What is it?
A sound card - otherwise known as a sound board, audio card, or audio adapter - is an internal device that enables your computer to output sound through speakers, record sound with a microphone, and manipulate sound stored in files or on disk. If your computer monitor doesn't have built-in speakers, you will need separate external speakers in order to produce audio or you can use headphones. 

Why would I want one?
To hear sound effects and music from Web sites, games, CD-ROMs, DVD, business presentations, educational software, video conferencing, speakerphones, MIDI, or MP3 files - the list goes on. If you already have a sound card and speakers, consider upgrading for more realistic gaming, 3D sound, sound file creation, or superior fidelity. If your monitor includes a built-in speaker, even an inexpensive pair of external speakers provides significantly better fidelity and power. Audio is integral to multimedia entertainment - why tolerate a flimsy card and tinny speakers? A good sound card and speakers heighten your multimedia experience, making it more electrifying, compelling, and fulfilling. 

How do I install and use it?
Before beginning the installation of a new sound card, be sure to read the owner's manual thoroughly. Remove the card from the box and inventory all included parts to be sure that they are there. Remove any tape or other packaging that might be used for shipping protection. Before handling the card, touch a grounded piece of metal to discharge static electricity from your hands. 

Turn off your computer and unplug it from its power source. Detach the monitor cable from the computer. Open the computer case to access the internal components; this may require unscrewing several screws that hold the cover in place. Identify the correct expansion slot - either a PCI slot or an ISA slot - and if there is a sound card already installed, remove it. Some computers, instead of using a removable card, integrate the sound components directly onto the motherboard. In that case, it may be possible to configure a jumper or "dip switch" to tell the computer that you want to override the integrated chip and use an expansion card instead. Consult your computer or motherboard manual to see if this is the case, or whether the computer is only capable of using its own integrated sound controller chip. 

Once the existing card or chip has been removed or disabled, insert the new card into the expansion slot gently. Do not force the card into place; if it seems resistant, try rocking it gently into the slot one corner at a time. Screw the card's I/O shield into place, and replace the cover to your computer case. Plug in your computer (and your monitor, if it is unplugged), and then turn on the computer and the monitor. 

If there is a problem with the new card, you may hear a series of beeps and the computer will refuse to boot. If so, turn it off, open the case and check to make sure the card is inserted correctly and completely into the expansion slot. If the card is installed correctly but the problem persists, you may need to reinstall the original card for the time being, and get assistance from the card's manufacturer or from a trained technician. 

If there is no problem and the system starts normally, then get the installation or driver disk ready that came with the card, and wait for the operating system to finish loading. Insert the disk into the proper drive (usually the CD-ROM drive). If you're using Windows 95 or Windows 98, the computer should automatically read the disk in the drive. If it does not, click on the Start button, select Run, and then Browse. Locate a file called either Install or Setup to install the drivers (consult the documentation that came with the card). Follow the on-screen instructions. Normally, after the new drivers are installed, Windows will ask you to shut down the system and restart it, so that the new drivers can be loaded into memory 

Installing speakers or headphones couldn't be easier: just plug them into the jack on the back of your computer. In addition, some monitors also have output jacks for speakers and headphones. 

Virtually all speakers provide magnetic shielding. However, it's still wise not to leave recorded tapes, watches, credit cards, or floppy discs in front of speakers for long periods of time. Otherwise, the speakers jumble data and interfere with magnetic properties. 

How do I go about buying one?
Sound Cards
Standards:Although there is no official sound card standard, Creative Labs' popular Sound Blaster line has become a de facto standard. A Sound Blaster-compatible card should run on virtually any system and with any application. 

A card that requires special drivers for Sound Blaster compatibility may be okay, but can cause problems and take up additional memory that could be applied to your applications. It's best to purchase a fully Sound Blaster-compatible card. 

Types: Sound cards employ two common methods of creating sound: FM (frequency modulation) synthesis or wavetable synthesis. 

FM synthesis creates sound by mimicking musical instruments according to preset formulas. This is more common and less expensive and adequate for the common consumer. However, it doesn't sound as good as wavetable synthesis, which is preferred by gamers and enthusiasts. 

Wavetable synthesis relies on recordings of actual instruments to create sound, rendering more accurate sound, but increasing the cost of the card. If you're serious about music and gaming, a wavetable synthesizer is a worthwhile investment. You can either purchase a new sound card or add a daughter card, such as Creative Labs' WaveBlaster, which attaches to your existing FM synthesis SoundBlaster card and performs wavetable synthesis. 

Slot interface:Sound cards connect via the following interfaces: 

PCI:If you have a Pentium system, you probably have a PC local bus called PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect.) If so, get a PCI card - it's faster. Furthermore, the speedy 32-bit PCI is becoming the accepted norm in the world of PCs, and even Macs, since PowerMacs, employ a PCI bus. 

ISA:The ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus is slowly being replaced by PCI. Because ISA is only eight-bit or 16-bit, it has its limitations. If you have an older computer (IBM PC 486 or lower), chances are it's an ISA bus system, so look for an ISA card. Gamers should avoid ISA cards, which can slow you down.

PC Card (PCMCIA):This is the interface for notebook computers. Purchase a card with a PC Card interface only if you plan on using it with your portable PC. 

3D Sound: Hot with gamers, this technology simulates the effect of deep, detailed sound coming from various directions. Even in a cramped space with small speakers, 3D achieves the aural "illusion" of a vast landscape and multiple sources. This effect is particularly impressive with 3- or 4-piece speaker sets. If you invest in a 3D sound card, all of your multimedia applications will benefit from 3D's lush spaciousness. 

Number of Simultaneous Voices:This specification indicates the number of separate sounds that the card can process and play at once. A 64-voice card theoretically reproduces the sounds of 64 instruments, simulating an orchestra. A higher number of simultaneous voices generates sound with greater richness, depth, and realism. Musicians, gamers, and anyone who creates sound files benefit from a higher number of simultaneous voices. 

MIDI: MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) compatibility allows the card to play back MIDI files, which are far smaller, easier to manage, and quicker to download than other sound files, such as WAV. There are countless sites on the Internet that contain downloadable MIDI files for listening enjoyment and creating MIDI files can be fun for music lovers and valuable to music professionals. 

If you're a composer, a number of software programs are available for composing and editing music that conforms to the MIDI standard. For instance, a music program can translate what you play on a keyboard into a written score. A MIDI Connector is necessary for hooking up your computer to other MIDI devices, such as musical instruments and composition and sequencing tools. 

Digital Signal Processors (DSP):DSPs add intelligence so the sound card can perform its own processing, which frees the computer from demanding tasks, such as file compression, and enables various effects, such as surround-sound and reverb. In short, DSPs turn a sound card into a multi-purpose device. Don't worry about this unless you're an enthusiast, business professional, musician, MIDI-maniac, or you want to produce your own sound files and create sound effects. 

Bundled Software:Sound cards come bundled with various software, such as audio CD-player programs, text-to-speech programs, applications for playing, editing, and recording audio files, stereo sound mixer programs, sequencer software to create, edit, and play back MIDI files, sound clips, and more. When shopping, make sure your computer supports the software's system requirements. Plus, finding good bundled software can save you the money of buying it later on. 

In sum, if you need only basic audio capabilities, a 16-bit, FM synthesizer sound card may suffice. If you're a gamer or music lover, you'll want a PCI card with a wavetable synthesizer, and 3D sound. If you create sound files - for example, if you're a business user recording voice annotations or professional musician producing audio files - you'll want a wavetable synthesizer card that performs its own processing and generates 64 or more voices. 

Speakers
Does your little monitor speaker sound as cheesy as a drive-through intercom? Here are the major considerations when shopping for sweet PC sound. 

Watts: This figure represents the amount of amplification driving the speaker, usually expressed as watts per channel or "RMS." The more watts, the more power, which enables more volume without distortion. Music and gaming especially benefit from vigorous speakers. 

Power supply: Sound cards lack the power to drive speakers, so most speakers incorporate their own power supply. Notebook users need speakers that can operate with batteries, since electrical outlets won't always be within reach. Moreover, it's not a bad idea to invest in some rechargeable batteries, which save money in the long run. And since batteries expire quickly, home users should buy speakers that come with an AC adapter, or at least accept a separately sold AC adapter, or your trash bin will be piled high with batteries. 

Sleep: This function powers down your speakers if idle for a certain period of time, conserving power - important if you're using batteries, crucial if you're a notebook user. 

Subwoofer: Many speaker sets include a subwoofer, which renders rumbling, high fidelity bass. If you already own a pair of satellite speakers, you may still obtain a separate subwoofer to beef up your sound. Though a subwoofer costs extra, it significantly improves the range, depth, and realism of sound, especially impressive for music and action games. If you care about sound quality, a subwoofer adds the essential lows to the highs and mids of satellite speakers. Many subwoofer designs fit even in confined spaces or under your desk. 

Dynamic bass boost: When activated, this function amplifies the bass. Bass boost is good to look for if you can't afford a subwoofer system but still desire decent bass. Also, since bass becomes inaudible at low volumes, bass boost comes in handy when you're playing music softly, adding bottom and balance to music turned down low. In addition to bass boot, a treble or tone control helps you maintain the sound you like at different volumes and from different audio sources. 

Number of pieces: A 2-piece speaker set, which consists of two satellite speakers and no subwoofer, is adequate for basic multimedia. However, low-watt speakers may sound tinny, especially if they lack bass boost. For notebook use, a tiny pair of speakers transport more easily, but be sure they can run on batteries. 

Gamers will want a 3-piece system, which consists of two satellite speakers and a bass-rich subwoofer. A compact 3-piece design fits into surprisingly cramped quarters while still providing the deep bass vital to multimedia excitement. 4-speaker rigs are actually a misnomer, because the "4" refers to the number of satellites; there's still a fifth box in the form of a subwoofer. DirecSound3D and Creative Labs EAX API sounds best with this last option, though you'll need a sound card with two discrete audio outputs. 

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate a multiple speaker set - the sound, especially with 3D, will knock your socks off. In fact, top-of-the-line, multiple PC speaker sets often sound as good as high-end home stereo systems, which cost several times more. Therefore, if you use your PC to play music as well as games, a great set of PC speakers can also serve as a good home stereo. In other words, investing in high-end PC speakers yields two birds for one stone: blow-away-quality speakers for hot video games and a killer stereo for favorite CDs and DVDs. 

Headphones: If good speakers cost too much, or if you want private audio, headphones offer another solution. More expensive headphones give you richer sound, volume controls, more comfortable design, and large ear cushions that reduce noise bleed so that people around you won't hear your music.