Downloading Music Online: Tips And Tricks

Dr Tracy Randall

Do you still think that music is only listened to on the radio? Are you attached to old-school technology? Has the younger generation of your family suggested that you learn how to download music? No matter the reason, you can learn how to access all of your favorite music online. Here's how:

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.

Check your file size when downloading music. Most music files are about two to five megabytes. If you find that a file is much smaller, it might be a text file disguised as a music download. By downloading it, you could be putting your computer at risk of viruses, jeopardizing your personal information.

Consider joining an online forum of music enthusiasts. Many will share their downloads for free. This allows you to explore different genres of music or the latest cd from a known artist without committing a lot of time or money to the task, making it easier to build your library with an eclectic blend of tunes.

If you really like an artist, always consider buying their entire album, rather than purchasing music track by track. It is almost always less expensive to buy an entire album than it would be to purchase 10 individual tracks, so using this method will save you money in the long run.

Try to only shop for music occasionally. With music downloads so easily accessible, it can be distressingly easy to overspend and lose your excitement for music. Try to only shop for music once every month or so. Until then, make a list of songs that you enjoy and bands that you would like to hear more from.

Be careful with music download sites that force you to download files prior to getting the music you want. Often times these files are nothing more than spyware that will hijack your computer. It'll mean lots of pop-ups and strange software behaviors. It's best to choose an alternative solution to protect your machine.

If you plan to download music online, be sure to install a reputable antivirus program. This will ensure that all songs you download don't contain any malicious code. You don't wan to end up ruining your computer just to get a free song! Antivirus software protects you from that fate.

If you are having problems downloading with a peer to peer program, check your firewall. Unless you allow the program, you won't be able to do any uploading or downloading. Windows comes with a firewall built in, and this will have to be altered to allow for your program's actions.

As you can see, downloading music can be quite simple. Take the time to review each of these suggestions. Then, start downloading your favorite bands. You will be amazed at how simple and exciting it really is. Refer back to this page if you need to. In no time, you will be an expert!