Ray Harris asked:


Getting free mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs is extremely popular. It’s estimated that as many as sixty (60) million music lovers like you get music for your mp3 player or ipod this way. But have you ever considered the issues involved with downloading your favorite songs from file sharing programs? If you haven’t shared any music files yet, you really need to know the benefits and risks; and I wrote this article to provide you with an overview of what’s involved in getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs.

The Benefits of Downloading Music From MP3 File Sharing Programs

The biggest draw to getting music from mp3 file sharing programs is the ability to download music you would ordinarily have to buy for free. Along with getting the music you want for free, there is no limit to the number of files or the size of the files you can download. Also, today’s p2p file sharing technology makes it possible for users to quickly search for, download and share music files at lightning speeds.

As exciting as it is to be able to search for, find and get fast downloads of the music you want for free, there are downsides to getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs.

The Risks Involved In Downloading Music Files From MP3 File Sharing Programs

The greatest risks surrounding downloading music files from mp3 file sharing programs involves spyware and getting sued for copyright infringement. Many popular file sharing programs expose users of the p2p (peer to peer) network to spyware, adware and computer viruses. They are free open source programs or freeware, and as such, they may be bundled with spyware that slows down your computers’ performance or adware that tracks and reports your online activities. Additional computer security risks come from the files of other users in the p2p network. However, the most controversial aspect of getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs involves the sharing and/or distribution of copyrighted works that hasn’t been legally licensed by the mp3 file sharing program or service. If you download and share copyrighted music that hasn’t properly licensed for digital distribution, you expose yourself to possibly getting sued by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for copyright infringement.

While the computer spyware and lawsuit risks are serious, there are steps a determined mp3 file sharing program user can take to reduce or eliminate those risks.

Clearly the draw, as well as the excitement of getting free mp3 music from p2p file sharing programs is hard to resist. On the other hand, the risks to your hardware and personal finances are hard to ignore. However, if your desire for unlimited free mp3 music outweighs your concern about these risks, getting mp3 downloadable music from file sharing programs might be the way for you to go.

Jeff Salgado asked:


There are several ways to download music online. One way is the peer-to-peer download connection. Peer-to-peer download sites are illegal, and many have been shut down. Aside from the ethical and moral side of stealing music via a peer-to-peer site, there’s the risk of downloading computer viruses. The viruses you could download along with your favorite music could potentially be debilitating to your computer.

 

Another way to download music is via the artist’s website. Many artists now put MP3s on their website for your convenience. Usually these downloads are offered at a minimal fee of about $0.99. The average CD costs around $15 retail and holds 13 to 15 songs. When you take this into consideration, the average price per song is at or around $0.99.

 

If you download your favorite songs from the artist’s website or another authorized website, you’re getting only the songs you want at the same price. You save money on the songs you want. The company still makes money on the songs you get. It is a win-win situation.

 

One very popular way to listen to your favorite music while surfing the Web is to listen to a streaming online radio station. This is also a great way to download your favorite songs. Many online streaming radio stations offer the songs they play as individual downloads. Prices range from just a few cents to over a dollar. This is also a very good way for independent artists to become known.

 

The MP3 player has become more than a neat gadget; it’s now a fashion accessory. The ability match your MP3 player to your clothing and wear ear buds with rhinestones or diamonds makes the ability to download music a necessity. Cellular phones with MP3 capabilities are also sneaking to the forefront. Several cordless phones now come with the ability to play MP3s and deliver the music to your cordless headset. Fortunately you can legitimately download the music you want and still save money.

 

Many websites now offer the ability to download your favorite music at minimal cost. Some sites charge a per-download fee, while others charge a small monthly fee for a number of downloads per month. Becoming a member of these sites is very simple. An easy-to-fill-out application ensures that you receive the tunes you want for the price that’s right for your budget. Most sites require your credit or debit card information to purchase songs. If you choose the individual package, your songs will be billed to your card as they are purchased. If you choose a monthly download package, you will be billed at the same time every month. This makes it very convenient to budget your music expenses.

 

In 2005, Napster UK conducted a poll asking its members if they still buy CDs. An amazing 750,000 said they did not. Buying CDs is becoming a thing of the past. The quicker music artists and record labels realize this, the sooner they will begin making more money again. Imagine being able to go to your favorite band’s website and buy only the tracks you want at a decent price. Basically, people are tired of having to buy an entire CD for the one or two songs they hear on the radio. Most people make the decision to purchase a CD based on the latest song on their radio.