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While your computer, especially if it is a laptop PC, might have a built-in microphone, the result will be far better if you connect a headset. If you have the choice, opt for a USB headset, as it functions independently from existing audio hardware. Use alsamixer to configure input and output sound levels to your taste.
VoIP applications are definitely a booming market. Volunteers try to document the current status at http://www.voip-info.org/.
11.5. Summary
The GNU/Linux platform is fully multi-media enabled. A wide variety of devices like sound cards, tv-cards, headsets, microphones, CD and DVD players is supported. The list of applications is sheer endless, that is why we needed to shortenthe list of new commands below and limit ourselves to general audio commands.
Table 11-1. New commands in chapter 11: Audio
Command | Meaning |
alsaconf | Configure the ALSA sound system. |
alsamixer | Tune output levels of ALSA driver. |
arecord | Record a sound sample. |
aumix | Audio mixer tool. |
cdp | Play an audio CD. |
cdparanoia | Rip an audio CD. |
cdplay | Play an audio CD. |
gnome-alsamixer | Gnome ALSA front-end. |
gnome-cd | Gnome front-end for playing audio CDs. |
gnome-sound-recorder | Gnome front-end for recording sound samples. |
kaudiocreator | KDE front-end for creating audio CDs. |
kmix | KDE front-end for sound settings. |
krec | KDE front-end for recording sound samples. |
mplayer | Multi-media player. |
play | Command line tool for playing sound samples. |
11.6. Exercises
1. From the Gnome or KDE menu, open your sound configuration panel. Make sure audio boxes or headset are connected to your system and find an output level that is comfortable for you. Make sure, when your system is ALSA-compatible, that you use the appropriate panel.
2. If you have a microphone, try recording a sample of your own voice. Make sure the input volume is not too high, as this will result in high-pitched tones when you communicate with others, or in transfering background noise to the other party. On the command line, you might even try to use arecord and aplay for recording and playing sound.
3. Locate sound files on your system and try to play them.
4. Insert an audio CD and try to play it.
5. Find a chat partner and configure a VoIP program. (You might need to install one first.)
6. Can you listen to Internet radio?
7. If you have a DVD player and a movie on a DVD disk, try to play it.
