What Are MP3 Files, And What Are My Kids Talking About Page
JohnKalpus.com

What are they? -
MP3 files are music files that have been created by compressing much larger files with a compression technique called MPEG Layer 3, or MP3 for short. This technique takes what starts out as a BIG file loaded with musical information (about 50mb) and shrinks it to 1/12th the size -- making it eminently downloadable via the Internet!

MP3 files can be downloaded from a myriad of sites on the Internet, like www.MP3.com, or try searching for 'em on your favorite search engine and watch the hits line up.

How do I play 'em?
To "play" an MP3 file you'll need a piece of software which can un-compress the files and play them through your sound card. Try WinAmp from www.winamp.com. When you download Winamp and install it on your hard-drive, Winamp will automatically register to become the player for *.mp3 files. Collect your mp3 files in a single folder and right-click on the folder. In the context menu which appears, select "Enqueue in Winamp" and you're on your way!

_{How can I make 'em?}
You can even create your own MP3 files from your CD collection. This is called "ripping." A nifty "ripper" program, Audiograbber, can be downloaded from http://www.audiograbber.com-us.net/ . This shareware program will allow you to "rip" an assortment of tracks from a CD, but you'll need to register the program to select particular tracks you'd like to rip. As Martha Stewart would say, "It's a good thing!" Audiograbber can also be used as a CD player. With an Internet connection, clicking on the CDDB icon connects the PC to a CD database and downloads track info to Audiograbber.

_{Other MP3 "players"...}
Additionally, MP3 "players" are starting to come to market, most notably the Diamond Rio which acts like a Walkman™ and allows you to download your MP3 files from a computer into the Rio. It stores about 30-60 minutes of music and since there are no moving parts batteries last much longer than a CD player.

See Emerging Technologies for additional information.
Now, as for what your children are talking about? I don't have a clue either! (-;

Walkman is a registered trademark of Sony Corp.

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