Q: My neighbor is able to record Internet radio stations, and I'm interested in recording a 1920s music station I've found. But the program he gave me won't work on my Dell PC. What should I do?
Stanley Weidenhammer, Reading, Pa.
A: Without knowing what program you're using, I can't tell you what's wrong. However, I've used two free streaming radio recording programs that work pretty well, Screamer Radio (download it at tinyurl.com/mljznve) and Streamwriter (find it at tinyurl.com/lgra3x7). Both let you record stations from a preset list or from a website address you enter. In addition, Streamwriter lets you create a "wish list" so that the program will record a particular song the next time it's played on a station you've tuned in. You can read reviews of Screamer Radio, Streamwriter and similar programs at tinyurl.com/jwkjs9l.
A note of caution: After you download each program and click to install it, you'll get two or three screens offering additional software. Refuse these extras by clicking "decline" or "skip" at the bottom of each screen.
Q: I have followed your recommendations many times and downloaded some of the programs from the "tinyurl" addresses you listed. Is there any way for me to search on my own for the download locations for different programs or services, such as a PC Registry cleaner?
Robart Whiting, Miami, Fla.
A: Yes, go to Download.com, which hosts a variety of free and for-pay programs that have been scanned to eliminate malicious software. Click in the search box at the upper right, and from the drop-down menu choose the operating system you're using (Windows, Mac, iOS or Android). Then, in the search box, type what you're seeking, such as a Registry cleaner (removes unwanted data from the Windows database of settings).
Skip the software labeled "sponsored match" (a k a paid advertising). The following programs are listed based on their popularity with staff reviewers or users.
