Downloading Music from an Online Music Store

Probably the most popular sources of downloadable music are commercial online music stores. These stores -- websites, actually -- sell you music for download, either one song or an entire album at a time. Most songs cost a dollar or so to download, and it's all completely legal.

Downloading music from most online music stores is a simple process. You start by browsing through or searching for a song or artist you like. When you find a song you want to download, click the Buy or Download button. You'll be prompted to okay the purchase, then the song will be automatically downloaded to the appropriate file on your computer's hard disk. (The first time you buy, you'll also be prompted for your credit card information.)

If you have an Apple iPod, you're probably already familiar with the iTunes Music Store. . If you don't have an iPod, there are lots of other online music stores, including Buy Music, MSN Music, Musicmatch Music Store, and Wal-Mart Music Downloads.

These sites work pretty much like iTunes, with download prices running a dollar or so per song.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.