Quick-start guide to playing internet musicGramophone1150.gifThere are two types of music files to play on your computer. You can play music stored locally in it, perhaps an mp3 or on CD, or you can play music stored on a server which you access through the internet, by 'streaming' it.

There are many ways to play local files, most conveniently using iTunes or QuickTime for Mac or PC. You can also play them through CD burning software. Streaming audio usually requires that you download an application to play it. Mostly, browsers have built-in capability.

You can be playing music after Part 1 within 20 minutes, including a typical download time.

Part 1
gets you started and singing

Part 2
sets you up for digital downloads and more information about the music you play

Please read each part fully before setting off. There's not much to it, but it helps to know where you're going.

You may be visiting software manufacturers' sites to download music players.  There, you will also find useful guides and advice, typically under 'Support'.

You can set the destination of your download files, whether music players or the music itself, in the 'Preferences' section of your Web browser.

For further reading (not necessary for getting sounds), we link to specific pages in our Help section.

Among other subjects, we offer more geek-speak-free background from:

Media On The Web
Audio On The Web
RealAudio/Media