Of the two formats (MP3 and Real Audio), MP3 is superior in sound quality -- close to that of a CD. However, Real Audio has the highest "instant gratification factor", as the songs begin playing a few seconds after you click the mouse button while they are "streamed" to your computer. MP3 files are larger files and have to be downloaded to your computer first. There is a tradeoff. You can wait longer to have a higher quality file, or you can wait less time and have a lower quality file. Your decision. Of course, if you've got a high speed internet connection, such as DSL or cable, you might as well choose the MP3 files, since they will download in a matter of seconds.

LISTENING TO MP3 FILES:

To download and listen to the MP3 files, right click on the MP3 icon and choose "Save Link to Disk." (On a Mac, you can hold down the OPTION key while clicking on the MP3 icon, or you can click and hold the mouse button on the icon until the options menu pops up and choosing "Save Link As....") Windows users will be asked whether to open the file from its current location or to save it to disk. If you want to save the file to play it later, choose save to disk; otherwise, either option will work. Then, locate the MP3 files on your hard drive and open them with the MP3 player of your choice.

LISTENING TO REAL AUDIO FILES:

1. First you need to go to Real's site on the web. Click here and you should be sent straight to the RealPlayer page. Look for the Real Player Basic - it's the free one. (If the link no longer works, you can find the free player yourself on the site by going to www.real.com. At this site, they'll encourage you to pay for their latest deluxe version. But unless you want all the extra bells and whistles, the free stripped-down version will be fine. Be warned. Sometimes the free version is hard to find, so look carefully.)
2. Some tips on filling out the download form: a) If you are asked to choose between complete, standard and minimal versions of the Real Player, I suggest choosing minimal, as you can always upgrade later. b) When you're asked to select a download location, pick the area closest to you. c) Windows users will get a pop-up window asking them whether they want to run the program from its current location or download it to their hard drive. Choose "Save this program to disk". d) Windows users will then be asked to decide where they would like to save the file.
3. The file size is approximately 3 megabytes so the download should take about 20-30 seconds or so on a fast T1, cable or DSL modem, 8 minutes on a 56k modem or 15 minutes on a 28.8 modem.
4. After the download is complete, find the file and double-click on it.
5. Follow the prompts to install your new Real Player.
6. When the installation is complete, you are ready to go! Come back to EmittRhodesMusic.net and enjoy the music.