If you have a portable device that lets you play MP3s, such as an iPod, or you enjoy listening to music on your computer you are probably familiar with MP3s. If not, all you need to know about an MP3 is that it is a compressed audio file compatible with many home entertainment devices. It seems like everything from home stereos, to DVD players, computers, and portable music players support the MP3 format.

What you may not know is that you do not have to download these files (through legal or illegal means.) to obtain them. Simply look no farther than your existing music collection. So grab a CD, put it in your computer, and let ‘er rip.

Many programs like Windows Media Player, iTunes, Win Amp, or Music Match Jukebox will rip MP3s from your CDs –you should check each software package for specific instructions. Once the music is ripped you will find it on your hard drive in the location you specified. Then you can transfer these to a portable device, stream them over your home network to other computers or media center devices, and you can even burn them to disk.

To burn the files you’ll have a couple of options. You can burn them as audio CDs, or data CDs. The advantage of burning them back to audio format is that you will be able to play the CD in any standard audio player. So, if you have purchased and downloaded MP3s you could make audio CDs. To burn an audio CD you can use any of the programs I mentioned earlier. To burn a data CD you would simply burn the CD as you would any other data. The advantage here is that you can get many more songs on one disk –usually around 100 depending on the file size. The downside here is that you will only be able to use this disk in your computer or in a device that can read MP3s –many DVD players, car stereos, and newer home audio devices will be compatible, but you should check your owner’s manual first.

Have a computer or technology-related question for Joe? E-mail your question to: askjoe@ericksonmail.com.