[[help:help2|Help Home]] > [[help:using_radiotime.com|Using RadioTime.com]] > Setting up Your Computer to Listen to Radio


====== Setting up Your Computer to Listen to Radio ======

You need a computer with internet access, preferably broadband.  Firefox works best (with plugins), then Internet Explorer.  Safari will also work.

===== Players Required for Listening =====

Before listening with RadioTime, please install the Windows Media player and Real player as some stations require one or the other.

You can see the Players recognized by RadioTime by listening to any station the click "Not Working", then "Plugins installed on this computer"

====Windows====

Most users will have Windows Media Player version 10.0 or greater installed.  If you are having problems [[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/download/ | update Windows Media]] or re-install.

We suggest RealOne version 6.0 or later because some stations require it, especially the BBC. [[http://www.real.com/download| Install Basic Real Player Now]].  If you don't like the player from Real Networks, Windows users can install a less intrusive alternative [[http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm|Download "Real Alternative" Player]].


====Macintosh====

Many stations use Windows Media player, so you'll need ONE of the following:

[[http://www.microsoft.com/silverlight/resources/install.aspx?v=1.0|Microsoft Silverlight]] or [[http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html| Video Lan Client/VLC]] or

[[http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/player/wmcomponents.mspx | Flip4Mac]]


For the BBC and stations that require Real, install [[http://www.real.com/download| Basic Real Player]]


====Linux====

In the rare case a Linux user is reading this page, [[http://www.videolan.org/vlc/download-macosx.html| Install Video Lan Client/VLC]] 


====RadioGuide Player Settings=====

The RadioGuide includes internet stations across the globe available for listening, no matter where you live. The service tries to automatically pick the best source for your PC's configuration and listening location. By installing support for the two major players, RadioGuide can offer the best options available.

**If you prefer a specific media type or speed**, go to the program details page and select "See more program station and time options." You'll be able to pick a station that may offer your favorite option.

You can use the service without installing these players, but the Listen button won't work:

  * 60% of the internet streams require Windows Media player.
  * 10% require Real Player.
  * 25% are MP3 which is compatible with Windows, Real, QuickTime and other players.
  * 5% or less use a specialized player like Flash, Winamp, or iTunes.

[[:help:guides:listen_stream|Read more about listening to internet radio]]

RadioGuide also works seamlessly with [[http://www.radiotime.com/downloadcenter.aspx|RedButton ]] software, which lets you pause and record live radio just like TiVo.