Ever since the Internet has been around, downloading music has never been simpler. Even the hardest of songs can be downloaded to your computer or mp3 player. But, what most people do not realize is that there is more to the music downloading world than meets the eye. Read about it here.
If you are on the Internet looking for free music downloads, you have to be extremely careful. Downloading music without paying is illegal and is punishable by law. Another reason you want to avoid this is because hackers use music downloads as a way to send viruses to your computer.
Check your file size when downloading music. Most music files are about two to five megabytes. If you find that a file is much smaller, it might be a text file disguised as a music download. By downloading it, you could be putting your computer at risk of viruses, jeopardizing your personal information.
Consider joining an online forum of music enthusiasts. Many will share their downloads for free. This allows you to explore different genres of music or the latest cd from a known artist without committing a lot of time or money to the task, making it easier to build your library with an eclectic blend of tunes.
If you are a user of Apple products, you’ll want to check out iTunes for your music downloads. iTunes downloads will give you a seamless music experience across your Mac, your iPhone and your iPad. You won’t have to worry about conversions or where to download the music again as it’ll all be right in the ecosystem you are used to.
Be careful with music download sites that force you to download files prior to getting the music you want. Often times these files are nothing more than spyware that will hijack your computer. It’ll mean lots of pop-ups and strange software behaviors. It’s best to choose an alternative solution to protect your machine.
Any website that offers legal music downloads will have a copyright notice somewhere on their site. This notice will show that the site’s owners are authorized to sell and distribute the music legally online. This notice should also tell you what you are and are not allowed to do with the music after you purchase.
If you use Android devices, think about using Google’s music download service. Their All Access app lets you listen to music on an Android phone or tablet. It is fairly inexpensive, too, costing just about $10 every 30 days.
Be sure to check the file format before downloading any music. You’ve got to be sure that the file you get is compatible with whatever system you are using. If unsure, a good bet is to stick with MP3 files. This file extension is about as universal as they come.
Be wary of any music download provider that doesn’t charge per track. Websites that offer a multitude of songs for a flat fee or monthly fee might block your access to your music when you stop paying. Sites that offer mp3 files for free might just be fronts for pirating and torrenting, which are usually illegal.
Stay away from any music downloads that require a peer to peer client, also known as p2p software. No matter how slickly designed such sites are, they are probably just an access point for music pirates and torrent users. Avoid these, as almost all torrent activity is a legal risk.
Take advantage of free trial periods. If possible, always try before you buy. Don’t commit to any sort of subscription before you know it’s right for you. Many of the larger online music services offer free trial periods. Make sure the program you choose is easy to use and convenient.
If you want a discount on your music downloads, look for gift card deals at local retailers. A lot of music download venders (iTunes, Spotify, etc.) have gift cards, and sometimes these cards are offered at a discount to their face price. So a $50 iTunes card may be sold for $45. It’s a way to save a little money on your music.
Rather than trying to download music illegally, think about using a legal online radio station. Pandora, Slackr, and Last.fm are all options for those who want to listen to music without illegal downloads. Most of these sites also have apps available if you have a smart phone at your disposal.
If you’re using a major service for your music downloads, keep an eye out for Singles of the Week. These are normally free downloads that you can enjoy. Who doesn’t like the gift of free music? Oftentimes the free download will also include a discount on the full album, so you could save some money in this way.
Before spending a dime on digital music downloads be sure to rip all of the CDs in your house to a digital format. You’ve basically got a ton of digital downloads right at your fingertips, and all it will take is a little time to get them off the CD and on your computer.
Look for sites that let you download as many songs as you want. You can find millions of tracks to choose from within these libraries. Sometimes all you have to do to get unlimited downloads is pay a small fee once. Make sure the selection of music available is a selection you will be happy with.
As this article has proven to you, there is a lot more to downloading music than you have thought there was. However, since you have read the article above, you are aware of the ins and outs of music downloading. Put the tips above to use and have fun with your new downloads.
