I use Cool Edit Pro 2.1 to record. Got a CO3U USB mic, so don't actually use a pre-amp since it's a plug in and use type of thing.
I record with my back to a muffled/soundproofed kind of padding (a wardrobe full of clothes is just as good, if not better for the acoustics), an acoustic shield (foam shield) at the front of the mic stand.
The acoustics and the background noise are ok in my room so i don't use much else, but for something better i would suggest covering the walls in egg cups (or if you have a bigger budget.. sound proofing foam), otherwise you have to tweak a lot.
I just use some presets on CEP as well as an EQ and Dynamic Processing patch that i made myself and stored. Noise reduction, De-Esser, bit of reverb, and a heavier reverb on the adlibs.