How to Get Free Music Downloads for an Apple iPod
Looking for some new tunes to play on your iPod, but a little short on cash to pay for them through iTunes or Amazon? The iTunes store usually has a number of free downloads available each week, but there are also lots of other places to get legitimate, free mp3 downloads--some of which are listed in the Tips section below. Even if the download site doesn't sync to your iPod the way iTunes does, you can use the following method to play virtually any free mp3 download on your iPod.
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Instructions
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Getting free downloads into your iPod
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1
Install a current version of iTunes on your computer. If you have an iPod, chances are you have already done this; if not, it is available for free from Apple.com.
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2
Configure iTunes to play mp3 files in the Preferences settings. Mp3 is the most common digital file type, and it will save time and trouble if iTunes doesn't have to convert them.
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3
Create a folder on your computer to contain your free downloads. It doesn't matter where, as long as you remember where it is.
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4
Locate the free music files you wish to download, and download them to the folder you just created. If your download source is the iTunes store, these files will import directly into your iTunes library, and you won't need to worry about directing them to your new folder. Use the folder you created only for non-iTunes free downloads.
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5
Open iTunes, and using the "Import folder" function, direct iTunes to import the contents of your download folder.
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6
Connect your iPod to your computer, transfer the files to your iPod, and enjoy!
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Tips & Warnings
There are lots of places to find free, legal mp3 downloads. Mp3.com keeps a library of free downloads, for example. Subscription services like emusic.com sometimes offer promotions where you can get a certain number of free downloads for trying their service--and the first month is often free. Artists also frequently offer free downloads of some of their songs on their MySpace Music pages, on other music sites like Imeem.com or PureVolume.com, or directly from the artist's website. There are even some sites that offer unlimited downloads for a one-time membership fee. Anywhere you find free mp3 downloads, you can usually get them onto your iPod using the method described above.
Use extreme caution when downloading from peer-to-peer (P2P) sites like Kazaa and LimeWire. According to iPodSid, sites like these may contain copyrighted material offered illegitimately; there is also more of a threat of viruses with illegal downloads.
Always respect copyright laws and make sure the free download is being offered with the artist's permission; when legitimate subscription sites offer free downloads, this permission is understood. Any time you don't have this permission, it is a violation of copyright, which is not only illegal, but it is stealing from the artist. If you have the money, and the music is not really being given away, respect and support the artist by buying his/her songs.
