In computers, audio is the sound system that comes with or can be added to a computer. An audio card contains a special built-in processor and memory for processing audio files and sending them to speakers in the computer. An audio file is a record of captured sound that can be played back. When sound is played, the digital signals are sent to the speakers where they are converted back to analog signals that generate varied sound.
Audio files are usually compression for storage or faster transmission.
In order for users to receive sound in real-time for a multimedia effect, listening to music, or in order to take part in an audio or video conference, sound must be delivered as streaming sound . More advanced audio cards support wavetable , or precaptured tables of sound. The Music Technology Learning Center offers a Digital Audio Overview .