For many users, the difficult part of acquiring a new MP3 player is working out how to load the device with music. The exact procedure for copying music to an MP3 player varies between players, but there are a few concepts that can help you understand how to get your MP3 player loaded with tunes.

Rip Music

The best way to prepare music to be transferred to your MP3 player is by ripping it from CD. Depending on the size of your MP3 player and music library, you may be able to load your entire music library onto the MP3 player. Download software to rip music from CD onto your computer in MP3 format. The most popular programs for doing this are iTunes and Windows Media Player, both of which can be found in the Resources section. These programs come with help files that will instruct you in ripping music from CD.

Use Your MP3 Player's Software

Whether your music is ripped or otherwise acquired, it needs to be transferred to your player. Most modern MP3 players come with an install disk, which will include software for managing the music on your player. This software is designed to interface with your MP3 player. By consulting the documentation and help files for your MP3 player's bundled software, you can find the recommended way of loading your MP3 player with music.

Transfer Using iTunes or Windows Media Player

If you do not have or wish to use your MP3 player's bundled software, you can use iTunes or Windows Media Player. With iTunes or Windows Media Player open, follow your MP3 player's instructions to connect to your computer. The device will show up in iTunes or Windows Media Player and you will be given the option to use the program to manage your MP3 player. You can then follow the program's directions to transfer files.

Use File Structure

Some MP3 players function as external hard drives, allowing you to simply copy and paste files onto the device. Use your player's USB cable to connect to your computer. In "Finder" or "My Computer," the device will show up as if it were an external drive. Consult your device's documentation to find the directory where music is to be placed. Go to your computer's music file directory and copy or move the files over to your device. Remember to safely eject the device when you have finished transferring music.

Source:

Tesco.com: MP3 and MP4 Player Buying Guide

Karbosguide.com: A Guide to MP3

Toptenreviews.com: Hard Drive MP3 Player Review

Resource:

Microsoft.com: Windows Media Player Download

Apple.com: iTunes Download