The Sound Files on this page are in the MPEG (Layer II) format, chosen in preference to more widely supported formats (e.g. .AU) because of its high compression and hence lower downloading time. As with most multimedia formats on the Internet, you will probably have to install a plug-in or helper application in order to hear it.

Microsoft Internet Explorer for Windows
Internet Explorer comes with its own multimedia plug-in, ActiveMovie, which can play MPEG sound files. If you are using IE and cannot receive sound, you may not have installed ActiveMovie (re-install Internet Explorer) or you may need to download a more up-to-date version from Microsoft.

Netscape Navigator for Windows

Netscape does not yet have its own plug-in for MPEG sound files, but there are a number of free helper applications. Try www.mpeg.org for a selection. I recommend the Philips MPEG player. Once you have downloaded it, unzip it into a clearly labelled folder and run Netscape. Try and play the sound clip again and this time press 'Pick App.', locate the saved MPEG player and select it.

Netscape for Macintosh

Once again, there are a number of free helpers for the Macintosh at www.mpeg.org. Try Oliver Dreer's player. Follow the instructions above for how to associate this with your Browser.

Other Platforms

See www.mpeg.org.

You will also need some speakers!