...
3. Sample Rate: You will now need to set the sample rate for your project. If you are editing pre-existing audio, the first file you import into Audacity will set the sample rate. If you are going to make a new recording go to edit > preferences > quality (mac users: audacity > preferences > quality) set the Default Sample Rate to 44100 48000 Hz and leave the Default Sample Format to 16at 32-bit float.
Note: Audio CDs have a sample rate of 44100 Hz with a 16bit format. This was established by the frequency at which humans hear. Sample rates are set at twice the level of the highest anticipated input frequency, and as the human ear cannot hear sounds above 20000 Hz, 44100 Hz safely covers the entire audible range.
4. File Location: We recommend that you preset Audacity to make a duplicate of your files when importing. To enable this feature go to edit > preferences > projects (mac users : audacity > preferences > projects) and check the option Always copy all audio into project (safest). This consolidates all of your audio files into the _data folder so if the dependent files are altered or moved your project will not be affected.
...