Online Music Tips

Online Music Choices

Music Sites

Where can you find music online? Here are just a few of your options:

• iTunes
• MP3.com
• Rhapsody
• Napster
• Yahoo!Music
• eMusic
• Walmart.com Music Downloads
• Live365 Internet Radio
• Online Radio Stations
• AccuRadio
• Podcast.net
• NPR Podcast Directory

Available Formats

Music is available online through two delivery methods. Streaming music is played as the information is received through your Internet connection, and it requires special programs to work. While you can usually listen to the song as many times as you wish, the file never actually resides on your computer. You can only access it through a specific link, and you can't play it on a portable player.

The other music delivery format is downloading. You transfer a music file from a server directly to your computer. When you buy a song like this you are typically free to move it to your portable music player and otherwise do as you would like with the file. Sometimes, though, files come embedded with anti-piracy safeguards allowing them to play only on a single computer or within a special program interface. Other downloads "expire" a certain number of days after they're transferred or when you stop subscribing to a specific downloading service. Before buying any song, read the site carefully to make sure your file has the portability and lifespan you expect.

Before deciding whether to choose streaming music or downloads, consider your music listening habits. Individual downloads offer the most portability, which is essential if you have an iPod or MP3 player. If you have fickle tastes or just like variety in your music, streaming allows for more browsing and doesn't tie you down to a particular song.

Online Radio

Online radio is another avenue for listening to music, and it's a popular use for streaming audio. Since they don't have to appeal to a mass audience, online stations can offer specialization you won't find on your local airwaves. They also offer variety you won't find from continually cycling through your own music collection.

Podcasts

Podcasts, extended audio files created by individual users and typically focused on a single subject, are becoming increasingly popular. The files may only include a selection of music, but they can also include commentary, much like a radio show. Podcasts offer the specialization of Internet radio stations to an even greater degree. While a single radio station might play New York indie rock, a podcast would focus on New York indie rock the creator saw playing live during the past week. They also offer the advantage of being there whenever you're ready to listen to them, while radio stations continue their programming regardless of whether you're able to tune in or not. One disadvantage to podcasts is you'll have to sift through hundreds of other files to find the ones devoted to music.

Sample New Music

Even if you aren't a complete convert to digital media, you can still use online music to inform your purchases and sample new artists. Wouldn't it be great to know before you bought a CD if it was a great all-around album or just had one or two good singles? By using your online resources, you have this ability. You can listen to short snippets of songs at online stores like Amazon.com, or you can stream entire tracks and albums at sites like MP3.com.

Connection Concerns

Internet connection speed is a vital component of enjoying music online. The faster your connection, the smoother your listening experience will be. If you have a slow connection, like dial-up, you don't have to give up on online music, but you may have to limit your choices. While a single music file will be easily downloadable with a little patience, you might want to pass on the hour-long podcast, and you'll have to accept stutters and stalls in your online radio programming.

Keep It Legal

It can be tempting to use file-sharing programs to acquire songs from all your favorite artists for free. First, if they really are your favorite artists, don't you want to support their music by actually buying it? More importantly, though, you don't want to get in trouble with the law. By only downloading music through proper channels, you can avoid fines and lawsuits.