MP3
MP3 is an abbreviation for mpeg layer 3. What this means, in a basic sense is that it is an audio file that has been compressed. Much like a regular .zip file.
In order to play an MP3 you will need to have a decoder. There are hundreds of these on the internet, but my personal favorite is Winamp. Winamp has all the features you will need in a decoder, and is fully custimizable. You can even download "skins" to change the look of your Winamp.
If you would like to make your own MP3 files, the process is slightly more complicated. The first thing that you will need is a CD "ripper". What this does is take the song you want off the CD and turn it into a .wav file. The easiest ripper to use is WinDac32. After you have ripped the desired track from your CD, you will need to compress it into MP3 format. A primitave program called BladEnc will allow you to do this. The process is rather lengthy, as each song takes about 15 minutes, depending on the speed of your computer. If you would like to add a friendly GUI (program that allows you to navigate the program easier) you can get BladeEnc Helper.
If you are looking to download a particular song you can go to any of the search engines on the net. The best place (in my opinion) to find MP3s is www.audiofind.com simply because the site allows you to download directly, so you don't have to have a seperate FTP client.
NOTE: MP3s are illegal unless you own the CD in wich the song appears, and all downloads must be deleted within 24 hours, or legal action can be taken against you. And if you like a song you have downloaded, go out and buy the CD of the artist...don't be cheap.
All of the programs I have described about can be found at www.download.com.
