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Author: Anne Panter
Graphics: Adam Panter
Reach us at apanter@kawartha.net
A few years ago, most personal computers were very expensive typewriters. These days, they are more often very expensive CD players. One of the first things you will discover on plugging in your new machine is that you can just pop a CD into the slot and it will automatically start playing. You will also quickly find that you can use this feature as you work - you now have an expensive typewriter with a built-in sound system. (If you haven't done so already, this is a good time to locate the headphone outlet at the back of your computer.)
Now for the fun part. The internet is the world's greatest music store - with lots of free samples. I doubt if you can think of an artist or a title that can't be found online (and yes, I'll take up the challenge at the next users' group meeting). But, before you go hunting, here's a quick primer on internet music.
Music files are stored in several formats, indicated by the last 3 characters in the file name. Some of the most common are "mid" (midi), "wav", "mp3" and "ra" (real audio) or "rp" (real player) files. Each format requires it's own program to play the music. Some of these programs are probably already on your computer, others can be downloaded.
"Midi" files are the simplest, and the smallest, but are limited to instrumentals - similar to an electronic keyboard. The media-player program included with Windows 95/98 will play the files if you just click on the file name. Because they are small and download quickly, they are ideal to include as "background music" on web pages. For a sample, visit the Bobcaygeon Fiddle & Step Dance page (search for "Step Dancing")
"Wav" files are much larger, because they are digitized recordings. If you search for *.wav on your hard drive, you will find all the standard "Windows" sounds are .wav files. If you're really bored, you can substitute any .wav file for the ones used by Windows. Which explains why at least one computer in our house says "Die Earthling" whenever it's shut down. Since Windows itself uses these files, there's a "player" program included.
"MP3" files are similar to .wav files, but compressed. That doesn't mean they are small; they take about 1MB per minute of music. Depending on your modem, the time of day, etc, this could be ten minutes of download time for every minute of music. Don't be surprised that the sites you find are slow. These are the busiest places on the 'net, and "MP3" is currently the most-often-searched keyword. You'll need a special program to play these: one is "WinAmp", which can be downloaded fairly quickly. While MP3 music isn't (yet) "CD quality", it's comparable to what you heard on your antique CD's (aka LP's), which seemed quite acceptable in the good old days.
Not all music is available in MP3 format. There isn't a great incentive to be giving away music free. Many of the online music stores have sound clips available in "Real Audio" format, which generally can be played online, but not downloaded. To play these, you will need "RealPlayer". You'll find a link to it wherever these files are used. The RealPlayer program will also play videos. Check out the film clips of Oscar nominees at oscar.com.
I should mention, for those able to make real music, there is a plethora of lyrics and sheet music available - with no special program required!
Now, if all of this makes sense to you - we could use you at the next Internet Users' Group meeting. If it doesn't, come along and we'll do our best to explain it - 7:00 pm, Thursday, August 12 at the Lions' Club, Main St., Bobcaygeon.