Question : Problem: Microphone recorded audio is very scratchy

I have tried to record audio to my computer for little training videos and it always comes out scratchy.

I tried two headsets:
(1) theBoom "O" with computer adapter. This is a $140 wired headset with high-grade noise canceling. It sounds crystal clear on my cell phone, and like crap on my computer. For an example, see:

http://screencast.com/t/vttkk1sg

(2) Creative Labs HS-600 - Consumer-grade headset. No noise canceling. Sounds about the same.

I'm running WIndows XP with Realtek. Is this a sound card issue?

Answer : Problem: Microphone recorded audio is very scratchy

You have a poor microphone eletronic set. It is capturing ambient noise and eletrostatic noise.

If you intend to record quite usually, consider buiying a mini-professional kit, as:
- Shure Microphone SM-58 $100 at amazon or similar as Shure C606WD $30
- Behringer Mixer XENYX 502 $50 at amazon
Apropriate cables:
- Mic cable
- 1/4" TSR to 1/8" mini-plug (all mono)

This is a cheap and good set.
Good luck.

links:
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-C606WD-All-Purpose-Dynamic-Microphone/dp/B000FIE1WK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1235249548&sr=1-3
http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-502-Xenyx-Mixer/dp/B000GHB9UM
http://www.amazon.com/Shure-SM58-Professional-Vocal-Cable/dp/B00015H0X4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1235250054&sr=1-5