Electronic Design Software

electronics book suggests to get a simulator or a breadboard...what should i do?

i am stuyding electronics as a hobby and have had experience in physics lab dealing with circuits and such, and now im getting more into it. the book i mentions that i need to either get a circuit simulator program or a breadboard and some parts to be able to fully get the concepts in the book. i know i probably dont need either but it wouldnt hurt to see. so my question is does anybody know where i can find a good simulator or a sort of breadboard kits iwth all the parts i need? im working on a budget here bc im about to purchase a $40 multimeter soon and i dont want to spend a ton of money if i dont have to. thanks

Public Comments

1. I get all my stuff on ebay. The used stuff is good, and there are parts dealers in various countries in Asia that have great prices and free shipping on new stuff. Their shipping is really fast as well. Radio Shack is good for convenience, but their selection is limited.
2. I found this free circuit simulation software provided by Linear Technology: http://www.linear.com/designtools/software/ltspice.jsp Just copy and paste if the link does not show up. I have never used this software, but I have seen where other people seem to like it. I think I will download it as well.