Internet Radio Freeware
Internet Radio Recording Freeware
Free downloadable software, called freeware, is available to record your favorite radio station or program. Most freeware will install a player on your computer where you can listen and record streaming radio content. Because a personal computer has a different operating system from an Apple computer, the freeware compatible with a pc typically will not work on the Mac operating system. A quick search on the internet reveals numerous free Windows software applications that can be used to record including Freecorder, Easy Radio and Screamer Radio. Unfortunately for Mac users, internet recording software comes as shareware and after the free trial expires, you will need to purchase a license if you wish to continue using the application. Look for applications such as iRecordMusic or Audio Hijack Pro to meet your recording needs.
Almost anyone can listen to the radio through the internet these days if you have a computer with a sound card, speakers or headphones, and some type of software. Rather than downloading a file that you can only listen to when it is finished, streaming audio allows you to listen as the sound is coming to your computer. You can tune in to streaming audio by connecting to an internet radio station through an URL and listen or record. Online stations can be found in different music genres or as radio that can be personalized to your listening tastes. The other audio option is to record your computer’s sound output while listening to streaming music but the downside is it will record any sound your computer makes including noises like email alerts.
One common format for streaming audio over the internet is Real Audio (.ra) which requires the Real Audio player to work. There is a plug-in available for other media players that will allow Real Audio files to be played. Another audio file format is Windows Media Audio (.wma) which can be streamed through players such as Windows Media Player and Winamp but is proprietary to Microsoft Windows and cannot be played on Apple products. Other formats such as aiff, wav, and aac can be streamed through a Windows or Mac operating system, depending on the file, including the popular mp3 format.