Mp3 User Guide (Rich VS Poor)

Mp3s literally changed the world of music forever! Before this technology existed, users were very limited. If you look into the early 90's / 2000's, technology hadn't reached the level of supremacy as we know of it today. Basically an Mp3 is the file extension (.mp3) audio file. This format was created by individuals in some unknown land. Don't ask me where, cause I don't really know but I'm sure Wikipedia does. Audio can be compressed to CD quality (320 kbps) and sometimes lower (192 kbps )- using a software application known as a " RIPPER ". You get Mp3s, by either doing a manual creation or downloading. Most folks download them directly, off the internet. Once online they are usually there for life. This format is awesome, because it's so easily accessed and saves a ton of space. Storage is what bothers me most. If a hard drive fails, usually that's the end of your precious collection. Please make sure you always backup your files to either an external hard drive, usb device, or cd/dvd disc. Storage is as follows

External Hard Drive = 1GB+ ***** 5 Stars (GODLIKE)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Compact Disc = CD+R/-R = 700 MB (MEGA) *** 3 Stars

DVD+R/-R = 4.7 GB (GIGA) ***** 5 Stars

USB Device = 1GB+ ***** 5 Stars

Online Storage = 1GB+ ***** ( Full Access ) 5 Stars

Think of this an an insurance policy, to your couple thousand song collection. You don't want to be one of those people, who works for years and has nothing to show for. If you don't want to backup your files, try another solution such as finding an online storage provider.

Apple (I-Tunes) along with several other companies, offer web users easy access to purchase Mp3s through their service. Expect to pay anywhere from 0.99 cents to $1.99 for a song. This can be very costly, but gives you the option to get only songs that interest you. Before these types of online stores opened, people only could buy the entire album and not get their moneys worth. In my opinion, every album has at least 3-5 worthy tracks. Like most people, not everyone wants to spend $20,000 for 20,000 songs. Who has that kind of money? Artist usually get paid for every download/stream of their music. They are making millions, and this technology has them making even more. Simply by doing a simple " Google " search you will most likely find a song you like available to download for FREE. Nothing comes easy, but sometimes you will be in luck. Using a simple web search, is a better method of getting music without having to worry about getting sued. For legal reasons, it's not a very good idea using P2P file sharing software. Back in the day a company called " Napster " created the first file sharing service, similar to those today but with a major difference. Their service was 100% FREE, and gave you the option to get thousands of songs rather quickly. It wasn't long before the recording industry shut them down. Now I'm going to list ways to get music:

• Converting Compact Disc (CD)'s to Mp3's using a software " Ripper "
• Using a P2P (Peer to Peer) application
• Website Sharing Service
• Online Web Store
• WiFi Transfer
• You Tube Video Rip
• Data / USB Copy
• Stream Rip
• Torrents

1. Converting Compact Disc - Simply insert an audio cd into your computers disc drive, then use the software ripper to begin the ripping process. As mentioned above, completion times will vary depending on several factors and overall disc quality (scratches).
2. Using a P2P - This type of software is very easy to find, and lets you get files from other users who currently have tracks in a shared type folder. I wouldn't recommend using these types of services. Your not only risking being sued, but also risking overall computer health (viruses) even with protection.
3. Website Sharing - A much better option, for getting music online than the others. Simply search for a song using a search engine like Google/Bing/Yahoo. The results speak for themselves. They're ton of file hosting companies, that will most likely have your song available for immediate download. After the download is saved to your hard drive, you may need to rename the file to your liking. Beware of waiting times, as they sometimes limit you to wait for 60 seconds and verify that your a real person.
4. Online Web Store - I-Tunes is the #1 store on the internet for buying music legally. Please note this isn' t the only service which offers you a click per buy option. If you notice in most stores, they sell gift cards for music downloads. At times these companies will toss you a weekly FREE track to keep you coming back. Don't be fooled by this nonsense.
5. WiFi Transfer - If your using a laptop with this technology, always take full advantage. Most coffee shops, now offer FREE WiFi Hotspots along with a select other places. This option is great for home network transfers.
6. You Tube Video Rip - Currently their is software, that allows you to rip audio straight from videos. The quality can be 320 kbps, which is awesome. The only problem is that it can be very time consuming. Choose this option mainly, if you want special REMIXES.
7. Data / USB Copy - One of the easiest ways to get mp3s. Use this if you know someone, who has backed up their digital collections on a DVD+R/-R or USB Device. Simply copy and paste to your hard drive. It's that simple. You might want to do a virus scan, before you do this for added protection. Always backup your files onto a external hard drive, usb device, or disc.
8. Stream Rip - Stream ripping is similar to cd ripping. Instead of getting the file from an actual disc, your getting it from an online music station. The net is full of online radio stations, and with the correct software you'll be able to rip audio while it's playing in real time. You can even set the program to do this, while your away from your computer. It's now possible to get music when sleeping! This is for the lazy folks, but hey you still put in work right?
9. Torrents - Torrents are what I refer to as " Single Click " inspiration achievements. A torrent is a file that can only be downloaded, by using special software which must be pre-installed. Once you get the torrent software, you can search for torrents to download. A torrent is the actual file your downloading, while the special software is the program which accesses it. Picture the main application as a " CAR " while the torrent is the " FUEL " they both need each other in order to work get somewhere.

• 320 kbps ( CD QUALITY ) The best possible sound currently available! Usually the file size for these mp3s is rather large. Make sure your using a high speed connection, as they can be 10 MB+ or less.
• 192 kbps ( Near CD QUALITY ) Almost as good, but not the best. A smaller file, which will download in less time.