--- Forwarded Message from Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]> ---

>Date: Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:49:57 -0600
>From: Derek Roff <[log in to unmask]>
>To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum
<[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: #9121.3 (!) Media software/web question

------------ Forwarded Message ------------
Someone asked:

Does anyone know how the user can specify a media player as the default
to open audio file links on the web?
Several students have asked me how they can configure settings on their
home computers so that (where possible) audio links will open
automatically with Audacity, or alternately a pop-up window will ask
them to select a program.
Currently, their browser always automatically opens audio file links
with a plugin. Most use Firefox on both PCs and Macs and would like to
be able to take advantage of features that the plugins don't offer
(slowing the speed, selecting a phrase at a time, etc.).

Another answered:

Pax et bonum! (peace & goodness)

Assuming you're using Windows XP, you just right click on the file name,
and hit "open with..." Then you choose the program you want to use.
There is a check box if you want to use that program every time you open
that type of file extension. Hope that helps!

--- End of forwarded text ---


I think the problem is that with browser plugins, the students might 
not ever see the file or filename, so they can't right click on 
anything and make a choice.  A web-based audio file may just start 
playing in the browser, via the plugin.

Firefox 3 gives you good access to the helper applications used to do 
most things.  There is a tab in the Preferences (on Macs) or 
Tools>Options (Windows) called Applications.  This may list dozens of 
file types, and the application or plugin that will be used to 
play/open it.  Clicking on a file type will allow you to select the 
default application or plugin used, from a drop-down menu.

After changing Firefoxes helper app to Audacity, accessing an audio 
file in the browser is likely to give the students a file saving dialog 
box, rather than just playing the file as the plugin did.  They will 
then be able to specify their preferred location for saving the file, 
rename it if desired, and then it should open in Audacity.  With so 
many different browsers, OS versions, and plugins, your mileage may 
vary.

Derek


Derek Roff
Language Learning Center
Ortega Hall 129, MSC03-2100
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
505/277-7368, fax 505/277-3885
Internet: [log in to unmask]


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