If you are ripping CDs, you may find that software like iTunes or Windows Media Player puts your music in a format such as AAC (iTunes) or WMA (Windows Media Player), rather than the more univeral MP3 format. Here’s how to change this. (This is generally recommended, because then your music will be able to be played on a broader range of devices.)
In iTunes:
– Under the Edit menu on Windows (the iTunes menu on Mac), choose Preferences.
– Click the Advanced tab.
– Click the Importing tab.
– For Import Using, select MP3 Encoder.
(Note: After you do this, iTunes also lets you convert music already in your library to MP3 files. To do this, highlight the tracks, go to the Advanced menu, and select Convert Selection to MP3. Note, though, that this will not work with encrypted tracks such as those bought from the iTunes store.)
In Windows Media Player 10:
– Go to the Tools menu. (You may need to expand the window to full screen to see menus.)
– Select Options.
– Click the Rip Music tab.
– Under Rip Settings and Format, choose MP3.