Searching for a Mic and Freeware Audio Recording Program

[Chaos Angel]

I would have placed this in Audio Help, but I don't think it applies.

I bought a mic on sale for $9.99. It's an Optimus unidirectional dynamic microphone. I plugged it into the slot on my sound card, and there is static in the background when I record with it. The clerk said I should get a computer mic to avoid static, but I didn't want to take the chance that he was trying to lead me to a more expensive mic when the one I had would work. Could the static be caused by the default Windows sound recorder I used? Is the Windows recorder any good? Any recommendations on inexpensive mics I can use on my computer, that won't cause static in the background? What about freeware audio recording programs that are good?

Thanks in advance!!

[Mr. Bucket]

i would suggest getting a computer specific microphone, they're really not that expensive unless you buy the ultra mega dick microphone with spinny attachments, and optional blow job.... those get expensive.

all you need is a shitty 8-10 dollar mic from wal-mart