How to install RealPlayer on a Windows PC.

Installing RealPlayer takes about five minutes on a PC once the installer has downloaded. The process is complicated by a contorted registration and profile system built into RealPlayer. Follow these instructions to get up and running fast with RealPlayer on your PC.

1. Download the RealPlayer installer at http://www.real.com/player/. As of February 2001, the latest version of the RealPlayer was version 8. Unless you are an audiophile or videophile, avoid purchasing RealPlayer Plus, and download the free RealPlayer 8 Basic. The basic functionality of the two pieces of software is practically identical.

2.After the installer has been downloaded, locate the file that was just downloaded and double-click it.

3. Follow the instructions in the installer and proceed by clicking "next". Pay special attention to the third screen, right after the license agreement. Most users will want to uncheck the "add an icon to Windows Quick Launch Toolbar option. If you do not uncheck this option, your computer may become unstable and flash unwanted announcements at you.

4.On the fourth screen, choose "Keep my current home page" and click the "continue" button. When you click "continue" the software will be installed on your computer.

5. After RealPlayer installs, the software will be launched and you will be asked for a variety of personal information. Whether you respond truthfully is your prerogative. Pay special attention and accurately fill out the connection speed field, however, as this information will sometimes be used to determine which media stream to send to your computer.

6. After RealPlayer collects personal information, it will ask you what "channels" you wish to have active in your player. If you plan on using RealPlayer primarily to watch media that you find using the web (i.e., you do not want RealPlayer to replace your television), uncheck all the channels.

7. Test your new RealPlayer.