Everything You Have Ever WISHED TO FIND OUT ABOUT Music Downloads

Downloading music files to build a library is extremely popular these days. But, lots of folks would do well to start using downloads but simply lack the knowledge. The tips here will help you quickly enjoy your music.

A good tip to consider when you're downloading music is to organize the music you download into a neat folder. You don't want to lose any of the music that you bought and paid for. It's important that you have it all organized so that you can easily access it when you want.

If you download music from lesser known sites, having antivirus software on your computer is essential. This software can protect you from hackers who want to access your personal information. Make sure it is running anytime you choose to download some tunes, and always make sure to keep it updated too.

One thing to remember when you download music is that you need to know what you already own. If you don't, you can easily lose a lot of money by not realizing you may have an entire album already. Most sites allow you too look up your download history.

Do you frequently download music? If so, subscribing to a music service may be your best bet. For example, Rdio and Spotify let users pay one fee each month to listen to whatever they want. You can even download the music for offline play, just like you would a purchased download. It might be a less expensive way for you to expand your library.

Watch the file sizes of your music downloads carefully. A normal music download will be somewhere between 2 megabytes and 5 megabytes. If you see something much less or much more, there could be something fishy about the file. It may be spyware and not the song you were hoping it was.

Don't try to download music from a place where you can't trust where it's coming from. For instance, you shouldn't use pirating software to get your music. This is because you could end up downloading a virus or spyware. It's also against the law to do this, so only get downloads from trusted sources.

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.

For safety sake, download music only from sites you know and trust. This will ensure that the song doesn't have some sort of virus in it which can leave your computer a mess or your private data open to criminals. Stick to sites like Amazon or iTunes who scan the files they provide.

When downloading music online, make sure that it is in a format that your music player or computer can handle. The most common file format for music downloads is MP3, but there are many other types. No matter what format you get, make sure that it does not require conversion Pop music before you can play it.

Peer to peer software may seem like a great way to get free music, but the fact is that it opens you up to viruses, malware and more. To keep your computer free from these problems, stick to downloading through iTunes or from online retailers like Amazon.com or HMV.com.

You have to always pay attention to the size of the files you're downloading. A music file is going to regularly be anywhere between two and five megabytes. If you notice anything much smaller than this, beware. This is usually only going to be a text file and might contain a harmful virus.

Use free radio programs like Pandora to find new music. Shop around and sample songs before you buy. Customizable radio programs and sites like YouTube can help you find new music that you actually like. Always try to listen before you buy. Don't waste money on music that you won't enjoy.

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.

Avoid downloading music from websites that do not let you test the quality of their music. Some sites claim that they have the highest quality downloads of the music, but when you purchase and download it, it is low quality or edited. Avoid this by only sticking with sites that have some type of "Preview" or "Sample" options.

If there is a site that you frequently download music on that offers a membership, you may wish to look into it. Some of these websites offer monthly or yearly memberships for a small fee. That small fee generally lets you download all that you want within that time frame. This may be a cheaper option than just buying individual songs or albums.

There is no denying the fact that many if not most people these days purchase their music through downloads. However, it is also true that many folks who would like to do so, still do not really know how to go about it. Hopefully the above information has changed that for readers of all ages and backgrounds.