A Guide To Music Downloads

music streaming

If you want to download music legally read out guide to find the best sites and the cheapest way to do this.

Increasingly music downloads are becoming the route of choice for people to access information any time of the day or night - just look at how the iPod has taken off in he last two years.

We thought we could give you a very quick rundown of essential things to know when you're downloading music - just so you can see what you need to look out for :
 

  • Get a decent computer. High-performance PCs can be bought for as little as £299.
     
  • Get as much RAM (Random Access Memory) for your computer as you can afford. More RAM equals better performance
     
  • Prepare to "rip" your CD collection. Ripping is the process by which you load all your favourite music - whether complete albums or just song by song - from CDs onto your computer as small digital files
     
  • The most common digital format is the MP3. The type of file you use will depend on which music jukebox software you use for your digital music library. If you have a Mac, it will come with iTunes ready-loaded If you have a PC, it should have Windows Media Player (which uses WMA). But you can also download free ones, such as Musicmatch and iTunes for PC
     
  • Organise. Once you've got your music collection on PC, you can set up "playlists" of songs
     
  • Expand your digital music collection by either shopping at an online "record store", or visiting a band or artist's own web site (these often offer free downloads). Via the internet, these files are downloaded directly into your music library. You can buy single tracks rather than an entire album and you can preview each song with a simple mouse click before you buy. Good stores are iTunes, Oxfam's Big Noise Music and Napster
     
  • If you intend to buy music online, get a broadband internet connection - downloading via a dial-up modem is slow and frustrating
     
  • Don't forget that when you buy a legitimate track or album, you are entitled to burn it onto a CD
     
  • If you want to listen to your digital music collection on the move, the choice of mobile player is mind-boggling. The market leader is the iPod, and its storage capacity is enormous. Other good brands are Creative and Phillips
     
  • Finally - don't share your music with others. This is illegal. But if you only download from legitimate sites, and you don't allow people to copy your collection, you're fine
     

You Might Like

  • Download Music to an MP3 Player

    If you looking to download music to an MP3 player this simple guide will help you out
  • The Problem With Downloading Music

    Streaming or downloading your music? Did you know there are problems and issues over rights with some downloaded music. Why not check our quick guide to find out more.
  • Getting Tickets From Reseller Sites

    It can be really frustrating to get tickets for your favourite performer with many shows selling out very quickly. So what are the top tips to getting tickets for the shows you really want? And what about reseller sites?
  • A Guide To Music And Software Piracy

    The illegal copying of DVD's and CD's is often called music or computer software piracy. Not physically harmful in it's own right, it can be when gangs use it as their route to getting cash and funding. How do you stop it?
  • Quick Guide To MP3 Players

    Want to know more about mp3s? Read our quick guide to understand what an mp3 player is and why it's the best way to have your music on the go.

Useful Websites

Add Your Site Here
  • CNET TV
    Come to CNETTV.co.uk for free online film & TV, music, gaming & technology videos. Watch exclusive free footage of upcoming game releases.
  • Online Training Courses
    Course Feeder provides a range of online courses including IT, Fitness, Beauty, Accounting, Catering and Music. In fact a wide range of free and distance learning courses to take you to the next level
  • Amelia Young
    A professional piano and cello teacher. Amelia is a former student of Jacqueline du Pré and has degrees in music from Oxford University and the Royal College of Music, London.
  • The Internet Music Shop
    One of the largest publishers of sheet music, music books, new media and music software
  • Eminent Music - Music for All
    Details of the best of British amateur music making and gives a preview of the music produced
  • Black Cat Music
    In association with Wenger, Wenger Vision, music facility equipment, music stands, music education, schools, music events, acoustic environments, shelves, choral risers and more
  • Add Your Website Here