B) Using the right program

Sorry, I know that this section should have been here earlier, but it's too late to change it now. Actually it isn't, but I'm just too lazy. ;-P

Okay, I'll split this sub-section into two sub-sub-sections: Programs for making midi files, and programs for making sound files.

Programs for Midi files:

Since midi files are sometimes called "sequences", midi file creators are sometimes called "sequencers." A Hardware sequencer is a sequencer that, well...uses hardware. For example, some electronic midi keyboards can be connected to the computer and then if you have the right program with the right keyboard, you can play and then the program will record what you're playing into a midi file.

A software sequencer usually doesn't use that. A software sequencer is a program that just allows you to create midi files using the program. It is slower, but I'd say that it's better.

The program that I use is Musictime Deluxe, a software and hardware sequencer. However, the keyboard I have isn't compatible with this program (the program expects a different type of keyboard,) so I don't use that feature. The version of it I'm using was actually made for Windows 3.11, and I'm running it on windows 98, but who cares? It works, that's what matters. The good thing about midi files is they usually don't require big, expensive programs to create. They just need a musically educated person with a song in his/her head.

I'm also pretty lazy, too lazy to update the version that I'm using. Either that or I'm just reluctant to spend the money. It just doesn't matter which one of those it is, that's not important. What is important is that I'm not going to change it, and I don't need to. Music and the way it is written down has stayed the same for hundreds of years, I doubt it's gonna change now. I don't even know if they have a new version of Musictime Deluxe anymore.

Midi creators like Musictime Deluxe usually have pre-drawn staffs. All you have to do is draw notes, clefs, accidentals, whatever you need, to make music. You usually select what you want to draw (a rest, a note, etc.) from a toolbar or something. They also usually have some way of playing the music that you have written, so that you are able to listen to what you're creating. Make sure that the program you want to buy has most of these features or more, because they are important.

Actually, I don't even think they make Musictime anymore, because I've searched for the program on the internet, and couldn't find it. So let's look at other programs we can use!

Midisoft Studio 4.0 is a sequencer which I hear is pretty good. Its website is at http://www.midisoft.com. Here are some links which contain sequencers or links to sequencers:

http://www.jazzware.com/cgi-bin/Zope.cgi/jazzware/ - they make Jazz++, a midi sequencer.

http://www.mooremusic.com.au/software/sequence.htm - links to several software sequencers.

http://mp3.about.com/entertainment/mp3/library/weekly/aa082498.htm?iam=ask&terms=midi+sequencers - (long address, eh?) links to more sequencers

Programs for WAV files:

Wave files and MP3 files are both very common, and so most sound programs support both types. However, since Wave files are more commonly used, I'll only discuss wave file manipulation programs here. If I get enough requests for it, I guess I'll discuss MP3 manipulation in another article.

A moderately good program that comes with Windows is the "Sound" program. (usually named "sndrec32.exe") It doesn't support the .mp3 format, but it does let you manipulate wave files. Like I was saying earlier, if your computer doesn't have a built in microphone, then as long as you have a sound card, there still is a way to record things. Just buy a high-quality connector. Then look on the back of your computer, where the sound card should be. Usually, by the place where the speakers are connected, are places you can plug a microphone in. Simply put, it's in the back of your sound card. If your microphone is the wrong size and doesn't fit, then find an adapter that will make it fit.

Some sound cards come with the computer and don't allow this stuff, if so, then find out how you can connect a microphone to your computer.

Anyway, connect it, and then run your Sound program. Now turn on the microphone, click the record button, and then check if it records. If it does, you've got the right plug. If not, try again.

Okay, so that sound program is a pretty good sound manipulation program, and it comes free with most computers. If you like to spend money, you can go ahead and get some programs that aren't free. Actually, if you plan to make the game sound professional, I would suggest doing that: buy a sound program. The programs which you have to pay for usually are the best, and that is especially true in this case. Other programs let you do so much things that the free program doesn't.

An example of these is "Sound Forge XP." This program is very good for SFX, but can be used for music, too. I've never tried this before, though.

Writing the basic theme