A580 what flash to get for indoor photos?

An external flash, soft box or ring flash? Those were the choices I found on google. still not decided on which to choose but was thinking the external flash might be ideal as i read somewhere I can point it to the ceiling for even lighting? soft box for soft lighting sounds quite ideal too! I didnt know a softbox was a flash?

If anyone has any recomendations as to which to get and what model please please help!