So you want to record a simple voice message on your Linux system . . . It seems like a easy enough thing. Until you need a special audio format, require complex edits, special effects, and other audio tweaks. At which point, it's still pretty easy. No, really! This article will show you everything you need to know to get started recording and playing sound clips from a microphone. Then, with Audacity, you'll be able to edit the clip, add special effects, and more.

In this week's article I'll bring you up-to-date on what's happening with some of the many exciting developments in the world of Linux audio software, with recent news regarding the JOST plugin host, the Audacity soundfile editor, and the new LV2 native Linux plugin standard.

You've been ripping CDs for years, but what about those dusty cassette tapes in your attic and all that bargain-basement vinyl at used book sales? With Audacity, you can capture those vintage tunes, clean up their sound, and carry them around on your MP3 player.

For me there is nothing quite as relaxing as the sounds of the beach. The slow crashing of waves and the gentle lapping of water in the tide pools really helps me find my inner calm. Of course, I could do without the smell of rotting fish carcasses, the constantly screeching gulls and the looming threat of melanoma.