Downloading music has always been one of the most popular uses of the Internet. However, things have changed a lot over the last few years. If you have not been downloading music recently, you may need some help navigating the various options. Use the following tips to find your way around.

Try browsing the daily deals sections on Amazon.com and iTunes for some great music downloads. Some of the tracks sell for about a penny a piece. Most of this is older music, but a lot of it is considered "classic." This is also a great way to find some interesting albums or tracks that you may never have considered for your collection.

One great music downloader you should consider is the Amazon MP3 downloader. You can buy music downloads on Amazon.com, or you can search for all kinds of free downloads with this. Click "Get mp3" on any song you wish to download, and if if the downloader isn't already installed, you'll get a prompt for downloading it. After that, choose "Download Song" on the song, and it start downloading it. Then, it will open in the program on your system that opens mP3s.

Be sure your antivirus program is working and up to date when you download music. Always err on the side of caution. Take precautions when downloading. This is especially crucial if you're using P2P clients. Scan all files before opening. It's way too easy to get malware that you weren't expecting.

When you are looking for websites for music downloads, be sure that you are downloading from a reputable distributor. There have been instances when users have downloaded malware along with the song tracks. This will not happen at established digital music distributors with a good reputation. Keep this mind before you click on the download button.

If your taste in music changes a lot, consider using a site that allows you to stream music, rather than download it. Streaming allows you to listen to a large variety of songs, but the music never resides on your computer. This can save you money and space on your hard drive, so it is sometimes the better option.

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.

Any website that offers legal music downloads will have a copyright notice somewhere on their site. This notice will show that the site's owners are authorized to sell and distribute the music legally online. This notice should also tell you what you are and are not allowed to do with the music after you purchase.

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.

Extra software downloads are usually safe when you are dealing with a reputable site. However, if you have to pay for a service you shouldn't get downloads that you don't want. Such extra downloads will likely harm your computer or at least slow it considerably.

Look for daily deals for cheap music. Both iTunes and Amazon have daily deals on many songs, old and new. This allows you to check out new music for a low price.

Try to only download music from providers that remember your On The Road Linkz purchases. This way, if you ever lose a file, you can revisit the website and just download it again for free. This is a great substitution for backing up your files, which of course you always intend to do, but never actually get around to.

Pay attention to music formats. Music files come in many different formats. Some of these formats are specific to certain music players or music playing devices. Don't download music you can't use. What are you going to use to listen to the music you're downloading? Determine the type of file you will need.

If you install peer to peer networking software, don't install any of the add-ons or extra software which it offers you. These programs are often adware which can eat up resources on your computer or internet connection, plus they add no benefit to the software itself, so just uncheck those boxes.

To avoid getting ripped off when downloading music, choose a website that is popular such as Amazon, Rhapsody or iTunes. These popular download services are generally more secure than lesser known ones since they have to maintain their reputation. Therefore, you don't have to worry as much about having your personal information stolen.

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.

You must exercise common sense when downloading anything off the web. Take the advice you learned here to heart and keep it handy. Don't rush it since you can find what you need easily and effectively.