This page is for those of you new to using streaming to view video or listen to audio over the Internet. You may be a student watching some lectures from ERes online, or you may be simply interested in some of our other content.

You may view our Frequently Asked Questions, visit our test page or contact us if you are having difficulties.

• How do I get started?

  The following process is suggested, in this order:

  1. Make sure your computer is up to speed.

     As long as your computer is reasonably modern, it will probably come through fine. One of the most limiting factors is bandwidth: if you are connecting from home off of a 28.8 kb modem, you may wish to upgrade to a 56k modem. Those of you connecting via the built-in Ethernet of the dormitories probably won't have to worry about this. The speed of your computer is a factor as well. Our minimum recommendations are:

     Windows / Intel

     • 120 MHz Intel Pentium Processor or equivalent for audio only
     • 16MB of RAM
     • 28.8Kpbs modem
     • 16-bit sound card, SoundBlaster compatible and speakers
     • 65,000 color video display card
     • Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows 2000 ME (final release), Windows XP, or Windows NT 4.0 with SP4
     • IE 4.0.1 or better, or Netscape 4.0 or better
     • Direct X version 3.0 or later recommended for Quicktime

     Mac OS / Macintosh

     • 604 PowerPC (200 MHz)
     • 32 MB RAM
     • Virtual Memory on, set to 64MB
     • 28.8Kpbs modem
     • Mac OS 8.1 or later
     • IE 4.0.1 or better, or Netscape 4.05 or better

  2. Make sure your browser is reasonably recent.

     If your Internet Explorer is version 4.0.1 or newer, that is also acceptable. If your Netscape is version 4.0.5 or newer, you should be fine. If not either download a new version of Internet Explorer or download a new version of Netscape. We strongly suggest you use Internet Explorer, not Netscape. Netscape has a number of technical difficulties at this time.

  3. Install the appropriate plug-ins for your browser.

     You will need the Real plug-in that comes with RealPlayer as well as the Quicktime plug-in that comes with the Quicktime player. During install, be sure to check the "Plug-In" box for each of them.

• How can I test to see if I can stream?

  To do this, we have provided a test page. When you visit the test page, you will be able to see how well you can stream Real and Quicktime movies.

• Proxy Server

  If you are not on the Washington University campus or dialed in to the Washington University modem banks, you'll have to connect through a proxy server.

• What is streaming?

  Streaming is a technology that allows a large amount of data to be used even as later portions are being transferred to you. In the context of online coursework, instead of having to download a large file and wait for the download to finish before you can view it or listen to it, you'll be able to view even as it downloads. MP3s are generally not streamed. You must download an entire MP3 before you can listen to it, which is also the case for .mov and .avi files (movies). With streaming via RealPlayer or Quicktime, you won't have to wait.

• How do I get RealPlayer?

  The current version of RealPlayer is RealOne Player Basic. RealOne Player Plus is not free. Please visit http://www.real.com. Beware, you will have to look around quite a bit to find the free version on the website. The exact URL of the free version is changed regularly, so expect to have to do some navigating.

• How do I get Quicktime?

  The most recent version of Quicktime, if it is not already on your computer, can be found at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/. You will be required to register your download with them.

• How do I get the latest Internet Explorer?

  Currently, we suggest Internet Explorer 5.01 with SP 1, or Internet Explorer 5.5. Please visit http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.asp?, select your operating system and a browser to download one of these products which is appropriate to your operating system. Please download tested versions, not beta or preview versions, as we cannot guarantee how functional you will find them.

• How do I get the latest Netscape?

  The latest version of Netscape can be downloaded from http://home.netscape.com/download. From there, you will receive directions as to installing it on your computer. Please use Internet Explorer instead of Netscape. Please download tested versions, not beta or preview versions, as we cannot guarantee how functional you will find them.