
	Intro: Before you begin Step 1: Install an MP3 player Step 2: Review the player Step 3: Find your music Step 4: Download the MP3 file Step 5: Play the file Step 6: Convert CDs into MP3 files (optional)








	MP3s aren't the only music files out there. There are a variety of competing audio formats (a2b and VQF, for example), each with its own characteristics, and each requiring a particular player. Make sure the player you select is for MP3s (although most other formats offer free downloadable players as well). You don't have to choose one MP3 player. You can download several players to try out with music files, then pick the one you like the best. Certain players feature "all-in-one" software, allowing you to play MP3s off the web, as well as convert your own CDs over to the format.

2torial #0859:
Learn2 Download and Play MP3 Files (continued)

Install an MP3 player

Before you pick your MP3 songs, you need an MP3 player. No, this isn't the newest pricey piece of stereo equipment--it's software downloaded off the web, and it's usually free.

Check for default players. Before you start surfing, check to see if your computer comes with a default MP3 player in its hard drive (most newer PC and Macintosh models do). The easiest way to check is to download an actual MP3 and see if the system routes it to the player. Skip to Step 3 and Step 4 to do this. If your computer already has the software, and you're happy with its sound and features, then move on through the rest of the 2torial from there. If you're lacking a player (or if you have one you're not happy with), continue with this step to download a new player.

Research downloadable players. There are dozens of players available on the web, some for free, some for a fee. To check what's out there, try typing "mp3 player" or "music downloads" into your search engine, or click onto a consumer electronics site to see what they recommend--they'll usually provide direct links to the player sites. Once you see what's available, follow these criteria to choose the player that's right for you:

PC or Macintosh? The player you choose needs to be compatible.
How much memory does the player require? Make sure your system can handle it.
Free or fee? Certain software that offers extensive recording and playing options can cost money, but most free players will have all you need for stereo-quality sound.
What features does it have? While you may not need a karaoke button, other options like a playlist editor (which lets you create a list of songs playable in the order you wish), or graphic equalizers (to tweak the sound) can be a must.

Note: If you're getting what you think is a free download, check if the software is "freeware," "shareware," or "demoware." Freeware is what it says--software that's free. Shareware, on the other hand, is free to download, but if you choose to keep the software, you're sometimes asked to register with the site and pay a small fee for its use. Finally, demoware is "demonstration software"--it's free, but you can use it for only a certain period of time before it stops working.

Download the player. Once you've made your choice (or choices), it's time to download. To do so, follow the steps in 2torial #0804: Download Files (create a folder for the player on your hard drive, download it into the folder, decompress it, and you're done).

Step 2