Listen to the radio on your computer

Remember the shortwave radio your parents (or grandparents) had in their house? You could skate the glowing needle along the numbers and pull in exotic music and strange voices from all over the world. That sort of magical radio still exists—inside your computer. Any computer with an Internet connection can easily be turned into a global radio receiver. All it takes is some software and some tips on where to look so you can listen. Let's spin the dial.

First, some background. All over the world, radio stations and many individuals have created Internet radio stations. The CBC and National Public Radio are real-time or archived broadcasts of public radio programs you can hear like a normal radio (if you are in the range of the station). Others, like ChoiceRadio and Moontaxi, are "radio" stations developed specifically for the Internet.

Deborah McIvor, a graphic/Web designer, just recently discovered online radio stations. "I'm hooked," she says. "I really love the absence of annoying commercials and especially appreciate finding music from artists that are not continually being rotated through the local commercial radio stations."

The best thing about listening to music on her computer? "I don't have to worry about carrying around a ton of music or players with me. I turn on my computer and it's right there," McIvor says.

In order to turn your computer into a radio, you'll need to download a player like Microsoft Windows Media Player 11. Internet radio also commonly broadcasts in RealOne and QuickTime formats, also easily downloadable programs.

It is pretty easy to start exploring different radio stations immediately with Windows Media Player. Launch the player and click on the Radio button in the top right-hand corner of the player. You'll find a list of dozens of radio "stations" that have custom-built playlists of songs by genre, like Latin, Christian Hits, Jazz, Americana and Roots, or Rap & Hip Hop.

The Web is also a great place to search for music. Drop by Live365.com and pick from dozens of genres and wild indie radio stations featuring exotica, drum and bass, trip hop, and jazz.

Or listen to your own favorite radio station anywhere in the house on your computer. Most major music stations now have Web sites where you can access their music and broadcasts in real time—whether it's BBC Radio in England or C89.5 FM in Seattle.

McIvor is now a fan of many artists that can only be found on Internet radio. She's discovered several acoustic versions or remixes of well-known songs and has a new appreciation for them.

"It's also amazing to be able to pick any spot on the globe and listen to music, news, and commentaries from people who live in a completely different area of the world," she explains.

Of course, once you start listening to the radio online you may want other peripherals to enhance the experience. To get the most out of the stations you select, consider hooking up a good set of speakers to your computer. You can plug them into your headphone jack (or in some cases a USB port). Speakers that used to cost a fortune can now be had for under $200.