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Many online courses use audio and video files to support the curriculum. To hear the speech portion of each of these files, you need a good pair of speakers or a headset. Most computers come with speakers upon purchase. The speakers should work fine. However, your family and other housemates may prefer that you use a headset, to reduce distractions. Don’t rush out and buy anything expensive. The headset you use to listen to your music player will work just fine. Your computer should have a built-in sound card and a round headphone jack for plugging in. The headphone jack may be located on the front or back of your computer. Or, if you use a laptop, the jack may be on one side. Most headphone jacks have a small Headset icon either above the jack or directly next to it.

Some instructors also may ask you to participate in a web-based conference using Internet applications. These applications allow instructors and students to communicate in a variety of ways, including via voice over the Internet. To do this, you need to have a microphone. Many computers, especially laptops, have built-in microphones. These can work, but we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive headset that incorporates a microphone. Look to spend about $50 for the basic set.