A device internal or external to a desktop PC or laptop that facilitates the input and output of audio signals, including for recording and playback.
A dedicated piece of hardware that handles input and output of audio frequency signals from a desktop PC or laptop. Signals are electrical only, and a speaker or headphones are required to actually hear audio sounds.
The sound card may be internal to the computer, either as an expansion card plugged into the motherboard or more commonly now integrated on to the motherboard itself. It may also be external to the computer, with a connection via Firewire, USB or optical means. Professional sound cards are external devices with more available audio channels and a higher fidelity.
