not worth repairing, or are about to fail, with no chance of a warranty and no guarantee. (I've got a pile!)
I purchase items from online vendors, with a first eye towards vendors who support the forum.

In my quest for an education I am a price shopper. Value for my dollar.
I'm not on a Low Budget, there is no budget.

When I read an advertisement for some sort of gear on Craigslist, I Google it, and see what information is out there.
Amazon is HUGE!
If an item appears in their roster, I read the reviews, consider the number of reviews of that item, then look to what might be most popular in that category of gear, and why...
I also look to MusiciansFriend, ZZSound and other vendors to find if an item is current, and what reviews may be present there. Information from ebay listings is helpful, too.
Also, searches at homerecording.com and gearslutz is very helpful.

All information inevitably leads to investigation of other options.

Still, there is an education to be had that far exceeds that which a gamer will find himself with, at the end of the day.