The Ins And Outs Of Downloading Music

First, there were vinyl records and 8-track players. Then, there were cassette players and compact discs. Now, listening to music is as easy is pressing a button on your cell phone or computer. To really enjoy downloading music, be sure to read the following tips so you know what you are doing.

A great tip when downloading music is to preview similar artists on itunes. Most of the time, itunes will show a dozen of similar songs and artists on the right whenever you highlight a song in your library. This can be a great way to discover new music that you like.

It is important to be aware of the songs you already own when doing music downloads. This way you wont pay for two copies of the same thing. Just check your history on the sites you buy from.

Safety is key when it comes to downloading music. That means you shouldnt download any music for free if it isnt offered directly by the artist, production company or some other promotional company. If you do, it is illegal and you can face major fines if you are caught.

A website that offers legal music downloads will usually not have a wide range of custom files and mixes available. This is because they are distributing the music from reputable labels. If the website has a dozen versions of the song you are looking for, you are probably not on a legal download site.

If you are downloading music from a site where the songs are free, you run the risk of getting a virus on your computer. Before downloading, check the size of the file. Although these file can be small, most range from 2MB-5MB. If the file is less than 250KB, steer clear since it is probably a text file. Most viruses are transmitted through maliciously coded text files.

Stick with trusted websites for your music downloads. The biggest problem with untrusted sites is that they can contain viruses, but you might also be putting yourself in legal jeopardy if you download music from a less respectable site. Take the time to research a site before you download to make sure it is both safe and legal to use.

Any website that offers legal music downloads will have a copyright notice somewhere on their site. This notice will show that the sites 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.

Try registering an account with a major online music retailer. Getting accounts with some popular ones like Amazon and iTunes can give you access to many old and new tracks. Amazon has over 20 million songs in its database, while iTunes has over 500, 000 in its database. You are sure to find something that you like, and having an account can make checkout faster. You can also get some great recommendations based on your previous purchases.

If you plan to download music online, be sure to install a reputable antivirus program. This will ensure that all songs you download dont contain any malicious code. You dont wan to end up ruining your computer just to get a free song! Antivirus software protects you from that fate.

In conclusion, music has changed throughout the times. People used to listen to music by purchasing records, 8-tracks, cassettes and CDs. These days, downloading music is the easiest and most popular way to listen to you favorite music. Use the above advice to see what downloading music has to offer you.