The term MP3 is an acronym for MPEG-1 layer 3. Essentially it is an audio file compressed into tiny bits using the same fractal-based algorithms for compressing photographs into JPG format, (yeah I know - boring!) Anyway there popularity has a lot to do with the lack of file space they take up.

Mp3 files can be played either on a computer using software applications such as Winamp or Windows media player or they can be played on specialised MP3 players such as the Apple IPod. Mp3 files are usually downloaded from websites on the internet. Some computers nowadays come preloaded with software that permits MP3 downloads at a click of the mouse.

Downloading 'free' songs from the internet can be illegal if the owner/singer of that particular track hasn't given their permission. 'Piracy', as they call it, is rife at present but the authorities now are doing more to clamp down. In some countries the 'internet service providers' (ISP) are being asked to ban people from having an internet connection if they are caught downloading illegaly.

In a lot of cases artists upload their music on the internet for free to see if it can gain popularity. Remember, that's how Justin Beiber became famous.

So anyone wanting to avoid the above scenario, (Getting banned I mean, not imitating Justin Beiber), would be advised to do some research first before downloading anything that is advertised as 'free' because as you and I know - nothing is free in this life.

Talking about 'free' though - feel free to go and have a look at what's on offer. Also check out my other website by googling Jim's Goods (jims goods).