Sony Music is not responsible for the content of external websites, or the maintenance of any of the applications linked here.

1. The following Web Browsers are recommended for using this site; all of the options listed below are free to install and upgrade. It's generally better to have the most recent version of your preferred browser.
Safari
Apple's own browser, which comes as standard with all OS X operating systems. Updates are automatic via the 'Software Update' function of the operating system. Support can be found at www.apple.com.
Internet Explorer
Microsoft's browser, which comes as standard with all Windows computers. Downloads and upgrades are available from www.microsoft.com.
Mac version is not recommended.
Firefox
Mozilla's PC and Mac compatible browser; installation files and updates available to download from www.mozilla.org.

2. The most commonly required MediaPlayers are listed below.
Quicktime
Apple's mediaplayer is available for Mac and Windows PCs. You can download the latest version for free from www.apple.com.
Realplayer
Available for Mac and Windows PCs. The free version can be downloaded from Real.com: Mac version // Windows version.
Windows Mediaplayer
Available for Mac and Windows PCs. You can download the latest version for free from Microsoft.com: Windows version // Mac version.
Note that the Mac version of Windows Mediaplayer is not compatible with files which use digital rights management, eg some wma format audio downloads.

3. Various Plug-Ins exist for most browser types which help deliver a richer experience when using the site.

Flash
Macromedia's Flash plug-in is used to run animations on many websites. On this site, it is required to run the video-player at the top of the page. You can download if for free from www.macromedia.com.
Shockwave
Another free Macromedia plug-in you may be interested in, and although it is not currently required to view any section of this site, it may be needed on an Sony BMG artist website linked from here. Again, if can be downloaded from www.macromedia.com.

4. There are some additional software applications which, while not essential for use of this site, can be used to enhance the service that the site can give you.

RSS Feed Readers
RSS is an easy way for you to keep updated automatically on websites you like. Instead of you having to go to websites to see if they've written a new article or feature, you can use RSS (which stands for Really Simple Syndication) to get them to tell you every time they have something new.

To use the Sony BMG RSS feeds you need to get hold of a program called a News Reader, or Feed Reader. This displays RSS information feeds from your chosen websites on your computer.

Suggested Newsreader software
Mac: NewsFire // NetNewsWire
Windows: Newz Crawler // FeedDemon // Awasu
Web: Bloglines

There are several RSS feeds available from this site (all free); copy the url of any feed you wish to subscribe to into your News Reader software.
News: http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/rss/news.xml
Gigs: http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/rss/gigs.xml
Releases: http://www.sonybmgmusic.co.uk/rss/releases.xml

Podcast Applications
Podcast applications work on a similar principle to News Readers, but instead of downloading News items automatically, they download audio content automatically.

An excellent source of information on podcast applications is the website www.ipodder.org, which includes a comprehensive Directory of Podcast Software for many different platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, PocketPC and SmartPhones.