How to Download MP3 Samples Legally

MP3 is a method of audio file compression. MP3 can compress sound files into a very small space, yet the sound quality is unchanged when you play the file. You can download MP3 music files and player software from the Web. Typically, you need to actually download the file before playing it, unlike "streaming" audio that you can play directly from a Web page.

Step1.
Download an MP3 player program from the Internet. Look for shareware applications such as MusicMatch Jukebox, Microsoft Media Player or WinAmp for Windows and MacAmp for Macintosh.

Step2
Look for Web sites that explicitly state that an artist has given permission to download songs.

Step3
Find a song you like and download onto your computer.

Step4
Open the MP3 player program and play the file

You'll need a Pentium processor, 16 MB of RAM, a sound card and speakers to play MP3 files.

Playing illegal MP3 samples (when the artist has not given permission for the file to be downloaded) might not land you in jail, but it is illegal and it also denies royalties to the artist.