The audio compression is used for the recordings on this CD-ROM: MPEG1 Layer III (MP3). A PowerPC-equipped Macintosh (or clone) is required to decode MP3 files. Earlier Macintosh computers cannot access these files. If you already have a functioning MP3 player as a helper in your browser, you are ready to proceed. From your browser, use the File menu to open the CD-ROM file: WELCOME.HTM and begin exploring. If not, the following is for you. We previously recommended SoundApp 2.5 or a later version to play MPEG1 Layer III. Since then, Apple has released versions of QuickTime which play MP3 files (and most other sound formats) well and are available at no charge from the Apple website. Unlike SoundApp, QuickTime 4 integrates with Netscape, Microsoft and AOL browsers, so it is now the preferred method of playing the audio files. Note that the QuickTime Player/plug-in cannot be used with playlists (files with the extension .m3u) provided on this series of CD-ROMs. If you have previously installed SoundApp and MacWeb, which were supplied on some earlier CD-ROMs in this series, the content on this CD-ROM can be accessed in exactly the same way as on the older ones. However, if you wish to use your Netscape, AOL or Microsoft browser with these CD-ROMs, you may follow the instructions below to utilize the QuickTime Player/plug-in. Please note that we are unable to provide technical assistance for the software discussed here. If you choose to use the QuickTime Player rather than the plug-in, as described below, you must have sufficient random access memory (RAM) installed in your computer to open your browser and the QuickTime Player at the same time. See the information supplied with these programs for additional details.
Follow these steps to obtain and install QuickTime: 1. Log onto the Internet and go to the following web page: http://www.apple.com/quicktime 2. Follow the instructions on the web page to select, download and install the Macintosh version of QuickTime 4, which is provided by Apple at no charge. We recommend that you choose the minimum installation - the added functionality of the other choices is not needed to use this CD-ROM. You may also decline the invitations to upgrade to QuickTime 4 Pro.
AOL USERS
These instructions have been tested using AOL 4 software. AOL 3 software should be compatible but may function differently. 1. Open your AOL software. You need not connect and log in to AOL. 2. From the File menu, choose Open..., then navigate to the CD-ROM and choose WELCOME.HTM. It may take a few moments for the AOL browser to load, and you will then see the opening page of the CD-ROM. As with any WWW page, click on the underlined links to navigate the content of the disc. 3. Clicking on a link to an audio file will automatically open the QuickTime plugin with that file loaded. It will begin to play in a few seconds.
NETSCAPE AND MICROSOFT USERS
1. Open your browser. If your browser is set up to load an Internet-based home page, it will automatically attempt to go on line and load that page. 2. If you have a dial-up Internet connection, click the Cancel button on the dialing window which appears and wait for the procedure to end. You may get a message from your browser that it was unable to complete a connection. Acknowledge this message and continue. 3. From the browser's File menu, choose Open... or Open File..., then navigate to the CD-ROM and choose WELCOME.HTM. The CD-ROM's "home page" will open. Navigate through the CD-ROM as you would through any WWW site. 4. Clicking on a link to an audio file will automatically open the QuickTime plugin with that file loaded. It will begin to play in a few seconds.
USING THE QUICKTIME PLAYER WITH A BROWSER
1. If you want some control over bass, treble, and balance, remove the QuickTime plugin from the Plug-ins folder in your browser's folder. This will force the browser to use the QuickTime Player for the sound files the next time that you open your browser. This procedure is the same for Netscape, Microsoft and AOL browsers. 2. When you use the QuickTime Player, click on the button in the center of the player to start the sound. Volume may be adjusted with the knob on the left side of the player. Scan, skip, bass, treble and balance controls are accessible by clicking on the rightmost button on the player.
USING THE QUICKTIME PLAYER WITHOUT A BROWSER
1. If you wish to access the audio files on this CD-ROM without using a browser, you will find an alias icon on your desktop for the QuickTime Player. Double-clicking on this icon will open the player. 2. When the player is open, go to the File menu and choose Open Movie..., then navigate to the file on the CD-ROM you wish to hear, open it and press the large button on the center of the player. You may adjust the volume with the knob on the left side of the player. Scan, skip, bass, treble and left/right balance adjustments are accessed by clicking on the rightmost button on the player, which will open a pop-down drawer. 3. If you wish to view the text and graphics on the CD-ROM and to access the audio material using the navigation links there, you will need to use your browser.
ADVANCED USERS
You can set your Macintosh to automatically open your browser when files with the .HTM suffix are double-clicked. A .xxx suffix is called a file extension and is used by Microsoft operating systems to define the file type. 1. From your Control Panels in your Apple Menu, open PC Exchange. 2. The panel will have a list of file extensions which are associated with specific applications on your Mac. Only one is provided with the system software: .TXT, which is associated with SimpleText. Others may have been added. 3. Click on the Add... button. A window will open with the heading: "Assign an application to a DOS suffix." 4. Below the heading, there is a box which has a period already in it. In this box, type HTM. 5. In the file directory window, navigate to your browser. When it is highlighted, click on the Open button. 6. Close the PC Exchange window. The setting may not take effect until the computer is restarted.
Enjoy!