Customer Reviews

MP3 Underground

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Finally someone dared to write the book that tells what we want to know about MP3 and not just the surface junk. So many of the MP3 books that I have bought and read are filled with stuff that is boring and meaningless. It is almost as if the authors are afraid to write about this topic but they go ahead anyway hoping to sell a book. The CDs included with most books have been as dull as the book itself. Not so in this case. The book is written with a touch of humor which makes for enjoyable reading. Several times I found myself laughing right out loud at comments made. Not many computer books warrant reading every page but thats what I ended up doing with this book. I found the CD included things I could use right away. Also, this book is written so that even computer novices like myself can understand it. Too many times I find that authors assume that we all understand the entire workings of the computer world.

I purchased the MP3 Underground book at a Wal-Mart store for a great price. I have never understood much about MP3, until I purchased this book. It gives, especially for newbies, a semi-technical explanation of the "does" and "don'ts" in the "seedy underworld" of the MP3. The book "reads" very easily, even for a newbie. The book appears to have literary content, but it is excellent for technical explanations. The nice part of this book, which appears to be unintentional, is the many freebies. For instance, on pages 138 and 142, supported by pictures, are good technical explanations for the many whistles and bells on the MusicMatch Jukebox. Not even Microsoft or Dell gives a newbie this kind of illustrated technical explanations. This is a must have book.

I think back in 2000 or 2001 this book WOULD have been relevant. But for today, it's useless. Actually, the first chapter on "What is MP3 Internet Audio" is still relevant. But the rest of the book is totally outdated. Even the web site associated with the book has been shut down. And in the book, the web site is referred to often for further research, as information was left out of the book because they had the luxury, at one time, of having a web site. Moreover, this book is about a Napster that predated the big change BEFORE it was a pay site. Once you realize how outdated the information is, you have to doubt all of it. I also bought a book called, "Burning Down the House," and found it to be FAR more relevant. It was written after the lawsuits associated with illegal downloading began.

If this book, MP3 Underground, was updated, it could be a good book. But in this day and age, with technology changing as fast as it is, in reality, books on this subject need to come out every year.

Ron White and his son Michael have teamed up to write MP3 Underground, an exciting book that discusses in considerable detail the inner workings of the Internet, MP3 streaming technology, the software programs and devices used to participate in this innovative medium of online music distribution, and legal considerations that govern the music industry. Readers will greatly benefit from the treatment that Napster receives. The book provides a lot of detail, perhaps more than some folks in the music recording industry would like us to know about.

The book provides essential information about MP3 music playing programs such as RealJukeBox, MusicMatch, and the Windows Media Player, online music search programs such as Napster, Go!Zilla, MP3 Friend, and CuteFTP/MX, and portable players that will allow users to play downloaded tunes while on the go. Users will be able to compare the features of programs and players, they will learn how to use them, and then select the ones that best suit their own individual music needs.

Other helpful information provided by the authors includes instructions on how to download music, collecting and organizing music, burning your own music CD's, and recording online broadcasts using "ripper" programs. An excellent feature of the book not to overlook is the impressive listing of 101 audio Websites that offer downloadable music, music industry news, Webcasts, good links, software programs, and other streaming audio content.

The CD that accompanies the book features an impressive array of audio file editors, players, plug-ins, compression programs, and Web browsers that will help you get started to create, edit, play, and distribute music immediately. These programs will permit you to create and distribute just about every kind of sound file. They are really great tools to have on hand!

The book is fun, enjoyable, and entertaining to read. The contents is directed toward those who take music seriously, with a touch of humor thrown in to grab your attention. The inside front cover legal disclaimer is a riot. Readers will learn to greater appreciate computers and the Internet as serious tools to create and distribute music. This book will revolutionize the way we create, share, listen to, and enjoy music. This is a great gift idea for budding musicians and computer hobbyists. It's ideal for beginners!