If you go to sdrspace.com, can see list of public SDR receivers available, status i.e. busy, avail, problem. I am SWL/WV4I. For software it's the Server program that's included in the regular download of SDR-Radio V1.5 build 1424 or later. There is a V2.xx version out but have not tried that. Internet connection is DSL, and what's needed beyond that depends on what other bandwidth hungry applications running? Computer is simply netbook running windows 7, cheap used on craigslist, not sure if windows 8 and Server V1.5 ready for prime time? BTW, yet to find a netbook that does not actually have stereo input at mike jack, which is required for I/Q signal input of softrocks, etc.. Radios are mostly sdr-iq's, but just put a softrock receive ensemble ii online with good results so far. Using the softrock to dipole and prefer for <10mhz as no preamp, much higher nosie floor. Using sdr-iq 14mhz and higher and its preamp often, to small mosley mini 33aw beam.
online receiver staus....
http://sdrspace.com/download sdr-radio here.....
http://sdr-radio.com/For side fun I am also using one of the $11 USB RTL2832/820T based stick receivers to look at aircraft ADS-B transmissions, plots ADS-B equipped aircraft on map. Software is free to download here, elsewhere:
http://www.rtl1090.com/ and
http://www.sprut.de/electronic/pic/projekte/adsb/adsb_en.htmlFor ads-b application software using rtl1090 beta and adsbSCOPE. Also antenna pattern plotter called SBSplotter.
$11....wow....Enjoy....Link, WV4I