Salon.com Technology | Radio Free Software Turning hardware problems into software problems is, of course, an old trick. Since the days of Univac, computer programmers have written software to mimic the functionality of everything from mechanical calculators to videocassette recorders. Wireless communication devices -- radios, cellphones, televisions, etc. -- are merely the latest target, especially now that most carry sophisticated microprocessors. With device manufacturers jealously guarding hardware specs, however, the challenge to an independent programmer is stiff. To get the GNU Radio project started, Blossom has set his sights on a simple target: PC-based AM/FM radio.