A media player is a special type of software that recognizes the stream coming into your computer and displays it (video) on your screen or plays it (audio) through your speakers or headphones. There are three different formats of media players that are most commonly used. Your computer may or may not have one of them already installed. (You'll find download links in Q9 below.) Here are the various types (all with free and pay versions):

Windows Media Playerâ„¢
Most computers that use the Windows operating system have Windows Media Player installed. If your version is getting old, you may need to download and install a more current one in order to use streaming. (We'll tell you how to do that below.) The Windows Media Player is also available for Apple computers and the Mac OS. This recomendded.
RealOne Playerâ„¢
Real is another popular streaming format. Many computers/browsers come with the RealOne Player installed. Like the Windows Media player, you may need to download a newer version. Real offers the most compact media file format, even smaller than mp3. The RealOne Player comes in both Mac and Windows versions.
QuickTimeâ„¢
Newer Apple computers (G5s, G4s, iMacs, PowerBooks, etc.) and many PCs come with the QuickTime player installed. As with all players, if your version is too old, you may need a new one. QuickTime is used for both audio and video streaming, but has additional capabilites, such as QuickTime VR, a panoramic picture display. QuickTime is also available for Windows.
Shockwaveâ„¢
More and more Web sites are using Macromedia's Shockwave for audio and visual effects, but it's not a true streaming media player. It is popular because it can display short audio and video clips quickly (as in ads), without a long waiting period. The Shockwave browser plug-in is available as a short and free download. QuickTime can also display Shockwave.

There are some potential problems, but we'll tell you how to avoid or minimize them.

(1) Traffic jams. Streaming requires an Internet connection that's free of bottlenecks or "traffic jams." But the Internet isn't a direct pipeline from the source to you. Streamed content passes through many other computers on its way to your computer via your ISP. If any one of them is carrying too much traffic, the streamed content may be interrupted and pause. Streamed content is "buffered" to help avoid this, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Usually the delay only lasts a few seconds, and the audio picks up where it stopped. Video is more sensitive to such interruptions.
(2) A slow computer. Even with a fast computer, if you have too many applications open, it could slow down your media streaming. If you notice things are sluggish, close all unnecessary applications and windows running on your computer. Just keep your Web browser and your media player open. (If you're just listening or watching, you can even close your browser.) In any case, speedy computers (at least 400 Mhz or higher) are best.
(3) Noisy phone lines. If you have a dial-up connection and a phone line that isn't free of noise (humming, crackling), that's not good for streaming (or Web browsing). Disconnect any phones that cause a buzz or hum. Have your phone company check your line to get rid of humming or other line noise. Of course, a cable modem or DSL connection is best for streaming media.