I feel like a fool for not noticing it before, but I just realized that there is a "microphone" function on my taskbar. I have no idea what it's for or how to use it.

I was going to buy a desktop mic so I could chat on YIM, but first I want to know what the built-in mic is for.

I believe you're talking about the Windows Language Bar.

If you right-click on the Task Bar, then select Toolbars, yours is probably checked with a checkmark by it. I believe it's just a quick and easy way to use your microphone, instead of going into the control panel.

I unchecked mine, since I don't need to have it displayed. I guess it's good if you do a lot of video conferencing or chatting online.

Ohhh okay. But what IS the microphone? Does this toolbar make it easier to access a microphone that's built into the computer or a microphone that I have to plug in myself?

You wrote:



The microphone button will start your recording, I believe.

As far as you 2nd question, I would imagine it would work for whichever one is setup to work. You can always try it and see. It won't hurt anything.

Also, if you have the Language Bar on your Taskbar, it has a help file that explains it in detail. Just click on the icon that looks like this ?

Okaaay...

So it isn't some built-in microphone on the tower that is enabled by clicking on the microphone icon? I just want to make sure of that.

Correct... it's just a fast way to do some recording.... and it seems to be aimed at voice recognition. Which can be used to read text for you and other applications.

Ahhhh. Gotcha.

Thanks a mil!

You're quite welcome!

Walkman...does it seems really help any in conferencing...Frankly I am not sure of its functionality. I just remove it from my taskbar by ticking to not show it again in future. Is it wanna provide any help is conferencing through Dimdim, Rhubcom or Yugma...!