Downloading music is not something that only youngsters do these days. The popularity of this mode of music purchasing is only set to grow, and so it makes sense for all people to acquire an understanding of it. Fortunately, the article that follows below is meant to help individuals of all levels of expertise.

A good tip to think about when you're looking to download music is to be completely sure that you're downloading the right version of whatever it is that you want. You might want something specific, perhaps the radio version of a song. It can be difficult to make sure you download exactly what you want.

Check out the specials on Amazon's music downloading site. You can often get great deals on singles and albums alike. Such discounts are changed often, so make sure to look each day.

When downloading music online, make sure karaoke equipment that you only download files with the correct extension. Never download files with .exe file extensions. This extension can harm your computer. It can hijack your computer system and completely destroy it. Even worse, you could open yourself up to identity theft or other security issues.

Try to only shop for music occasionally. With music downloads so easily accessible, it can be distressingly easy to overspend and lose your excitement for music. Try to only shop for music once every month or so. Until then, make a list of songs that you enjoy and bands that you would like to hear more from.

Make sure you have broadband internet connection if you download music online. If you have a dial-up connection, the download will be much slower and the files will take forever to transfer. So if you want to enjoy your music right away, a broadband connection is the way to go.

If you are downloading music from a site where the songs are free, you run the risk of getting a virus on your computer. Before downloading, check the size of the file. Although these file can be small, most range from 2MB-5MB. If the file is less than 250KB, steer clear since it is probably a text file. Most viruses are transmitted through maliciously coded text files.

Peer to peer software may seem like a great way to get free music, but the fact is that it opens you up to viruses, malware and more. To keep your computer free from these problems, stick to downloading through iTunes or from online retailers like Amazon.com or HMV.com.

If you plan to download music online, be sure to install a reputable antivirus program. This will ensure that all songs you download don't contain any malicious code. You don't wan to end up ruining your computer just to get a free song! Antivirus software protects you from that fate.

Do not download music illegally through file-sharing websites. What seems like a good idea to get free music can come back to bite you. Many internet service providers are now working with publishing companies to find and prosecute online pirates, and you do not want to be one of the unlucky ones.

When downloading music online, make sure that it is in a format that your music player or computer can handle. The most common file format for music downloads is MP3, but there are many other types. No matter what format you get, make sure that it does not require conversion before you can play it.

Those who download files from various websites need to have an up-to-date antivirus software on their computer. This antivirus program protects your computer two different ways. First, you can scan a file before you download it. Your antivirus program should inform you about any suspicious coding or viruses. Occasionally, a virus will trick your antivirus program and get onto your hard drive. If this should happen, your program can neutralize and remove the virus and protect your computer from damages.

Considering a Google Play subscription? Well, you might know that this is a very affordable option at the moment. On top of that, you can download the MP3 in entirety, meaning you own it and can do with it what you wish. Sadly, you do have to enter a credit card number.

If you want a discount on your music downloads, look for gift card deals at local retailers. A lot of music download venders (iTunes, Spotify, etc.) have gift cards, and sometimes these cards are offered at a discount to their face price. So a $50 iTunes card may be sold for $45. It's a way to save a little money on your music.

If you're a music lover and using a paid downloading site karaoke equipment, always look for deals on certain music by browsing. Some songs and albums will be available at a discount, and buying a whole album is going to prove much cheaper than buying individual songs in the long run. Of course, some people only want a specific song, but music lovers often enjoy a whole album.

Always check the size of files that you are about to download. Most mp3 files of standard song length, five minutes or less, are going to range from two to five megabytes in size. Smaller files are probably extraneous text files you don't need, and larger files might be harmful things you don't want. Just make an exception for jpeg files that might be album cover artwork.

Want access to thousands of songs without clogging up your hard drive? Invest in a subscription from a site like Spotify instead of purchases on iTunes or Amazon. This allows you unlimited streaming of songs from their massive catalog, plus it's totally legal. That said, you need an internet connection to listen, of course.

Just about everyone knows a little bit about the concept of music downloads, but not everyone feels confident enough to participate themselves. However, by gaining a fundamental level of understanding of how to accomplish a music download, the doors to hours of enjoyment can be opened. Use the above information liberally and get started now.