18 Computer Microphones
COMPUTER MICROPHONES OVERVIEW §
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You have a secret spy that exists on your computer. It’s called a microphone. Using a computer program called Remote Access Trojans (RATs), hackers are finding ways into computers and mobile devices. They can even hack the most secure government and corporate networks. Audio being captured on a computer unknowingly to the owner, can be used for blackmail in a office or public environment or bullying at school. Covering your microphone is a surefire way to keep your audible thoughts to yourself and off the internet.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED You, like many, like to provide feedback, opinions and thoughts on peoples ideas, designs or simple reply to their own opinion. However, speaking those opinions ,while sitting at your office desk or even your table in the kitchen with your computer open could lead to others hearing your thoughts without you knowing it. Here’s a few idea that will keep your vocal thoughts close by: § First, make sure that what your saying is not open to public ears. It might not be your PC’s microphone picking up your voice, it could be others. § Place little metal-tabs, labels or thick tape over the microphone hole to reduce the potential of any audio being picked up by your computer. § Use your mobile phones Voice Memo or Dictation app. § Use a portable micro recorder found a many local electronic stores or via a online retailer.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED §
Here’s a nifty and simple idea. If you have a broken pair of ear buds with a mic on it, they typically come with a new mobile phone, connect them into the audio jack then snip off the earbud with the mic on it — usually the right one — just below the mic. Here's how it works: When you plug in earbuds with a built-in mic, your computer automatically changes its default audio input from the internal mic to the new external mic. This “tricks” the computer to use the external mic (earbuds) and it can't receive any audio from the (now missing) external mic.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED §
Another good way to keep conversations private is to disable your internal microphone entirely from your device. Settings depend on the type of operating system. Make sure to un-plug the headset before performing these steps.
(Windows) 1. 2. 3. 4.
On the extreme right side of the Task Bar, right-click on the Speakers symbol and select Sounds. In the Recording Tab, right-click on the microphone and select Disable. Click on OK. there is more than one, disable all.
(MAC) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Launch System Preferences from the Apple menu in the upper left corner Click on “Sound” preference panel Click on the “Input” tab Drag the “Input volume” slider all the way to the left, as seen in the included screenshot – you can test the microphone has been disabled by talking and you’ll notice the mic indicator no longer moves Close System Preferences as usual
COMPUTER MICROPHONES RECOMMENDED RESOURCES § § §
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Always assume your microphone is on. Consider covering your microphone and make sure you computer and software are update from viruses. Don’t leave your laptop on when not at use. Especially in private areas of your home like the bedroom, kids room or open while unattended in the office. Make sure you understand how to use your computer. Educate your children on the do’s and don’t’s of using a computer and what the risks are. If you wouldn’t want your mom to hear it, don’t say it.
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You have a secret spy that exists on your computer. It’s called a microphone. Using a computer program called Remote Access Trojans (RATs), hackers are finding ways into computers and mobile devices. They can even hack the most secure government and corporate networks. Audio being captured on a computer unknowingly to the owner, can be used for blackmail in a office or public environment or bullying at school. Covering your microphone is a surefire way to keep your audible thoughts to yourself and off the internet.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED You, like many, like to provide feedback, opinions and thoughts on peoples ideas, designs or simple reply to their own opinion. However, speaking those opinions ,while sitting at your office desk or even your table in the kitchen with your computer open could lead to others hearing your thoughts without you knowing it. Here’s a few idea that will keep your vocal thoughts close by: § First, make sure that what your saying is not open to public ears. It might not be your PC’s microphone picking up your voice, it could be others. § Place little metal-tabs, labels or thick tape over the microphone hole to reduce the potential of any audio being picked up by your computer. § Use your mobile phones Voice Memo or Dictation app. § Use a portable micro recorder found a many local electronic stores or via a online retailer.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED §
Here’s a nifty and simple idea. If you have a broken pair of ear buds with a mic on it, they typically come with a new mobile phone, connect them into the audio jack then snip off the earbud with the mic on it — usually the right one — just below the mic. Here's how it works: When you plug in earbuds with a built-in mic, your computer automatically changes its default audio input from the internal mic to the new external mic. This “tricks” the computer to use the external mic (earbuds) and it can't receive any audio from the (now missing) external mic.
COMPUTER MICROPHONES TIPS TO HELP YOU SUCCEED §
Another good way to keep conversations private is to disable your internal microphone entirely from your device. Settings depend on the type of operating system. Make sure to un-plug the headset before performing these steps.
(Windows) 1. 2. 3. 4.
On the extreme right side of the Task Bar, right-click on the Speakers symbol and select Sounds. In the Recording Tab, right-click on the microphone and select Disable. Click on OK. there is more than one, disable all.
(MAC) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Launch System Preferences from the Apple menu in the upper left corner Click on “Sound” preference panel Click on the “Input” tab Drag the “Input volume” slider all the way to the left, as seen in the included screenshot – you can test the microphone has been disabled by talking and you’ll notice the mic indicator no longer moves Close System Preferences as usual
COMPUTER MICROPHONES RECOMMENDED RESOURCES § § §
§
§
Always assume your microphone is on. Consider covering your microphone and make sure you computer and software are update from viruses. Don’t leave your laptop on when not at use. Especially in private areas of your home like the bedroom, kids room or open while unattended in the office. Make sure you understand how to use your computer. Educate your children on the do’s and don’t’s of using a computer and what the risks are. If you wouldn’t want your mom to hear it, don’t say it.
