Downloading Music Via Broadband

Everybody’s either downloading music or talking about it at the moment, with MP3 players now gracing many people’s wish lists. This article aims to introduce you to the concept of downloading music, its pros and cons, where to download and demystify the confusion surrounding online music distribution.

Where to download?

There are a variety of places to download music and the options can be quite daunting, generally the most popular is iTunes, which is also very easy to use and has the backing of most major record labels.

There are a also variety of other downloading sites including: iTunes, Napster, MyCokeMusic, Woolworths, 7 digital, Playlouder, HMV, Tiscali Music and individual artists sites.

In terms of price each sites vary, where some sites you may purchase and individual song for a set price i.e. iTunes and HMV. Some sites such as Napster work on a subscription model, whereby you can download as many songs a month as you wish.

In terms of paying most sites require a debit/credit card, so make sure the site is secure, or if you’re too young, many shops now sell vouchers for sites.

Streaming

Some sites may let you preview a song or video by ‘streaming’. Streaming is a form of viewing media without actually downloading the information, essentially listening to or watching media ‘live’. This is a good way to preview the product you wish to buy before actually purchasing.

How do I use my downloaded music?

Once you have downloaded your music you may use your songs in different ways. You can choose to just listen to your music only from your computer, but why stop there! You can put your music onto a portable MP3 player, so you can listen to your favourite tunes anyway your like or alternatively you can put your music onto a CD.

Pros and cons of downloading music:

Pros:

• Choose individual songs as opposed to buying a whole album

• Create your own playlists

• Generally much cheaper than buying from a high street store

• Browse, try and buy all from the comfort of your own home

• Download unique songs not available from stores e.g. special live performances etc.

• Easy to use

• Extra information or songs which are only available through the internet

• Access to new music from unsigned bands

Cons:

• No physical product (i.e. no CD or case etc.)

• Not all bands are subscribed to the sites (i.e. ‘The Beatles’ and ‘Led Zeppelin’)

• Danger of internet security (make sure you use an official and secure website)

Tagged as: Broadband, Downloading, Music