Absolute Beginners Guide to Upgrading and Fixing Your PC

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Understanding PC audio

• Connecting new speakers

• Replacing your sound card

• Upgrading to a new external sound box

• Adding an audio interface box

If you're like me, you like to listen to music even (if not especially) when you're working. Being able to pop a music CD into your PC's CD-ROM drive is a great thing, as is being able to download your favorite music from the Internet.

The problem is, your PC was designed to be a computer, not an audio system. So the sound you get when listening to music on your PC often leaves a lot to be desired.

This chapter will help you beef up your PC for better playback of your favorite songs as well as DVD soundtracks and the sound effects and background music of today's most bombastic PC games. Whether you choose to invest in a new speaker system or go with a completely different sound card, these upgrades will get your system pumping!