MP3 Downloads / Digital Music Service FAQ

If you still insist on using peer-to-peer software to get your music free but don't know where to begin, we highly recommend MP3 Download Headquarters. They don't offer the music itself, but instead offer extensive how-to guides and real-time support (phone/email) for all of the major peer-to-peer file-sharing software applications: eDonkey, eMule, iSwipe, Morpheus, WinMX, Limewire, Diet K, Soulseek, and more. It's a one-time nominal fee which, if you compare to the recurring fees of standard digital music services, can be considerably less taxing on bank account.

iTunes touts a hefty 2 million songs (and growing) and utilizes their own proprietary software which is apparently "PH-Balanced" for iPods. (Note: it will also work with other mp3 players.) What makes iTunes different than other digital music providers is that you purchase only what you want... songs are usually 99 cents, and albums are anywhere from $5-$10. Because Apple has really cornered the mp3 player market with the iPod, it's no wonder that their digital music service is also quickly growing in popularity. Although I'm not a fan of proprietary software for digital music services, I am hearing good reviews about iTunes.

Rhapsody touts themselves as being the #1 rated digital music service. Like iTunes, they offer a jukebox-like software to manage your music. Membership gives unlimited access to their compariable 1.5 million song library. What I like about Rhapsody is that you can apparently access the music directly from your web browser which could be an edge over iTunes. Their free trial is 14 days as opposed to Napster's 7-day demo.

You probably remember Napster as the "original" peer-to-peer software that literally started the digital music-sharing revolution. The RIAA came down hard on young founder Sean Fanning, but the company is back to offer a legitimate music download service. Because Napster essentially started the digital music revolution, it's probably safe to say that this service is worth checking out. Napster membership offers unlimited access to 1.5 million songs. They offer a free trial, so it's probably worth checking out.