This refers to the number of channels of sound. A normal set of stereo speakers (2 speakers) are 2 channels. The sound card sends 2 different channels of sound, one for each speaker. 4.1-channel is 4 channels of distinct sound. The .1 refers to the subwoofer, as most speaker systems automatically take all the bass frequencies and send them to the subwoofer, then send the rest to the normal speakers. 5.1-channel is 5 seperate channels of sound (front, front or side left & right, rear left & right), plus the subwoofer. NOTE: You must have a sound card that supports the surround sound system (ie: a normal sound card can only support a 2 channel system, a 4-channel sound card can support a 2 or 4.1 system, a 5-channel card can support a 2, 4.1, or 5.1 channel system.)

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