Recording Vocals

Okay I apologise in advance for my dumbness. But I have recently recorded 2 songs just using the built in microphone in my laptop.
However, i want to add vocals to the tracks......is it possible to plug the microphone lead straight into the laptop mic input? I was just a bit concerned about another thread i read talking about wrecking the soundcard in the computer.

Also, when you mic the amp, when recording guitar.........is it possible to plug the mic lead into the mic input slot without going through a preamp?

Any helps appreciated guys! Thanx

Sure that is what it is there for! All the tracks I record are Amp to Line In, Acoustic to Line In or Microphone to Mic In. Since you are using windows, you will need to change the Input Select in the windows setting. Right click on the speaker icon on your toolbar>Adjust Audio Properties>Click Audio Tab>Sound Recording click on Volume>Select Mic or Line In.

You need some sort of Pre-Amp to record an electric guitar. See if your amp has a Direct out and go from there to Line In. You will need a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter for the soundcard.

Hope this helps!