Question For Techies

I have a place to plug in a microphone on my computer (Yes, just noticed
it, after having this computer for almost 2 years). What I am wondering
is how can I save an audio file of someone singing or talking into the
mike? I am very interested as one of my granddaughters has a beautiful
voice and I would like to save some songs by her on a CD or DVD. Do I
need a special program to do that? Is so, what?

Chakolate...

You probably already have a sound card, unless this is the lowest-end
computer I ever heard of.

Try downloading Audacity, a freebie that will let you record from the
mic and do lots of editing, too.

Arch (TX)...

I have just referred to the owner's manual and it seems that I would
have to purchase an optional sound card to put in that space. Oh well,
it was a good idea but I can still use suggestions on type of sound card
to get etc. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

**Dalin**...

No you don't. Go to Start/Accessories/entertainment/sound recorder.
Read the simple help file. It's very easy to record. :-)

david...

wow, arch!!! Dalin is turnin' into a tekkie... :) and she's right. the

Arch (TX)...

But I cannot find where to plug in a microphone. In my owners manual it
shows where it should be, if the optional sound card is installed.

**Dalin**...

Sorry Arch, you said you had a place to plug it in. It's just real
hard to imagine a two year old computer not having a sound card. I
guess someone else will have to help you.

software is right there on your computer. fancier stuff might exist, but
this is a great start. creates WAV files that you can copy to a CD...
she meant (I'm sure) to list the access as
Start/Programs/Accessories/entertainment/sound recorder.

Chakolate...

But will .wav files play on an ordinary cd player? I thought they had
to be .cda files.

david...

well, Windows Media Player and many other disk-copy utilities convert when
going to and from hard drive, so when we say 'copy a WAV to CD', we assume
the software will be converting it... :) the beauty of WAV files is that
Arch can play them on his computer also. I agree - I don't think WAV files
will play on a regular CD player... :)