Set up the laptop or computer near the stage area. Plug the microphone into the microphone jack on the computer. This is usually a pink hole located on the front or back of the unit.
Place the microphone in a central area of the stage. Some instruments are louder than others. Try to stay as far away from the drums as possible without losing the central location.
Open the Sound Recorder application on the computer. This is located in the Start Menu under Programs and then Accessories. Have the band play for a moment. Hit the red Record button and record a snippet of the band.
Play the file back and listen closely. If necessary, experiment with other microphone locations. When satisfied, wait until the band starts to perform and hit the red Record button again.
Access the File menu on the Sound Recorder and save the file to the computer's hard drive. Name it something appropriate so it can be easily located later.
Use the Windows Media Player to play the file. Use the Burn option to place the live music file on a CD.