If you’ve never done it before, the idea of downloading something off the Internet can be daunting. You might think that it takes too long, that it will crash your computer, or that you will get in some sort of cyber trouble. These tips are designed to make the process easier.
How do I download MP3s?
A popular way to get MP3s is by using file-sharing software and downloading them from someone else over the Internet. But there are some risks to this plan. Most music is copyrighted, so if you don't own the CD, you could be breaking the law by downloading the files. Files downloaded over the Internet can also contain viruses or other unwanted material.
The safest way to get MP3s is from sites such as EMusic, Rolling Stone , Amazon Music Downloads, and MP3.com They have free music, as well as downloads for sale online.
When you find the MP3 you want, click the download link, and save the file to your computer's hard drive. Open the file in your MP3 player and click the play button (most MP3 players work just like CD players). You may already have an MP3 player installed on your computer. If you don’t, you can find one online. For example, Musicmatch Jukebox (which is included on most HP Pavilions) automatically captures and plays your downloaded MP3 files.
What’s the difference between "streaming" and "downloading"?
"Streaming" is often a preview mechanism used before you buy. It is not stored on your hard drive and is often just a clip of music rather than a complete song. Used by Internet radio stations, streaming audio is not high quality and is very dependent on the speed of your Internet connection (a slow connection, such as 28.8k, will mean choppy, unsatisfying streaming).
"Downloadable" files are CD-quality files that can be downloaded to your hard drive, played using your digital player, or recorded on a CD. In many instances, you will pay when you download a track from the Internet.
What's so great about downloading?
Downloading actually yields a number of benefits:
- You can preview music before buying it.
- You can purchase only the songs you like. (Almost every album has at least a few tracks you don't like, right?)
- Downloaded music is delivered to your computer in real time.
- Downloaded music is generally cheaper than music bought at retail, and the recording artist usually receives a higher royalty.
Will I be charged for tracks I want to download, but that don't download successfully?
At most sites, if you experience a system or line problem or if you change your mind halfway through the download process, you will not be charged. Only complete, successful downloads will be billed to you.
How long does it take?
Download times are subject to the line/connection speed and the current network/Internet traffic. Here are some estimates for the download times for a three-minute song under ideal conditions:
- 28.8K Modem: 15 minutes
- 56K Modem: 8 minutes
- Dual channel ISDN (128k): 3 minutes
- DSL/T1/cable modem: 15 seconds
Will digital music hog my hard drive?
It depends on how many songs you have. Generally speaking, one minute of CD-quality music will occupy about one megabyte of hard drive space. Since many songs are about three minutes long, an album of 12 songs will take up about 36 MB.
To free up space on your hard drive, burn your music to CDs. You can create audio discs that you can play on your stereo, in your car, or wherever you go. To learn how, read this guide to Burning your own CDs .
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