Downloading music has always been one of the most popular uses of the Internet. However, things have changed a lot over the last few years. If you have not been downloading music recently, you may need some help navigating the various options. Use the following tips to find your way around.
If you use iTunes, make sure to sign up for their email alerts. They often send out specials and discounted albums that are available at a lower price for a very limited period of time. If you do not sign up for the email alerts, you might miss out on these savings.
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.
When you are looking for websites for music downloads, be sure that you are downloading from a reputable distributor. There have been instances when users have downloaded malware along with the song tracks. This will not happen at established digital music distributors with a good reputation. Keep this mind before you click on the download button.
Make sure you have broadband internet connection if you download music online. If you have a dial-up connection, the download will be much slower and the files will take forever to transfer. So if you want to enjoy your music right away, a broadband connection is the way to go.
Make sure that your MP3 player is completely compatible with the music you are downloading. Different sites offer downloads in different formats, and if the site you are turning to for your music offers a different format than your MP3 player uses, it could cause you problems. To avoid costly and time consuming issues, check before you download.
Have you come across a new website offering the song you want for download, but you have never heard of before? Prior to downloading anything, check out available reviews of the site. You are specifically looking for information pertaining to viruses and malware. If reviewers are talking about these issues, steer clear of the sites.
Make sure any sites you are downloading music from contain adware, virus and spyware protection. Any reputable site will offer all three. Remember that downloading things from the Internet can be dangerous, compromising your privacy and your expensive computer. To keep yourself safe, never download anything if these three things are not present.
Make sure to comparison shop when it comes to subscription services. Downloading songs that are legal one at a time can cost you quite a bit. Nowadays, lots of online sites provide money-saving subscription opportunities. When shopping around, make sure you pay attention to download limits and how the music will be stored.
If there is a specific band you like, sign up on their website. You may be offered samples of new music or even a free MP3 from time to time. On top of that, you can get discounts when you buy tour tickets or their album online along with other perks.
When choosing to purchase music downloads, always ensure that you are purchasing from a high quality source. Some companies offer poor MP3s which can diminish your listening experience. Popular sources such as Amazon and Itunes usually have the best in terms of pricing and high quality downloads that can appease even the hardest of critics.
Stay away from websites that offer free music downloads. Most of them are not only illegal, but they are scams. Some will ultimately force you to download software which can damage your computer and is often riddled with viruses. Other websites are downright illegal and take money away from the musicians.
Even if you are downloading from a familiar source like Amazon or iTunes, make sure that your download device has security features and antivirus protection. You never know what is out there. Always scan any files you download before you open them or transfer them to another device, just in case.
If you want a discount on your music downloads, look for gift card deals at local retailers. A lot of music download venders (iTunes, Spotify, etc.) have gift cards, and sometimes these cards are offered at a discount to their face price. So a $50 iTunes card may be sold for $45. It’s a way to save a little money on your music.
Pay attention to DRM. Owning things online can get a little tricky. You may have to be online to listen to music or use only a specific program. With DRM-protected music, you may end up paying more or losing access to music you’ve purchased. Make sure you check on whether or not the music or subscription service you’re paying for has specific rules regarding DRM.
While free music downloading sites should be avoided, there are free streaming sites that allow you to build playlists. As for downloading music, avoid any site that has not been established for a significant amount of time, whether paid or free. Go with one you know you can trust so that you can be rest assured your music will always be available to you.
Some website require you to download other types of files before giving you access to the music file. Some paid services like Rhapsody or iTunes will also do this, but it’s safe. However, it’s not smart to download unknown files from services you’re not familiar with. Some have viruses that can get into your computer and allow hackers access to your system.
By reading this article, you have learned a lot about downloading music from the Internet. You should know more about the various sites that offer downloads, as well as how to find the songs that you want. Virtually any song ever recorded is available for download, so building a great music library is a snap.
