Introduction
The audio offered on our pages are "streaming
media" files. If your computer has the required hardware and software, then very soon after clicking
on the audio items on our pages, a streaming media player on your computer should
launch automatically and beging playing the audio through your speaker. Streaming media players are
software programs that are downloaded and then installed on your hard drive. Windows computers usually
have one called WindowsMedia Player which is often already installed and ready to go. However, there
are several popular streaming media/audio formats offered on web sites and each format requires a player
that is designed to that format. This is why we offer you a choice of two different formats on our pages.
Our RealMedia (or RealAudio) version requires the RealPlayer program, and the WindowsMedia
versions are best played on the WindowsMedia Player. See here for more info
on this
Sometimes streaming media can be difficult to get to work correctly at first, however,
there are usually solutions for these problems. Streaming media delivery can be a most convenient means
of receiving content and, for many, is worth the extra effort.
Streaming Media - Basic Requirements
- Audio capability: Most computers being sold these days have audio capability. On
the back of the computer, there will be row of 3-5 very small sockets for plugging in an external
speaker, headphones, a microphone, and possibly more. See what this looks
like. If you do not see this and you do not have speakers built into your computer, you will need
to have this installed. To use this audio hardware, your computer also needs the proper "driver."
It is often helpful to download the latest updated version of this driver (found on the support web
page of the hardware manufacturer).
- Streaming audio player:
- Internet Bandwidth: You will have best success if your Internet connection allows
you a speed of 28.8Kbps. The quality of your phone line and the time of day can dramatically limit
your connection speed regardless of whether you have a fast modem. If this is the cause of choppy
start & stop audio, you may need to try again at a time when less people are using the Internet.
See our other notes on this.
- Computer Processor: The processor in your computer, also referred to as the Central
Processing Unit (CPU), determines how well your computer can process the media you are trying to access.
As the media transfers from its location to your computer, file pieces known as packets are received,
processed, and re-assembled. The faster your processor, the more capable your computer is in handling
this. However, this is normally only a problem if the streaming media also contains video content.
- The Memory: The memory in your computer is known as Random Access Memory (RAM)
and helps handle the amount of information your computer can use at one time. People sometimes confuse
memory with disk space. Think of your computer as a large desk with many drawers. The more disk space
you have, the more drawers you have to store information. Now imagine that you must move items onto
your desk top before you can use them. The desk top represents the computer's memory. The more memory
you have—the larger the top of the desk or the more documents you can work with at one time.
The minimum memory required would be 64MB (Megabytes), but 128MB is better.