Read These Tips Before Downloading Your Music
If you decide to sign up for a subscription based site for downloads, make sure to check out reviews on their library of music first. Some might only have old songs that you are not interested in owning, and others might have poor quality downloads. While some are legitimate, it is worth while to do your homework first.
Always check the size of files that you are about to download. Most mp3 files of standard song length, five minutes or less, are going to range from two to five megabytes in size. Smaller files are probably extraneous text files you don't need, and larger files might be harmful things you don't want. Just make an exception for jpeg files that might be album cover artwork.
Buy an album when you really like an artist's work. In most instances, buying entire albums can prove to be cheaper than purchasing single tracks, regardless of the retailer. In this way, you will get more music value for your money. Your newest favorite track might be the next one in the playlist!
To increase your free music download opportunities, look for companies that are sponsoring free music download campaigns and events. Companies from Apple to Starbucks give away music as part of their overall brand promotions. It's an easy way to add new music to your library without paying a dime.
Make certain your anti-virus protection is current before downloading anything. Downloading a song with a virus is too common. Your anti-virus program should scan the downloaded file for malware before it's saved to your hard drive. It too can scan what happened after the download in case anything tried to slip through.
When downloading through peer to peer networks, play with your settings until you are getting good results. While they may seem complex and over your head, you can find explanations of what those settings do online, making the process of tweaking them much easier. The more you fiddle, the better your downloads can be.
Paying for your favorite tunes is the best way to go. Free music can sound like a siren calling your name, but more often than not you will get low-quality tracks. In addition, it's probably illegal and you're putting the computer at risk of getting a virus. Digital music, especially when buying per track, is not that expensive.
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.
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 foam from these problems, stick to downloading through iTunes or from online retailers like Amazon.com or HMV.com.
If there is a particular artist who has done some songs you like, maybe you should get the full album. Full albums cost less than purchasing songs individually, regardless of the seller. You also have more music to explore. You can find a song you fall in love with.