How to Listen to Radio Stations on the Internet

Thanks to the World Wide Web, radio stations are not just local anymore. You can listen to broadcasts from distant countries once you get your computer set up.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer Speakers
• Modems
• Internet Service Providers
• Computers
• LiquidAudio
• Microsoft Media Player
• RealPlayer

1. Make sure your computer has sound capability, a fast modem, at least 32 megabytes of RAM and speakers.
2. Download the RealPlayer for free from the RealAudio Web site if you don't already have it.
3. Install the RealPlayer if necessary.
4. Download any other software - such as LiquidAudio or Microsoft Media Player - needed to listen to specific stations that don't use RealAudio. Make sure your computer meets the system requirements for the software.
5. Once you have the required software, connect to a broadcast Web site.
6. Click on the link to listen to the broadcast. This will automatically launch RealAudio or the appropriate software for the broadcast.
7. Adjust the volume with the volume control in the RealPlayer window, your system volume control or your speakers (if they have an external volume control).

Tips & Warnings

• Most stations and programs use RealAudio, but each broadcast site will tell you what software you need. Usually, the site will provide a link for downloading the software.
• If you need help preparing your computer to play broadcasts, check the RealAudio Web site or the book, "Passport to Web Radio." The book explains set up and offers advice for overcoming difficulties.
• Some sites will have better sound quality and fewer interruptions than others.
• Internet radio is not yet up to par with regular radio. "Net congestion" causes interruptions. Wavering sound quality is normal and many broadcasts are only in mono, not stereo.