It would depend on the format of the audio file. However K-Lite codec pack should cover most of you bases. It is usually the only codec pack I install on a computer.
MP3
Download and install a free audio converter.
The MKV codec can be used to code multiple types of video or some audio files (16 to be exact). It can also be used to code subtitle streams. Basically, the MKV codec is for multimedia purposes.
FLAC files are free lossless audio codec files. You can listen to these files by downloading WinAmp onto your computer and then downloading the FLAC Plugin.
a player software and an appropriate codec the file is compressed
download the audio files and then insert them
OGG Files are media files - more specifically, they are sound files. You need to download a codec for Windows Media Player for .ogg files, or you can download an alternative media player like VLC Media Player.
You'd have to download the .flv codec for it. You have other choices such as Winamp to play FLV files as well.
Download a free audio converter online. Most will allow you to convert several files at the same time.
Yes, you can add audio files into a MS Word document.
Audio software is software designed for working, in some way, with sound files. Examples of audio software include software that allows you to accomplish digital audio extraction (DAE) on Audio CDs, software which allows you to edit sound files to remove pops and clicks, software which allows you to play sound files on your computer speakers, and software which allows you to convert sound files from one format (e.g. WAV or AIFF) to another (e.g. MP3 or FLAC). Generally, audio software is for working with sound files on a computer.
There's a free script available online which allows you to download eSnips material, including mp3s and documents: http://www.rioleo.org/esnipsdownloader