Windows XP Digital Music

About This Book

Windows XP Digital Music For Dummies is a ground-up guide to using the audio tools that come on Windows XP computers as well as a resource for some useful tools and programs you can get after you’ve already bought the computer. I cover both the hardware (the actual parts of the computer) and the software (the programs run by your computer) that you need to make your computer sing.

A lot of hardware, software, and virtual record stores are out there, and you’ll want to know what you need before you go in and actually lay down your money. This book is your reference point for the world of music in a Windows XP digital music environment. You can read it from front to back and gain a better overall understanding of digital music, or you can skip directly to the chapter that covers the topic you want. I’ve organized the information to cover the following points of interest:

* Getting your computer set up to handle music in the best way possible
* Choosing the right software and audio files to play the songs you want
* Hooking up and using a portable audio player
* Shopping for and downloading music from the Internet legally
* Venturing into the world of recording digital music

By the time you’re done consulting this book, you’ll be able to handle these tasks with the confidence and skill of a 14-year-old teenager raised on this kind of technology.

How This Book Is Organized

I’ve organized this book into five main sections. If you’re looking for a general understanding of digital music in the Windows XP environment, go ahead and start reading at page 1. However, if you’re pressed for time or only need the answer to a specific problem, go ahead and read the section that addresses that problem — you can still figure out what you need.

Part I: Playing Music on Windows XP

This part explains what digital audio is and how you can recognize it when you see (and hear) it. Chapter 1 gives you a general overview of musical files, the hardware and software your computer uses, and the legal side of digital music (and isn’t that where you first heard about MP3s anyway?). Chapter 2 leads you through installing and connecting the parts you need to make your computer musical (maybe a little more complicated than programming your VCR, but certainly less hassle than doing your taxes). Chapter 3 guides you through basic audio operations in Windows XP (how do I turn this down again?). Finally, Chapter 4 takes a look at a special type of Windows XP that is designed to do nothing but play your media. Windows XP Media Center Edition only comes on special types of computers, so read this chapter only if you’ve purchased one of these (and trust me, by the price tag, you’ll know if you bought one instead of a regular PC).

Part II: Making Windows XP Your Digital Jukebox

Here’s where I show you how to take this new machine of yours and make it the centerpiece of your musical collection. Chapter 5 examines what you should look for in a media player and gives you an overview of some of the most popular entries on the market today. Chapter 6 shows you how to trans­fer your CDs (or even the antiquities known as vinyl records) to the realm of your computer. Chapter 7 combines two of the things that make my life happy (sorry, dear) — shopping for music and the Internet. And Chapter 8 shows you how to dial in an Internet radio station and let someone else share his or her collection with you.

Part III: Goin’ Mobile: Taking Your Songs on the Road

I spend a lot of time on the computer, but I don’t want to leave my music behind when it’s time to step away and experience the world. This part takes a look at portable audio players and how to make them sing and dance. Chapter 9 goes over common features of the portable audio player and rates some well-known products. Chapter 10 shows you how to move your songs over to your device and organize songs for some easy listening (not necessar­ily elevator-music easy listening, but it’s still a possibility).

Part IV: Quiet in the Studio

Part of the reason I spend a lot of time in front of the computer is because it’s such a powerful, creative tool. You don’t have to be a genius composer to make music on a PC — in fact, the software available today makes it easier than ever to make your own music. Chapter 11 shows you how to soup up your computer and make it a virtual studio. Chapter 12 starts you down the road to recording by looking at what to expect from digital music recording software. Chapter 13 actually takes you into the booth and shows you how to lay down basic tracks. Chapter 14 helps you mix everything together into a good song, and Chapter 15 looks at taking the finished product to disc, the Internet, and elsewhere.

Part V: The Part of Tens

This long-standing For Dummies tradition is a great way to gather up any loose ends and toss in some extra helpful hints. You find lists of interesting Web sites and intriguing gadgets, and even what to avoid when you’re getting the most out of your music.
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