If you like to swap sound bites with other computer users, you'll be aware that the formats in which sounds can be captured and saved are many and varied ù especially when it comes to swapping sound files with Windows users. The most commonly used sound format on Windows is .wav, and thankfully QuickTime versions later than 2.5 know how to play .wav files perfectly. With QuickTime 3, you can even play .wav files using other applications (such as SimpleText) by enabling QuickTime Exchange in the QuickTime control panel.

If you want to create .wav files, you'll need QuickTime 3 Pro, which costs $US29.95 (download QuickTime 3 from www.apple.com and then register with your credit card details to get a code which unlocks the authoring features).

Once you've captured your sound bite, simply open it in QuickTime 3 Pro and save it using the Export . . . command. If $29.95 seems a bit steep, check out Norman Franke's freeware SoundApp, which lets you convert sounds between numerous different formats. Download it from www.shareware.com.