A sound card is what allows your computer to convert digital audio data stored on your computer to analog audio data (to see a description of analog and digital data, see the modem section) that can be played by the speakers. Most sound cards also have a converter from analog to digital for the purpose of recording. In addition to these relatively simple functions, the sound card can perform various fancy features, depending on the model. For example, a sound card can add a 3D effect to the sound played through the speakers. In addition to being able to play "pure" audio data, a sound card can commonly replicate sounds of various instruments, and also play more than one of those simultaneously.
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