Final answer:
Audio volume on a desktop computer can be adjusted through the sound settings in the operating system or using the physical volume controls on the computer or peripherals. Ensure the audio is set to 'Listener' to notice changes in sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
A student can adjust audio volume on a desktop computer primarily through two places. The first place is the operating system's sound settings, which can usually be found in the system tray (for Windows) or system preferences (for Mac). From here, users can adjust the slider to increase or decrease the volume. The second place is through physical volume controls on the computer itself or its peripherals, such as volume buttons or knobs on keyboards, speakers, or headphones.
When adjusting audio settings, make sure to have audio enabled and set it to Listener rather than Speaker. This ensures that sound changes are audible as they vary while you move the listener around. For a more interactive experience, some programs allow users to simulate sound environments, letting them experiment with changing the frequency and amplitude, or observing the effects of adding a second speaker and a barrier. These tools can provide valuable insights into the behavior of sound.