A380

Gericom A380 Fun with Multimedia

Fun with Multimedia

his chapter lets you make full use of all the

multimedia features of your computer in having fun

and excitement during work or leisure. You will learn

how to mix and match the built-in sound system, play

CD via the Audio DJ without powering on the

computer, use CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or CD-RW in

creating an exciting full multimedia presentation.

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otebook User Guide

4.1 Notebook Multimedia Features

Your notebook computer is rich in multimedia features that make your

computing fun, comfortable, exciting and easy. Exceeding the specification set

for the Multimedia Personal Computer or MPC, your computer is well able to

perform all multimedia tasks through the following:

• Intel Pentium III/Intel Celeron or VIA Cyrix microprocessor.

• 64/128/256 MB RAM or more.

• 24X or above speed CD-ROM Drive, 8X speed DVD-ROM Drive, or 8X

speed CD-RW.

• AGP 4X VGA Graphics Controller.

• 16-bit Plug-and-Play Audio Sound System with built-in speaker, woofer

and microphone.

• Audio DJ panel that can play CD without powering on the computer.

4.2 Audio Sound System Features

Your computer has a built-in 16-bit stereo sound controller that allows you to

record, store, and playback voice, music and other sound effects with built-in

mixer controls. An integrated full-duplex microphone and twin mini-speakers

with woofer are also built-in into your computer to allow you to record and

playback sound anytime and anywhere.

On the right side of your computer, you will find the audio ports that include

the following:

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Fun with Multimedia

• External 1/8-inch microphone jack that connects external microphone for

recording purpose.

• Earphone or headphone jack with SPDIF for personal listening.

• External thumb-wheel volume control.

4.3 Setting Up the Audio Driver Properties

Before you can start using the audio capabilities of your computer, you need

first to setup properly the audio driver after installing Windows. If you bought

your computer with Windows pre-installed, it is most likely that your dealer

have configured the sound driver for you. If not, you must refer to Chapter 2

on how to setup the sound drivers for Windows.

4.4 Windows Multimedia Programs

Windows provides several multimedia programs that you can run with the

built-in features of your computer. Pointing the Start button and clicking the

right-mouse button to select Open option, when Start Menu box appears,

double-click Programs, Accessories, then Entertainment, you will find the

Multimedia programs group.

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otebook User Guide

The standard multimedia components are as follows:

• Windows Media Player - for playing sound, video and animation files

• Sound Recorder - for recording sounds and playback

Figure 4-1 Entertainment Programs Group

• Volume Control - for adjusting the volume of mixer

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For more information on how to operate these multimedia components, run

the program and click on the Help menu.

4.5 Recording Sounds

Your computer allows you to record voice and other sounds in several ways

and stores them as files on your hard disk. These voice or sound files can then

be played back through the internal speaker or earphone jack using an external

speaker, headphone, or earphone set. You can also use the files as voice

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