How do I test my netbooks microphone?

Advice Pro · 23 Dec 2012

Has anyone had experience instant messaging, with voice, over long distances as far far apart as VA to CA?

Thorsen · 23 Dec 2012

not with instant messaging, but I videochat with my brother in Colombia (from Boston) every now and then through Skype and it holds up fine. some lag due to distance, but not unbearable.

Advice Pro · 23 Dec 2012

Thanks Thorsen, I'll give Skype a try. Now about my original question, does Win. 7 have an app that allows me to test the built-in mic? Is there a lightweight app that I can download? Audacity is too large for this simple task.

tman69 · 23 Dec 2012

Advice Pro said:

Now about my original question, does Win. 7 have an app that allows me to test the built-in mic?

Rightclick on the volume icon in your task bar, select "recording devices"

This will open a dialog box with 4 tabs, make sure the second tab "Recording" is selected. There you should see your mic, with a bar showing if it is receiving sound or not.