The RealPlayer free software player allows users with audio capability the ability to listen to audio files "on demand." The files are played-back instantaneously while they are downloading, rather than waiting for the entire file to be downloaded before the user can begin listening. As audio files are usually large, there is a user-friendly advantage in this technology. RealPlayer allows for emulation of "radio" broadcasts over the Internet. Download the free player for Windows or Macintosh and connect to sites such as ABC and NPR to hear news broadcasts and interviews. The quality of the sound can be weak, but as the technology improves so will the sound.