INSTALL AUDACITY

Audacity is an �open source� program, but don�t let the term scare you! Installing Audacity takes no time at all. Just

• Go to the Audacity Web site.
• Click the green Download button.
• Click another green button (don�t click a copy marked �beta� or �unstable�) to select the current copy of Audacity.
• Choose the .exe file (PC users) third in the list below or the .dmg file (Mac users) at the top of the list.
  
  
• A prompt might ask if you want to save the file. Click OK or Save.
• Double-click the .exe or .dmg file that appears on your Desktop, it and the program will install in just a minute or two.

Besides installing Audacity on a classroom computer, you�ll also need a microphone. Most laptops and some desktops now have internal mics, which work fine for basic recording. If yours does not, or if you want better sound or to record large groups of students, you�ll want to pick up a microphone at an electronics or discount retail store. Those can be as cheap as $10 and usually plug in to your computer near where your headphones plug in (the port often is red indicating �record�). Tip: If you can, try to pick up a headphone/microphone combo. Those start around $20. The headphones block out classroom noises that might distract a student as she/he records.

Let�s get started!

Next: Recording sound.