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Music which has been recorded on a computer provides the ultimate in listening options. To play
digital music on your computer you will need three things - a sound card, speakers and a media playing
program. Once you have all these accessories, you will be able to listen to your music. A sound card installs inside the computer and converts digital audio files to sound. It does a number of other things too, like allowing you to play computer games and record sound from outside sources such as a stereo system or microphone. Sound cards are already installed on most computers sold today, but some older ones may need to have one installed. Or you may wish to upgrade the one which came with the computer. Sound cards are easy to install, and usually come with their own media playing software as well as other tidbits. Speakers to play the digital music are inexpensive to purchase and easy to install. Simply connect them to the sound card on the back of the computer, using the included cable. If the speakers have an AC/DC converter it will plug into any 110 volt outlet. Windows Media Player is usually included with the computer when you purchase it. If not, you may get it free from the Microsoft website. Media players will sort your music collection for you, allow you to set up play lists, and create audio CD's. Using a process called "ripping, the program will copy audio tracks from existing audio CD's and place them on the hard drive of the computer. This in no way harms the CD being "ripped". All that is happening is that the computer is copying the digital audio files and converting them to either MP3 or WAVE files on your computer. |