How can I use Windows' "Sound Recorder" to record sounds streaming on my computer?

This is my first time owning a computer. I have a Dell Inspiron laptop with Windows 7. On other computers I have used, I was able to record all sounds streaming on my computer. But I can't figure out how to enable such settings on my own computer. I can only record external sounds coming in through a mic or any other external devices. What can I do?