| Both MP3 and MP4 formats can play audio, but MP4 | | | | software that allows you to download without a |
| can also play video. So while only songs could be | | | | problem. Be sure to read the terms of service and |
| coded in MP3 format, songs and music videos can be | | | | ensure that your downloading is legal! Peer-to-peer file |
| coded in MP4 format. Some people refer to audio-only | | | | sharing works for MP4s just like it does for MP3s. |
| MP4s as M4As. For the most part, MP4s are just a | | | | You'll need some software that looks for shared |
| newer and better version of MP3s. But watch out--if | | | | music folders of other people on the network and |
| you want to play your MP4 songs in an MP3 player | | | | downloads it to your computer. Limewire, based on the |
| (like many cd players), you will need to convert the | | | | guts of the P2P file-sharing system in Napster, seems |
| MP4 to an MP3 (don't worry, it's easy). But that's | | | | to be pretty popular for PC or Mac. Other programs, |
| another article--right now you want to know how to | | | | like torrent programs, do essentially the same job. P2P |
| download MP4s! To download MP4 songs in an | | | | can be a good option, but unlike the large music sites |
| environment typically safe from malware (nasty | | | | that negotiate the copyright liabilities for you (and |
| software bugs that hurt your computer), find an MP4 | | | | frequently charge you for music), you have to make |
| download site like itunes or rhapsody and use its | | | | sure you stay within the law when you use P2P. What |
| interface. You'll have to pay per song or a monthly | | | | about if you want to create a soundtrack from a |
| charge, but songs download instantly with little or no | | | | great DVD that you own? Then you will need a |
| pain on your part. If you're feeling more adventurous | | | | ripper-software that rips the audio from the video to |
| and want to find MP4 songs from a less mainstream | | | | create audio-only tracks. Search online for MP4 audio |
| venue, you'll probably need to search on the internet | | | | ripping software and you'll come up with some hits. |
| for MP4s to find sites that are available when you | | | | Some ripping software costs, but you can also find |
| want to download music. Most of them have interface | | | | ripping software for free. |