| I was recently asked how you could take music that is on a CD and put it on your computer. This is not a herculean task but it is something more and more people are interested in doing.
There are a number of programs available to accomplish this. A quick search for encoders or rippers at download.com will provide a number of alternatives. I chose to use Windows Media Player for two reasons 1) It comes pre-installed on all new computers (if you don't have it you can download it here for free) and 2) It is fairly straightforward.
| Windows Media Player will play files in MP3 format but does not rip into mp3 format. It rips into Windows Media format. If you need to encode in MP3 then I suggest you read this tutorial or check out this program (RightClick-MP3). |
There is some terminology that you probably need to be aware of before getting started.
- mp3 - a file format used for compressing audio files to roughly 1/12th their original size.
- ripping - also known as encoding. Basically taking a file from the CD and converting it to an mp3 file that is saved on your hard drive.
- media player - an application that is used to play all types of media (music, video radio, etc.). Windows Media Player, RealPlayer, QuickTime are all examples of media players.
The system I am using has Windows ME on it. Don't be alarmed, the steps should not differ greatly if you are using a different version of Windows.
Open Windows Media Player Find Windows Media Player in the start menu or on the task bar and click on it to open the program (see image below).
Playing a CD Click on the CD Audio button. Windows media Player will then tell you to insert an audio CD. If you have an internet connection (I recomend that you connect to the internet before continuing) when you put your  music CD into the CD-ROM drive Windows Media Player will automatically look up the album and track information. Your CD should then begin playing. If it does not, click on the play button (grey arrow pointing to the right).
Ripping (Encoding) the CD Now you are ready to begin ripping the CD (or the specific tracks that you want). To select certain tracks, click the check boxes next to the tracks that you want to encode. (How to Play an Encoded File Video Demonstration) Of course, if you want all of the tracks encoded, make sure that they all have checks next to them. Now, click the red button next to Copy Music. Windows Media Player will begin to encode your music. The amount of time it takes will vary depending on the length of the song. Copied (encoded, ripped, all the same thing) files are stored on your hard drive. Once you have encoded them, you no longer have to put the CD in to listen to them.
Playing an Encoded Audio File To listen to the files that you have encoded, click on the Media Library button in Windows Media Player. This will show you a list of all the songs you have on your Hard Drive. To play a particular song, simply click on it and then click the play button.
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