thanks.  my pal didn't even try it.  can see why. 
I've been using a usb2 port; i'l try usb3 port see if it makes a difference.  box gets its power from usb.
the instructions barely say what the thing does.  I guess its an analogue to digital converter for input and I guess cakewalk (I haven't tried to install that yet) is something like Cubase or audacity.  when I've with used them (Cubase on old xp) there is delay; have to shift tracks  to synchronise.. a pain.  I believe roland does away with that; but what do I know!
 
Maybe I will know when or if I get them installed.
 

The apparatus is an audio interface or a sound card that is designed to work primarily with musical applications. It is also designed to help you get rid of nasty long delays. I have the earlier mk1 I believe. The Cakewalk program is a digital audio workstation that basically is an app that helps you make music or other audio stuff. Just in case you want to bore yourself to death here are two links that may clear things as my explanation is not the best:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org...ital_audio_workstation
http://blog.dubspot.com/u...ding-audio-interfaces/

http://www.roland.com/products/en/DUO-CAPTURE/
 

 
Pretty basic interface, best thing is it comes with Sonar X1 LE. Register and sign up for e mails from Cakewalk, they will send you an offer to upgrade to X3, X3 Studio or X3 Producer. 
I did this and purchased X3 Studio for only $99. The regular price is $220 can  as found at the store today note:
When I bought it this was $299 so the price has dropped. 
Anyhow having the LE version is a great way to save if you so choose to use Sonar. 
 
You'll probably want a better interface as that one is pretty limiting. Example you'll need a mike pre amp to record with a mike. You can get a little mixer for this. 
I just picked up a Mackie Mix8 for $70 Black Friday sale as example. 
 
The USB cable is a standard type used for things like printers, so easy to try a different cable, you should have one laying around. 
I don't think I'd use usb 3.0, the device is older and was made for usb 2.0 
I see there are Window 8.1 drivers on the web site 
Here is the driver download page: 
 
http://www.roland.com/support/article/?q=downloads&p=UA-11
 
I don't see a firmware update so that's OK. 
 
Here is the manual which you should read, put it in the bathroom :) 
http://lib.roland.co.jp/support/en/manuals/res/61922434/DUO-CAPTURE_e04_W.pdf
 
And the installation instructions are very clear about "do not connect the device until instructed to do so" 
I would download from the web site and run that as administrator, follow prompts. IF that doesn't work,, at least you have the Sonar LE disk :) 
 

thanks for everybody's help;  usb 2, roland windows 8 help page, mic pre amp (I have an AKG powered mic that might do the trick) etc.
I don't do any serious recording, but help at a players workshop and have in the past made some basic recordings to help people along.
Now I just usually find a version on youtube and change key if I have to with audacity

I installed duo-capture using this
I should get some sort of certificate!
So sound comes out- listening to old Bob.
Now to see how to use it to record.  I'l start with audacity.

so what is the advantage of using duo capture instead of the computer mic input and headphone out?
also, the sample mp3 and others on computer played thru the duo c, but audacity just played thru the computer speakers- i'd set control panel sound to duo c

Audio interfaces usually have higher quality components than a PC. In addition to better microphone preamps, it is possible to plug devices like guitars directly into the interface. Typically PCs only have mic and line inputs, neither of these are suitable as instrument inputs.
 
Aside from superior inputs, audio interfaces are designed to record and playback at the same time with very little delay between the recording signal and the playback. A PC sound chip can playback OK but usually have a large delay between the recording and playback signals.
 
Look in Audacity output or driver options for a setting to route the signal to the duo-capture.

Yep.
I installed cakewalk sonar le.  Gonna need a few hours to see how to use it.
Its working but asking for a registration code or it'll die in 30 days.  all I can see is a four figure number on the dvd and this doesn't register.
maybe I should stick to strumming

That is something only Cakewalk customer support can help with. They will be back on the job Monday. Here is how to contact them from http://forum.cakewalk.com/How-to-contact-Cakewalk-directly-m2090582.aspx 

If you are having problems regarding an order, registration or have a pre-sales question you should contact our Customer Service Dept:

Telephone (Mon-Fri 1:00pm-6:00pm EST): 888.CAKEWALK or 617.423.9004
Email: http://www.cakewalk.com/About/csr.asp

You have to register as a new customer and follow the prompts. 
It will automatically send you a serial number via Email. I think it even works on weekends. 
And as I said sign up for the newsletters and you'll get offers to upgrade for a super good deal. 
Don't judge Sonar on LE, it is very bare bones. It's also based on the X1 version which had a few bugs. X3 is a big improvement. 
LE doesn't come with very much in the way of soft synths or effect plug ins. 
But it gives you a opportunity to learn the basics of using Sonar. It will work great for audio only projects.
In preferences there is a check box to "share drivers with other software" check it. 
 
The big difference with using a proper audio interface is the ASIO drivers and as scook mentioned the syncing of tracks and quality of recordings. You can make very high quality recordings with what you have on hand..