Microphone: Samson C01U. Superb condenser mic with a USB plug. The analog up front is no place to cut costs.
Software: Audacity. Can't beat the price!
Favorite tips:
Know that the written word seldom works well spoken, just like the spoken word doesn't work well written. We write in complete sentences, we speak in phrases, and we can use a multitude of inflections when speaking. So write your script like you're speaking; don't right like you're writing.
Position the mic about six inches from your mouth for the most resonant sound. But about 60 degrees off to the side to soften the plosives consonants. (I never liked pop filters.)
Imagine your learner is across the desk from you. Speak like you are talking to that person, not reading a script. Smile and include hand gestures as it helps put some life in your voice.
Throw a towel over your laptop keyboard to help silence the fan noise.
Record a few seconds of silence before you start speaking. Gives you a good sample for later noise reduction (see below)
If you make a mistake, don't stop recording, but start speaking again just before that mistake. Easier to edit in post production than re-recording an entire slide.
In Audacity, first sample that silent section and do a noise reduction. Next, cut the mistakes mentioned above, and silence the little breath noises and mouth clicks that occur in pauses. Then run the normalizer and the compressor.
Sorry David, no pic, ain't goin' there.