Music Downloads
Downloading music from sites like iTunes, Napster, eMusic, or music blogs is simple once you understand how downloading works. Downloading music for free works much differently than purchasing and downloading from services such as iTunes.
With free downloads, the process is simple; create a destination folder on your computer for the free music files. Place the folder where it’s easy to locate, (on your computer’s desktop is a good location) or use a pre-designated folder already on your computer, such as My Music or My Files.
When you find MP3 music you want to download, click on the link to the music. A window should appear asking you if you want to save or open the file. Select “save” and choose your destination folder for the file to be placed into. Depending on the size of the music file, the download may take only a few minutes, but may take longer if the file is large.
Downloading music offered for free is much like getting other free files from the Internet; you should take precautions to avoid downloading a computer virus by using anti-virus software to scan your destination folder on a regular basis. Some people download MP3 music to an external drive to avoid letting a potential virus loose on their computers’ main hard drive. If you get an infected external drive, you may be able to erase or reformat the drive and eliminate the virus before it spreads to your main hard drive. This method is not foolproof, but it can provide an extra layer of security.
Downloading music purchased online is a different procedure. With services such as iTunes or Napster, you need to register for an account and pay with a credit card for downloads. You may also be required to download software that facilitates downloading. It may also help you manage your music or sync it with external players. Once the software is installed, you can search for bands or individual songs, select either single tracks or full albums depending on availability, pay and download according to the instructions.
For many, the best feature on many for-pay sites is the preview option. Napster and iTunes are two examples of major music websites that allow you to try before you buy. Whether you get a certain amount of free listens in a lower quality format (Napster does this) or you get a full-quality audio excerpt of the songs you select (a la iTunes), you can sample a wide variety of music risk-free, selecting only the songs that appeal directly to your tastes. This makes the act of buying music more interesting for those who are willing to listen to samples of unknown bands or new music genres.
Buying music from for-pay sites is generally more secure and potentially virus-free than downloading from free sites designed for downloading music, but you should still do a virus check on any download folders you use on a regular basis, just in case. Downloading music is an exciting way to expand your musical horizons. All you need is a little time to set up a for-pay account and download the software, or the patience to browse free MP3 music sites and blogs for new artists to discover.
Among the pay sites there are those that are lesser known who sell albums for around $2, with an average track price of not more than 25 cents. Most of these sites are offshore, so caution should be used. And, while most of these sites are reliable, and are legal, their selection is limited and the bit rate or file size of each song is slightly less than songs offered on iTunes, eMusic, and Napster. This means that the sound quality is not as good as what you can get for paying more at other sites. You also may get less consistent song quality – some songs having interruptions during the middle, etc. However, if you’re willing to sacrifice quality you can gain quite a bit in quantity.
Top Pay Sites:
eMusic
iTunes
Napster
Rhapsody
Top Bargain Pay Sites:
MP3Devil
MP3Fiesta
Soundike
LegalSounds
Free Download Sites:
Kazaa
Limewire
Music-Oasis
