Are you new to the world of online music downloads? Do you love to download music online but wish you could find a better deal on all your favorite songs? You have come to the right place. Use the following tips to help you through the world of music downloads so you can get your music at a great price.
A good tip to think about when you're looking to download music is to be completely sure that you're downloading the right version of whatever it is that you want. You might want something specific, perhaps the radio version of a song. It can be difficult to make sure you download exactly what 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.
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.
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.
If you want to try out some more obscure artists, keep your eyes peeled for free music available from them. Even the most popular sites, like Amazon and iTunes, offer free downloads from time to time. This is great way to build your music library without spending money techno on tunes you may or may not like.
Many artists have put up their own music for download at under one dollar per song. This is a good way of getting a copy of your favorite song and directing all proceeds back to the artist instead of to a third party distributor. The artist gets paid in full for his work, and you get a great song.
If you purchase your music through iTunes, pay the extra cash for iTunes Match ($25 per year). This music service gives you access to your entire library on the web - not just the songs you've recently purchased. iTunes Match looks at all of your songs and matches them with a cloud version. It's an excellent way to increase your cloud-based music library.
Use free radio programs like Pandora to find new music. Shop around and sample songs before you buy. Customizable radio programs and sites like YouTube can help you find new music that you actually like. Always try to listen before you buy. Don't waste money on music that you won't enjoy.
Look around to find a reliable subscription service. 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. As you look around at your options, pay close attention to the storage requirements and the download limits.
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.
Be wary of any music download provider that doesn't charge per track. Websites that offer a multitude of songs for a flat fee or monthly fee might block your access to your music when you stop paying. Sites that offer mp3 files for free might just be fronts for pirating and torrenting, which are usually illegal.
Downloading music is a fun way to find the latest hits from popular artists and wonderful music from lesser known bands too. If you are new to this avenue of finding all your favorite tunes, the tips you have read will certainly help you out. Read them again, and take the time to search the web to find all your favorite music and bands.