How to Record on Your Computer

Level of difficulty: Easy

You can record sounds on your computer by using the Windows Sound Recorder feature on Windows Operating Systems. You can record your voice or other sounds. You can use the sounds that you recorded as sound bites on your computer. After performing the recording task, you may also burn the recorded file into a CD or a DVD.

Materials Needed:
- Computer running on Windows Operating System
- Computer microphone
- Sound card
Step 1
Make sure that your computer has a sound card. Most computers are already equipped with a sound card.
Step 2
Get your computer microphone and attach it to the sound port on your computer. The sound port is usually located at the back of the computer. You can locate the sound port by looking for the symbol of the microphone. Make sure that you attach the microphone properly. Otherwise, it might not work.
Step 3
Make sure that the computer microphone is turned on. Some microphones have a switch and others automatically work once it is connected to the computer.
Step 4
Click on the 'Start' button on the lower left part of your desktop. Choose 'All Programs' from the menu and choose 'Accessories'. From the 'Accessories' submenu, choose 'Entertainment'. A list will appear. Select 'Sound Recorder'.
Step 5
The window for the Sound Recorder will appear. Create a new file by clicking on 'File' on the menu. Select 'New'.
Step 6
To start recording sounds, click the button with a red circle located on the lower right part of the Sound Recorder window. Make sure that your microphone is picking up the sounds. This may be signaled by the peaking of the green line on the window.
Step 7
To stop recording, press the button with a rectangle on it. This button is located at the left of the record button.
Step 8
Listen to your recording by pressing on the play button. The play button is located at the left of the stop button.
Step 9
Once you are done recording, save your sound bite by clicking on 'File' from the menu. Click on 'Save As' and name your file.
Step 10
You can also manipulate your sound bite by adding an echo, slowing down the sound, making it faster or increasing, or decreasing the volume. The options for making some changes on the sound file can be accessed by clicking on 'Effects' from the menu. Click the appropriate option for the change that you want to make on your sound file.