Music Downloads

Napster was the software and the company that changed the way people download music. During 1999, Shawn Fanning developed a program that combined file sharing, a music searching function, and instant messaging which, when put together, allowed users to search the net for free music downloads. Problems for Napster started the year when the Recording Industry Association of American sued the company for copyright infringement. Other organizations sued over the ensuing years -- and not only did they sue Napster, but also other companies that imitated Napster. Individuals who have used free music downloads have also been sued.

Legality of Music Downloads

Why is there all of this fuss? The recording industry and recording artists do not get paid when their music is downloaded for free. While opinions range all over the board about whether users should be able to download free music; this debate even occurs within the music industry. Today, there are laws that can help guide users away from copyright infringement.

Music is protected by copyright laws for at least 50 years after it is created. Then, it falls into the public domain, where anyone can use it for free. In order to put a piece of copyrighted music online, you must have permission from the copyright owners. Even if no one makes money when transferring music, the transfer is against the law because users do not pay for something that they would otherwise have paid for. In other words, a free music download may be likened to stealing a CD from a music store.

Downloading Music

So where can you get a legal music download? There are quite a few sites that carry legal music downloads, including Napster, iTunes, and Rhapsody. You can find "unlimited access to music" for a fixed rate per month. Or, you might choose to buy a single song for a low price and play it on your computer or your MP3 player. A Web site might also offer gift cards for you to give to your friends. Some of these sites also offer music videos and games. Offers and pricing will vary according to site.

There are also P2P Web sites that provides software, allowing your computer to swap music files with other computers. The recording industry regards this as a copyright infringement, even if an individual recording artist finds it acceptable. The issue is currently being decided in court.

Music Downloads in the Future

As technology evolves, you might see music downloads used elsewhere. Word has it that cell phone companies are working on getting cell phones set up to play your favorite music. Who knows where technology will take us?

In the meantime, enjoy your legal music downloads.

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