If you like listening to streaming audio via digital music services, or enjoy tuning into the many Internet radio stations for your musical enjoyment, then this FAQ will show how to record streaming audio using free software.
There are two basic types of software program for recording audio on your computer:
Internet Radio
If you specifically want to capture streaming audio that is broadcast from radio stations, then you'll need a program that has a database of Internet radio stations, or can connect to one using an URL. Once connected to an Internet radio station, you can listen to the live music and record it if you wish.
Recording Your Computer's Sound Output
This type of program records practically any sound that your computer's soundcard outputs. This is especially useful for recording streaming music from Internet websites. You can also record sound from a microphone, an auxiliary input device, or even sound in a game. The downside to using this type of software is that if your computer makes a noise while recording a music track that is being streamed, then that sound will also be captured. Even so, this is the most flexible type of software to have installed on your machine.
For free programs to record streaming audio, be sure to check out our Top Free Programs for Recording Streaming Audio
