Sound Files

Section 1 - Introduction
Section 2 - Basics
Section 3 - Next Level
      Lists
      Basic Tables
      Advanced Text
      Marquee
      Meta
      Sounds
         Sound files
         Links to files
         Embedded files
         More embedded files
         Should you?
         You Try It!
      Comments
Section 4 - Advanced
Section 5 - Publishing
Section 6 - Extras
Appendices

Before you add sounds into your pages, you should know a little bit about sound files, especially their strengths and weaknesses. Here's a little explanation for you

File type comparison
File type	Extensions	About	Positive	Negative	recommendations
Midi files (Mid-dee)	.mid or .midi	Use the computer's own sound program to generate music.	Small files, well supported Easily available	Sound like elevator music Get annoying	Use sparingly Allow client-side controlls Do not abuse
Wave files	.wav	Originally for Windows formats	Good quality Allow for realistic sound	BIG files May not be supported on Macs without a downoad	Use sparingly Good special effects
Audio or "AU" files	.au	Originally for Mac computers	Good quality Reealistic sounds	HUGE files May not be supported on Windows	Use sparingly Special effects
AIFF files	.aiff or .aif	Invented by Apple	Well supported Realistic sounds	Rare Less popular Big-ish files	Use sparilgly (If you can find them)
MP3	.mp3	Most common song-storing format	Clear sound Songs sound wonderful	WAY TOO BIG Will eat your memory	Don't use on websites unless you have bandwidth and storage Do not use for embedded sounds
Real Audio	.ra or .ram	Made for the "Real Audio" player	Small files Stored on the web and not on your site	Not well supported Only available through RealAudio	Probably not a good idea

So, if you want background sound, I recommend using a midi, although they're detestable. When using sound effects, a wav or au file is best.