i know this is a supid question, but what exactly is dj-ing? and what equioment/programs/whatever do you need for it?

There are lots of types of DJs. There are ones who merely select what to play next, IE your radio DJ or even whoever is controlling what is being played at a party for example.

There are DJs that mix, like in clubs or even at home and record for later use.

Or there is also hip hop DJs which create music for people to rap (or not) over.

All of these do control what you hear usually music recorded beforehand.

The equipment is completely subjective based on what kind of DJing your referring to. For example, at home for your friends, I suppose all you would need is a stereo and a few CDs and you would be considered a DJ. But a DJ doing something professional would need some more equipment, a couple of turn tables, some vinyls, amp, and a mixer; but it is not at all limited there.

Wikipedia can probably tell you all that you would want to know http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJing

Lots of DJs, for electronic music especially, perform with computers with programs like Native Instruments Traktor and even Ableton Live.

Sorry to interrput, but it is accepteable to use computers when doing a show (for electronic music)? I thought it was but just making sure.

yeah, it's acceptable. You'll find a lot of regular electronic musicians such as Luke Vibert, Aphex Twin, etc...using software instead of hardware.

In that case I guess it would also be alright is I hooked up the keyboard to laptop for a show.

Cool.

I thought dj-ing meant no computer-live.

Computers are a very popular path for all types of acts to go these days.

I remember helping a friends band (5 piece: 2x guitar, bass, drums, vocals) load in at the cotton club I believe in NYC and the stage manager, I guess, asking no computer?

the traditional way is always the best to go, but it's definitely more pricey.

...nowadays most just get a ripped version of Traktor or Ableton and use mp3's instead of having to go out and buy 2 turntables, a mixer and a huge assortment of vinyl that seems to be steadily going up in price each day.

Like me

a link to "DJ Software" on this page...
http://www.audioskull.com/s