Macs Play MP3

24 February 2000 - Evan Kleiman

MP3s are the latest fad in the computer world. Many people use this file format to play their favorite songs. But there have been many shortcomings to this new file format. However, with today's tips you'll be able to get up and running with MP3s faster and easier than you'd ever thought possible.

First, you need the software to play MP3s. This set of programs and extensions is called QuickTime 4.0. You probably already have this software on your computer. But, if you don't, you can get it for free from Apple's site.

Also, if you want to improve your MP3 listening experience, you can get a shareware MP3 player. These programs let you customize the way you listen to the MP3s (by changing the equalizer items). Also, many of these programs add skins and playlists. My favorite MP3 player is Audion. You can get it from the Panic site.

After you have the necessary programs to play MP3s, you'll need the MP3 files themselves. You can get MP3s many places, but first a quick note about MP3s: MP3s are a nice way to listen to music on your computer. However, it is illegal to download MP3s that you do not already have on tape or CD.

Now, back to getting MP3s. There are many web sites you can get MP3s. My favorite MP3 web site is Audiofind.

One of the biggest problems with downloading MP3s is unreliability. Sometimes it's hard to find the file you want. That's why Napster was created. Napster is a program which lets you chat with other users about music.It also lets you download almost any MP3 you can imagine. However, Napster is a Windows only program - but don't worry, two companies have ported it to the Macintosh. These two programs are called Macster and Rapster. I use Rapster, because it has more features.

Now that you have enough tips and tricks about using MP3s, get out there and listen to some music!

Recent Mac Happens Columns

• MP3 Forever!, 6/26/00. Closing down Napster will not help already rich artists, but may prevent new ones from being discovered.
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