Chapter 19: Working with Sound

Chapter Introduction

Early PCs weren't equipped to work with audio data, but since about 1998, most computers sold have come with a sound board and speakers, and some with a microphone. Like Windows Me/9x, NT, and 2000, Windows XP contains built-in support for audio devices--hardware that enables your computer to record and play sounds. In addition to better drivers for audio devices, Windows comes with Windows Media Player 8, which enables you to record or play audio and video files or disks.

This chapter provides an introduction to audio file formats, with instructions for configuring Windows to work with sound, using Windows Media Player, and using the older Sound Recorder. Chapter 13 describes how to install hardware, including audio hardware; this chapter explains how to configure and use these devices.