Audacity:

The program of choice of a Windows computer. It can be used to record podcasts (with an attached microphone) or to edit existing sound files. Audacity is the program of choice for many podcasters, in part because it is free, but mostly because it's a fantastic, powerful, easy-to-use program. Audacity can be used to record podcasts (with an attached microphone) or to edit existing sound files. Available for Mac computers, Windows PCs, and Linux PCs, Audacity is freeware and is so powerful that it most likely puts a dent in the sales figures of those programs that are for sale. You can download the program from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/ for each of the three operating systems. Audacity includes the following features:

• can record from microphone, line input, or other source
• can create mutitrack recordings and dub over existing tracks
• can record up to 16 channels with special hardware
• can import WAV. AIFF, AU, and Odd Vorbis files
• Can import and export MP3 files
• easy editing using cut and paste
• volume fade in/out feature
• Can recrod at up to 96 kHz
• Upgradeable with plugins

Steps to Making a Podcast using a Windows Computer and Audacity:

1. Connect the microphone to the microphone port on the sound card (Audacity also lets you use a Line In input.)
2. Configure the Application and OS.  The Windows "Sounds and Audio Devices>Voice>Voice Recording" control panel can be used to verify that the microphone is working properly.
   1. select the Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices Properties dialog box,
   2. Select the tab labeled Voice
   3. In the Voice Recording area, make sure the default device is properly selected
   4. CIf you want tocheck the volume, click the Vilume button inb the Default Device  window, to open the Recording Control dialog box. This allows you to adjust teh volume  and balance for four inputs.
   5. If you want to test microphone, click the Test Hardware button
   6. Now you muct check on the communications with Audacity.When it is running select File>Save Project As to name and save your podcast.  The left side of the Audacity window identifies the recording settings. (Mono o stereo(depending on the microphone type), 44.1KHz, 32 bit float rate are appropriate.
3. Record Your Podcast: If you make a mistake, simply pause for a second, and then pickup where you left off.
4. Edit Your Vocal Content.  To edit a specific portion of the clip or add an effect to it, highlight that portion of the track. Use the Effect Menu to select an effect to apply to the selection, or select Edit>Cut to erase the selected portion.
5. Add Music and finishing touches. Audacity allows for drag and drop addition of MP3 or WAV files to the area beneath your main track. MP3 will be added as a separate track and allow of fades, etc.
6. Export the podcast to MP3 format .