How To Download RadioUserland

Before we download Radio, why don't you let me give you a simple tip for using your Internet browser so you can keep two windows open on the screen at the same time? Then, you can download Radio and keep reading this sparkling prose.

Okay, tell me how to juggle lots of browser windows on my screen at the same time.

Are you back? Good. Make two browser windows. Go to one of them (doesn't matter which) and select the Download link from UserLand's own "What Is RadioUserLand" page or just click here to reach that page.

You will now have two windows on your screen. One of them has this text. The other will display RadioUserLand's Download page. Move between them as needed.

Before We Download the First Time

I have already discussed the machine requirements for Radio UserLand as well as how to purchase the software elsewhere on this weblog.

The license agreement is simple and straightforward - a lot more straightforward than we find from most software developers. It basically asks us to use the software for ourselves and just generally not rip Userland off.

Let's take a quick look at the basic instructions from that same UserLand page. Remember: this is for Windows users only.

Understandably, the folks at UserLand figure we are comfortable with routine Windows concepts (ha!) - most notably, with 'installers'. If Installers are not familiar to you, perhaps because you work hard to avoid learning anything about Windows until forced, check out a brief definition.

Let's Download

Ready? Swallow hard (just kidding) and follow these steps. The steps repeat or comment on what you will see on the screen as the Radio Installer does its thing:

1. Click on the 'via HTTP' link next to the Microsoft Windows icon:

'Via HTTP' just means that Radio will be sent to you over the Internet through a direct connection between your personal computer and a UserLand server machine.

2. Would you like to have the file opened automatically once it is downloaded or would you rather save it to your computer?

You can do either one but I suggest choosing "save".

This way, you can install Radio later if something comes up during the download. Also, if the Installer complains and halts the installation of Radio (unlikely but ...), you will know where the downloaded Radio installation file 'lives' on your machine so you can easily install Radio again.

3. Choose a storage location on your computer.

You can either agree to the proposed location given in this window by clicking "Save" or select another location that you prefer and click "Save".

Of course, your dialog will reflect the contents of your computer, not mine.

(Navigating disk drives and folders is a basic Microsoft Windows operation. If this confuses you, simply accept the suggested choice and click "Save". In most cases, the proposed location choice is as good as any.)

It might be a good idea for you to write down the proposed 'save' location. You are not likely to need this but it is possible. It can be very frustrating to wonder where the heck a needed file has disappeared on your machine. There are lots of ways to find files, but I can't pause to describe that here.

Go ahead and close the download dialog window when the download is complete:

4. Open the Installer application on your machine.

When the Installer application has been downloaded to your computer (30-90 seconds?), you are halfway home. The Installer contains the Radio application in a compressed format but it isn't Radio itself. We have to 'unpack it' first.

First, go to the location on your machine where it has been downloaded and double-click on this Radio Installer icon       to open it. Here is what happens:

a. A window will explain what is about to happen - namely, that you are going to install Radio. Click "Next".

b. A window will display the license for Radio. When you have read it, click "Next".

c. A small pop-up window will propose a permanent storage location for Radio. You can either accept this by clicking "Next" or select a different location on your computer.

If you want a different location, enter the name that you want to give the Radio application instead of C:Program FilesRadio UserLand and then click "Next". (You can click the 'Browse' button to help find another location).

(If you are uncertain what to do, simply accept the proposed location).

d. A pop-up window will confirm that the Installer (also known as the Setup) program now has all the information it needs. It will invite you to continue. Click 'Next'.

(If you are given a different pop-up that complains you don't have enough space to install Radio, you will need to cancel the installation, delete some other programs or files from your computer and then install Radio again. You don't need to do a new download. Just delete some unneeded files and start with the top of step 4 again).

e. The Installer will copy the needed files for Radio. This will probably take a minute or two. When installation is complete, you will see this screen:

You must select "Close" no matter what. If you leave the box checked, Radio will open immediately. Otherwise, uncheck the box and open Radio some other time. It's entirely your call.

Securing Your User Number

We're almost ready now to make our first weblog post.

Go ahead and open Radio if you haven't already done this.

To start Radio, open the folder on your computer where the application is located and doubleclick the 'Radio' icon. If you accepted the proposed location for Radio UserLand, this will be at C:Program FilesRadio UserLand.

(The Radio icon is a gray square with a small blue button surrounded by two gray circles - think radio waves. If you want to create a 'shortcut' to this folder, drag the icon from its folder to your desktop. If you don't already know how to do this, consult the help files provided with Microsoft Windows. The shortcut will look like this   ).

When Radio opens for the first time, it will request a few small items of personal information from you. UserLand will then assign you a user number and prepare space for the public weblog that will be published from your local weblog.

Huh?

Don't sweat the details yet. They are few and simple. All will be revealed in due time. Let's go get your user number together.