It will also enable you to record sound if you have a microphone. Higher-end boards that use wave technology are also available. Make sure that the sound card you decide on is compatible with the industry standard, Creative Labs SoundBlaster. You will also need either speakers or headphones to plug into the card to hear the sound. Speakers will need to have a built in amplifier and should be shielded so they will not interfere with your monitor's picture quality.
Games are great with that extra sound.
Also, if you would rather the computer environment be a quiet environment, be sure to purchase good quality headphones so the sound can only be heard by the computer user. Make sure the card is SoundBlaster Pro compatible. With a modem, you can subscribe to a growing number of online services and bulletin board services. A fax modem has the added capability of being able to send and receive a fax from your computer. These are especially helpful for those people starting up a home-based business, or those people who do not normally have access to a fax machine.