All of us love music! Whether it be Alan Jackson, Miley Cirus, or OZZY! This Weekend's web pick of the weekend is the Open Source Program Audacity!

What do you use audacity for? There are many reasons you could use this on your computer. It allows you to record audio, edit it, and splice two clips together.

For a lot of you out there, this isn't something you are interested in. But most of us have a music collection that extends back quite a ways. Maybe you want to convert your tapes and albums into digital files or cds. Audacity allows you do that.

From the Audacity Wiki Page:

You can use Audacity and your computer to record sound from any external device which outputs an audio signal. Although cassette tapes and records (LPs) are the most popular examples, Audacity can be used just as easily to record audio from the following:

• open-reel tape decks
• Minidisc (MD) players
• Radios
• Mixers
• Video cassette recorders (VCRs) and DVD players (recording from a dedicated line-out containing audio output only)
• Televisions (via a SCART adaptor cable connected to the computer sound card, or through a VCR's audio out)
• Personal digital voice recorders (DVRs)
• Portable MP3 players (such as iPods)
• even another computer

You need to run an appropriate cable from an "out" jack on the external device (e.g. a tape deck, or an amplifier or receiver connected to a turntable) to the line-in port of the computer. You should not connect a standard turntable directly to a computer - see the next section below. The line-in is normally coloured blue, but check your computer manual. You should not generally connect to the microphone port of the computer, as this port, besides typically being monophonic, will excessively amplify the stronger signals produced by a tape deck or receiver/amplifier. The only exception to this might be the outputs of some personal recorders supplied with a minijack intended for connection to the microphone input of a recorder.

For the average user with consumer level equipment, the headphone jack is probably the best "out" jack to choose, since it will allow you to adjust the output level of the source device. If you choose this approach, the most typical setup is to use a cable with a 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) stereophonic TRS plug at one end (for connecting to the device's headphone jack), and an identical 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) TRS stereophonic plug on the other end (for connecting to the line-in socket on your computer). If the device you are recording from has a 1/4 inch (6.3 mm) headphone jack, you will need to get a 1/4 to 1/8 inch adaptor. Such an adapter is often included free with most new headphones, or can be purchased separately at any electronics store.

Some professionals with high-grade equipment would prefer to use the source device's "aux out", "tape out", "line-out" or "record" output (if so equipped), since that approach bypasses an unnecessary stage of (possibly low-quality) amplification, and standardises the signal at a fixed (non-adjustable) level of approximately 1 - 1.5 volts, resulting in a higher quality recording. If you choose this approach, you will need a cable that has dual RCA red/white plugs at one end (for connecting to the "aux out", "tape out" or "record" jack of the device) and a stereophonic 1/8 inch (3.5 mm) plug at the other end (for connecting to your computer's line-in port).

Audacity is an open source program, meaning that it is constantly upgraded with the influence of it's users. It is a great program to download for free, and as a freelance podcaster on the side, I have found this program to be a good go-to-solution for editing.

Ever want to talk to someone internationally but couldn't afford the minutes? Maybe you wanted to video conference with someone important at work, but couldn't find anything affordable. Are you looking for a cheap landline, and don't the hassle of a phone company. Then Skype for windows and mac is the program just for you.

The Web Pick of the Weekend is something that I have been using for quite sometime. Skype, which is owned by the internet giant Ebay, is a voiceover IP application, that allows you to talk to people around the world for free. Just recently the program has integraded video chat as well. Skype has created many oppurtunities in the field of communication, because it allows two people to communicate from long distances meanwhile keeping the top quality audio they are producing, instead of compressing it through phone lines.

How does it work?

For those of you familiar with the popular messenger services that AOL and Yahoo have produced, then setting up Skype will be a breeze. At heart, Skype is a chatting agent. After installing the program, which can be found at skype.com, the user will be prompted to create a screen name. From there you can text chat with friends, audio chat, and video chat as well. If you know someone with a corresponding username, and you have the proper equipment, all it takes is the push of the talk button! Here are the tools you will need though to get off the ground.

Setup and Additional Costs

For the average user, skype can cost nothing. If your computer comes with an external microphone and you have headphones, you are all set. Most advanced users (myself included) buy headsets, or dynamic Microphones to broadcast to the people we are talking to. In my case, I record interviews and segments with people across the world. I need the highest quality possible. For those of you looking for a cheap, yet high quality device, the Skype store has solid options. Though most uses can be free, sometimes people you want to call won't have a skype username. With a small monthly fee, Skype allows you to call out to all numbers within the united states. You can also purchase minutes from Skype, which allow you to call out internationally.

As an avid Skype user, I have decided to use at a cheap rate of 2.50 a month, plus 35.00 for a landline a year to use skype as my main mobile device. There is no other rates, and for a cheap price under 40 dollars, I have a phoneline directly into my comptuter. I can also forward calls out to an existing number, and allow callers to leave a voicemail. All from my computer. If you are a business owner, client, worker, or have family that is hard to contact, Skype could be the real solution for you. It is definitely a staple in the way that technology is heading.

What You will need:

The Skype Program, Internet Connection, A microphone of some sort, headphones and a username.

To view more about the program Skype, Visit:

Skype.com- Download and find out more about the application here.

Skype Wikipedia- To answer more of your questions or concerns.

Skype How To- A helpful how to video on how to install Skype on Windows.