Computer sound cards are easy to install, but difficult to find the right one. You have so many choices, and needs, that it can be hard to figure out the right sound card and speaker combination for you. First, let's take a look at the basics.

3D Sound (Dolby Surround Sound) - This is exactly what it sounds like. The sound is produced in a way that you can hear sounds all around you, even with just 2 speakers! If you are a big PC gamer then this is what you want. This will allow you to hear enemies behind you and it will make for a better experience.

Surround Sound - Desktop computer surround sound is almost just as good as home theatre surround sound. It lacks some of the experience that a home theatre provides you, but it's on a computer anyways so what do you expect. Incorporating this with 3D sound would provide the most realistic sound experience.

Digital Sound Card & Speakers - A digital sound card will convert analog sound into digital to increase the sound's quality and richness. I prefer digital sound cards and speakers to analog. Also, you must remember that digital speakers must be bought if you are buying a digital sound card.

Standard stereo sound has been around since the gramaphone is the very basic level of computer speaker systems. The sound from your computer is fed into a power amplifier which amplifies the two signals and drives two speakers, left and right. This is the most basic speaker setup and although the sound can be great the depth isn't usually massive due to there only being two speakers.

2. Dolby surround sound.

Dolby is at the forefront of the surround sound systems. Most cinema surround systems use some kind of dolby surround sound technique. Dolby 5.1 is a popular choice for computer speaker systems because it is widely available and gives a great depth of sound. Dolby 5.1 consists of 5 speakers and usually a sub woofer for better bass response. The five speakers are arranged in such a way that 2 are behind the listener and 3 in front. A dolby 5.1 system can really put the sounds anywhere in the room.

3. Dolby 7.1.

A further advance in surround sound and computer speaker systems that allows seven speakers to be connected to the source allowing even further accuracy in the sound placement. The Dolby 7.1 system is sometimes described as HD sound because the technology has appeared at the same time as other HD sources such as Playstation 3 and HD televisions.

Setting up a good computer speaker system is essential to get the most out of your computer. Gaming will be a much better experience if you install the right s