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)

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

Download the MP3 file

Once you've found what you're looking for, it's time to reel it in. Again, you can refer to 2torial #0804: Download Files to do so. The download button or highlighted words should be located close to the song title. As you start the process, keep these guidelines in mind:

Download in an orderly way. You don't want your MP3s scattered all over your hard drive. It's a good idea to save them all in one, clearly labeled master folder, then categorize them into sub-folders (one for individual songs, one for a CD, and so on).

Different MP3 sites have different downloading options. For example, you might see a Play option along with a Download option. The Play option will play the music using the player on your web browser, without downloading it onto your hard drive. You'll hear the music more quickly, but you can't replay the song after disconnecting from your browser.

Another trend among MP3 sites is to "co-brand," or configure their MP3s to a particular player. When you double-click the music download button, a window opens asking you to download their player (if you don't already have it). This player is necessary only if you want to play the song immediately on your web browser. You can bypass the window by navigating to your download folder on your hard drive and saving the file there. (If you're having trouble opening the dialog box to do this, press the option key on your keyboard at the same time you click to begin the download, then use the pull-down menu to navigate to the folder.) Once the MP3 file is saved on your hard drive, any MP3 player should be able to play it.

Download times depend on your Internet connection. With a 28.8K modem, downloads take 15 to 30 minutes for a three-minute song. Modems with a speed of 56K take about seven minutes per song. With high speed connections like ISDN, DSL or a T1, you'll probably be waiting less than a minute.