This article will deal with a different issue -computers that do have sound capability, but that don't use this capability or that don't use it effectively.

There are different sources of sound in the computer. All computers have a simple speaker that is built into the box. It cannot give good quality sounds. It is meant to issue warning beeps or other such noises. The lovely screeching sound emanating from your computer when you log onto the Internet usually comes through this speaker. We'll discuss sounds that are more soothing and pleasant.

We will assume that your computer is in good working order, that it has no viruses, and that Windows and other software has been installed professionally. We will also assume that you have reason to believe that your computer should indeed create sound. That means that it has the following components:

You can check for a sound card yourself. Shut down and then turn off your computer. Look in the back of the computer box. That's the side of the computer that is opposite the place where you would insert diskettes.

You will find a series of slots, many of which have cables connected to them. One of those slots has a silver plate with three little round holes in a row. Some of those holes may be labeled Aux or Mic or Input or Output. This is the place to plug in your speakers. If they have not yet been plugged in, then check your sound card instructions to determine which of these holes, or jacks, is the right one. You will only have to plug in one wire to make both speakers work properly.

Please be careful. You may have two cards with silver plates, and both of them may have similar round holes. In order to be sure you are plugging your speakers into the correct hole, check for a telephone outlet in one of those cards. The card that has the telephone outlet is NOT the one for the speakers.

Did you plug the speakers into the right place? Be sure that they are turned on. One or both speakers may have an indicator light. Make sure that it is lit. Adjust the volume (the knob may be on only one speaker) so that it is reasonably high. You can lower the volume later. If you don't have speakers, then connect the card to a set of headphones or to an earphone.

We should be able to test whether the sound works properly now.

Click here for the next article in this series, which will test whether the sound works properly.

Click here for articles on computer graphics.

Click here for other articles on caring for your computer.