How to record an MP3 file on computer (own voice)?

[Angelico]

Hi all :) My first post in 'geeky stuff'!

I need to make several voice recordings in MP3 format for putting on a blog. Is there a programme (preferably free or cheap) that I can use to do this? I have a decent microphone on computer.

Thanks in advance :)

What length recordings (in case there's free s/w but limits segments to 5 min) and what operating system are you using, please? (eg Windows 7, Win Vista, Win XP, etc)

No point me suggesting Win XP s/w, if you use a Mac

Oooooh, an answer thank you! I use Windows whatever newest one is (7?) and would like to be able to record up to ten mins - but 5 mins good for most things!

DH mentioned Audioboo and Audacity - are they any good? And are they free? :o

Cannot comment on those two off top of my head... just using mobile from my sister's home as I left hospital Thursday pm and won't be home until Monday pm so am without bookmarks and notes

However, I may be able to try installing the s/w I planned to recommend on her laptop if it is among the stuff saved in my MP3 player!

I use StepVoice Recorder. It has a free trail version, also an older Freeware version. It will record for long time periods.

Audacity may be handy as it is also a sound editor - so once you have recorded you can then cut out any pauses such as at start/end of recording.