Deciding on the System
The very first thing you must do, even before you run out the door with your checkbook in hand, is to figure out what kind of sound system you'll even want. Without generalizing too much, there are basically four approaches:

• The basic system - You don't care how it sounds, as long as the speakers work, and you can hear stuff that's sounds OK.
  
• Quality simple system - This system will produce some decent sound at various ranges from two speakers at reasonable cost.
  
• Surround system - These days, manufacturers make cards that are four-speaker surround sound capable, so that's another avenue to look at.
  
• Home system - You can forego buying computer speakers altogether and hook your computer up to your stereo or home theater system.
  

Next: Settling on a Sound Card