All sound files available at this web site are presented in the  MP3  (MPEG Layer 3) audio format that is a de facto standard supported by multiple computer programs and a wide range of payback devices.

There are three basic play modes for the sound files (relative to their original location on the remote web site):

Streaming play

File is played right from the remote web site using data streaming technique when downloading and play are performed simultaneously.  File playback starts after delay of several seconds, with downloading running in parallel with the playback (a little bit ahead of it).  Playback might go with interruptions, especially for slow connections and/or slow computers.

Delayed play

Sound file is first downloaded into Windows temporary directory, and then is played from there without any interruptions.  Separate file downloading presets quite a noticeable delay, especially for large files.  Unless explicitly located and saved, the downloaded file gets lost upon exit from the playback program.

Local play

Sound file is downloaded into directory of your choice once, and is played from there whenever required.  File downloading takes a noticeable amount of time, especially for large files, but it has to be done only once for each file.  Downloaded sound files can be organized into local sound libraries, and can be copied to CD-R or portable MP3 player for playback away from computer.

Table below outlines the ways to control different play modes listed above.

There are many programs these days that can be either installed on your computer, or added to your web browser as plug-ins.  My preference for playing MP3 sound files is the good-old WinAmp, and all sound functionality of this web site has been tested with it.  WinAmp is included as a plug-in with some versions of Netscape.

All sound files at this web site have 8.3 names, which simplifies site maintenance.  Such names, however, are not convenient for handling sound files downloaded for local play.  When you download sound files, save them with their original 8.3 names, and then check About link of the corresponding play list.  You'll find there batch scripts with commands for renaming downloaded 8.3 named files into descriptive Long File Names.