Downloading music via broadband

Everybody’s either downloading music or talking about it right now. And here at Top 10 Broadband we are no different. This article aims to introduce you to the concept of downloading music and its pros and cons. We'll also look at the best download sites and demystify the confusion surrounding online music distribution.

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What is downloading?

Wikipedia defines downloading as ‘transfer of electronic data between two computers or similar systems’. Downloading music saves you the rigmarole of going to the shops and buying a CD, by downloading your favourite album or choosing individual songs from the comfort of your own home directly onto your PC.

If you're looking for a broadband package that will allow you to download lots of music, you'll need one with a large download allowance. Click here to view the best heavy-use broadband.

Download speeds

As explained in the Top 10 Broadband Jargon Buster, download speeds in the UK range from 0.5Mb to 50Mb. The higher the Mb for broadband the faster, the download rate you can expect - enabling you to get hold of music faster.

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What do I need to start downloading?

A PC/Mac with a broadband connection is obviously a pre-requisite. You will also need space on your hard drive and a sound card.

Where to download?

There are a variety of places to download music online. The most popular online music store is iTunes, which has the benefit of being very easy to use and has the backing of most major record labels.

Other well-regarded music download sites include: iTunes, Napster, MyCokeMusic, Woolworths, 7 digital, Playlouder, HMV, Tiscali Music and individual artists sites.

Pricing and payment options vary between different sites. But in general, you can either purchase an individual song for a set price or pay a monthly subscription, whereby you can download as many songs in a month as you wish. Most sites require a debit/credit card, so make sure the site is secure. Alternatively, many high street shops now sell vouchers which can be used at online music stores. These are a great option if you are too young to have a credit card.

Streaming

Some sites may let you preview a song or video by ‘streaming’. Streaming is a way of accessing media without actually downloading the information, essentially listening to or watching media ‘live’. This is a good way to preview the product you wish to buy before actually purchasing.

Latterly, sites which offer unlimited streaming of songs for free provided you listen to a set amount of advertisements have launched. These are akin to an on-demand radio station with a massive library of music to choose from.

Spotify also offers a paid-for subscription service whereby you can download and keep songs rather than simply listen to them on-demand.

How do I use my downloaded music?

Once you have downloaded your music you may listen your songs in different ways. You can choose to just listen to your music only from your computer, but why stop there? You can also put your music onto a portable MP3 player, so you can hear your favourite tunes anywhere you like. Alternatively you can put your music onto a CD.

Pros and cons of downloading music:

Pros:

• Choose individual songs as opposed to buying a whole album
• Create your own playlists
• Generally much cheaper than buying from a high street store
• Browse, try and buy - all from the comfort of your own home
• Download unique songs not available from stores e.g. special live performances, etc.
• Easy to use
• Extra information or songs which are only available through the internet
• Access to new music from unsigned bands

Cons:

• No physical product (i.e. no CD or case etc.)
• Not all bands are subscribed to the sites (for example, The Beatles)
• Danger of internet security (make sure you use an official and secure website)