Editing/Converting Audio files

[Jersey]

Does anybody know a program (preferably free) that can edit audio files or something that can at least convert into something like .wav?

I want to take one of the Cactus songs from the PLA radio episodes and set it as some of the sounds for Windows on my computer in 3D class at school... just for shits and giggles. Setting it for the Start Up and Shut Down sound would probably work best, even though I wouldn't be able to witness either.

[rbcp]

I always hear that Audacity is nice.  And it's free.  I always use Cool Edit for my stuff, which can be found on bittorrent.

[M-26-7]

I used Swift/Switch to convert my entire library. Very nice! and free.

[amazing_ned]

I use Goldwave (which is similar to Audacity) which is shareware, but all it does is have a pop-up after 150 commands in a single session, which is pretty heavy editing.

[brokeneckgiraffe]

audacity is awesome. i use it all the time for making shitty music. there are all kinds of plugins that you can ammend to it if you feel like it too.

OPYNSORS4LYFE

[Tachyon]

I've heard some people say they hate Audacity but I think it's pretty sweet for a (real, not just bootleg) free program.