In recent years, people have grown accustomed to listening to whatever they want, whenever they want. But the sheer number of available file formats can make it difficult to figure out what's compatible with what medium. Windows Media Player is offered freely on any Microsoft-based Operating system, and WMA files can be played on CDs and most non-Apple MP3 players--that means no iPods. Either one of these devices can be used to play WMA files on your car's stereo, allowing you the freedom to take your music with you wherever you go.

CDs

Windows Media Player allows you to burn CDs straight from the program. You can insert a blank CD into your computer, choose the songs you want, and instruct the program to burn the songs onto the CD, and voila! You can now play WMAs from your car's CD player. Just be certain to use CD-Rs and not CD-RWs. While the CD-RWs are useful because they can be rewritten, they are considered data CDs instead of audio CDs and many car stereos won't play them. This creates a minor setback with using CDs. Once you have created a CD-R, you can't change the content--the CD will always have the same songs you originally put on it. If your moods or tastes change frequently, this may not be your best option.

MP3 Players

While iPods will not read their competitor's WMA files, many MP3 players currently on the market have no problem with the format. Check with the distributor to be certain your brand will play these files. Again, Windows Media Player will allow you to sync your device when you copy your songs onto the player. Just plug it in while you have Media Player open and follow the instructions. Once your songs are on your MP3 player, you have a couple options. Some newer car stereo systems come with audio player capabilities and will allow you to plug your device directly into the stereo, but this is not yet a common feature. More likely, you will need to buy an FM transmitter for your MP3 player. These are inexpensive devices that plug into your player and broadcast a weak FM signal that will transmit your songs from the MP3 player to the radio. Then you just tune the radio to the correct frequency and enjoy. Whenever you change the songs on your MP3 player, your own personal radio station will change as well, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your music as you see fit.