rendering MIDI files to WAV/MP3

Dear All,

Can anyone suggest the best method of rendering MIDI
files into Audio CD format ? Specifically, I would
like to obtain a more realistic classical piano sound
than the default I get from Windows Media Player. I
assume that this is coming from my sound card.

Some specific questions:
1) Can anyone recommend software for the conversion ?
Or ultimately do I need to buy a better sound card ?
2) What exactly is a Soundfont, and is it a relatively
standard format ? Can most PC sound cards access
Soundfont files ? How ? 

Thanks

Simon

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