How to use Windows Sound Recorder

One of the appealing things about the Windows operating system is the extra functionality it provides. In addition to this, Windows has always included certain specialized programs that help the user to perform common tasks. Windows Media Player, for example, while it is not the best audio or video player available, is still very functional and does what most people need it to do. The same holds true for Windows Movie Maker. Windows even includes a sound recording program: Windows Sound Recorder.

To open Windows Sound Recorder, click on "Start," then click on "All Programs." From this menu, click to "Accessories," and then "Entertainment." From the Entertainment menu, you will finally click "Windows Sound Recorder" to open the application.

Recording and playing audio files, usually in the .WAV format, is what Windows Sound Recorder does. These are fairly straightforward tasks. If you wish to record something with Windows Sound Recorder, you simply press the RECORD button down in the lower right side of the Windows Sound Recorder window. To play sounds with Windows Sound Recorder, you simply use the PLAY button. If you would rather play a sound that is stored on your computer's hard drive somewhere, you can click "File" and then "Open."

Windows Sound Recorder can do more than just record or play sounds, however. You can edit sound files, as well. You can insert or add one sound file into a different sound file, merge two different sound files, remove portions of audio from the file, or even add sound effects. Some of the effects that you can add include changing speed, changing volume, adding some echo, or even reversing the sound.

Windows Sound Recorder certainly isn't anywhere near the level of technological advancement as some of the various sound recording and editing programs available, but the fact that it is included free with Windows makes it especially appealing. On top of this, Windows Sound Recorder can do the majority of what the average user needs to do with a sound file. If you have the need to record, play or edit a sound file, you might consider starting with Windows Sound Recorder and then moving on to another program only if Windows Sound Recorder doesn't quite meet your needs.