What's MP3????


MP3 is a special audio file format that uses compression to minimize the size of music files without compromising quality.  It's the newest and best thing in Internet audio.  Hundreds of music sites now allow free downloads of CD quality MP3 downloads and all you need is an MP3 player.  If all you are familiar with is .WAV, .RA or .MID, this is the next generation.

An MP3 in CD quality uses up about 1 megabye/minute of recorded music.  A 3-4 minute song can take 15-20 minutes to download on a 28.8KB modem connection so some patience is required.  This is still a big improvement over older methods of delivering internet music (like WAV files).
 

Step 1:  Get a player

To hear an MP3 on your system you must first download an MP3 player to your computer and install it.  Free players are available on the NET.

 Nullsofts's WinAmp is a well-established player.  It's free.

 Real Jukebox from RealAudio.com   This is a popular player, easy to use, but it costs $29.95.

 MusicMatch 4.5 from MusicMatch, Inc.   Which is our favorite.  It's free (!!!) to download and play CD quality.  Only $29.99 to add recording in CD quality.

Visit  MP3.com's software site to see a long list of popular MP3 software available for download.  Here you can get everything from the easy/cheap to complex/expensive stuff.

Once you have downloaded and installed the player of your choice on your system, then you can play the music on this and other sites.  Of course, you need to have a sound card and speakers (or at least headphones) installed. fc

Step 2:  Download MP3's and listen!

One of the best Internet music sites (other than this one, of course) is MP3.com every kind of music, software, hardware, etc. is here.  Must see!

Step 3:  Get a faster connection because you're addicted to internet music!