Reccomendations

This section is to help you choose what type of software to use for online music. There are dozens of applications just on this CD, and hundreds more available online. Browse through these descriptions and try to find one that suits you. Not all of the listed components are required to make the online music experience function, but installing all components will allow you to interact with all forms of online music. Here are my recommendations:

PC

Occasional Online Music User

Mp3 Player: WinAmp

Media Player: RealPlayer 8 Basi

Online Radio: Spinner (WinAmp provides ShoutCast support)

Peer to Peer: Napster

Frequent Online Music User

Mp3 Player: WinAmp

Media Player: RealPlayer 8 Basic and Windows Media Player

Online Radio: Spinner (WinAmp provides ShoutCast support)

Peer to Peer: Napster and Gnutella (for the times that Napster blocks songs)

Dedicated Online Music User

Mp3 Player: WinAmp

Media Player: RealPlayer GoldPass*, Windows Media Player, and Shockwave

Online Radio: Spinner (WinAmp provides ShoutCast support)

Peer to Peer: Napster with Napigator, LimeWire, and Freenet

Mac

Occasional Online Music User

Mp3 Player: iTunes

Media Player: RealPlayer 8 Basic and QuickTime**

Online Radio: Mp3 player doubles as online radio client

Peer to Peer: Napster

Frequent Online Music User

Mp3 Player: iTunes

Media Player: RealPlayer 8 Basic and QuickTime**

Online Radio: Mp3 player doubles as online radio client

Peer to Peer: Napster and Gnutella (for the times that Napster blocks songs)

Dedicated Online Music User

Mp3 Player: Audion 2*** (unless you have a CD burner or use online radio a lot)

Media Player: RealPlayer GoldPass*, QuickTime**, and Shockwave

Online Radio: Mp3 player doubles as online radio client

Peer to Peer: Napster with Macigator, Gnutella, and Freenet

Mac OS X

Any User

Mp3 Player: iTunes

Media Player: Shockwave** and QuickTime**

Online Radio: Mp3 player doubles as online radio client

Peer to Peer: Napster

Linux

Any User

Mp3 Player: MusicMatch Basic or Plus

Media Player: Shockwave

Online Radio: Tell me if you find a Linux client!

Peer to Peer: LimeWire

 

* Not included on CD because these applications cost money

** Included on Operating System

*** Trial Version Included on CD

If you disagree with my opinions, contact me at brendini@mac.com.