Tips & Tricks

Using your own voice for audio prompts

Windows 98 comes with pre-programmed audio reminders that accompany certain procedures. You can turn these off, use the default settings, or better yet, create audio hints with your own voice, your children's voices, or even your dog's bark. (Take a look at Changing the System Sound tip for instructions on how to use other pre-installed audio cues.)

Here's how to use your voice as an audio prompt:

1. On the Start menu, point Programs, point to Accessories, point to Entertainment, and then click Sound Recorder.
2. On the File menu, click New.
3. Click the red record button and then record your voice.
4. Click the square "stop" button to end the recording.
5. Name your sound file and select a folder in which to store it.

After you have made as many recordings as you want, you're free to replace the sounds currently associated with actions (called events), such as opening or exiting Windows, with the new ones you have created.

1. On the Start menu, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click the Sounds icon.
3. Choose one action from the list of events.
4. Use the browse button to locate the sound file you created.

Now, each time you perform that action, the sound you recorded will be played.

Note: To record sounds, your computer must have a soundcard installed and a plugged-in microphone.