An MP3 is a condensed compressed sound file usually taking up a very tiny amount of space on the harddrive. Computers can usually play mp3 thru a built in player, and they can be stored [a buttload of songs on one disc - the entire Beatles catalog fits on one CD!] But these mp3 discs cannot be played in regular CD players, like the one in most cars and homes. MP3 players are available, but that is indeed new hardware to buy. What I do with MP3 is to record onto my harddrive as I am listening to the MP3 play. Most computers come with some sort of recording software, so you will have to activate that software [and probably go thru a help/tutorial if you haven't used it before - but try it, its really neat when you learn it, and very easy after the first time], I use 'Cooledit 2000' - and you may have to change your playback/record control setting [accesories...entertainment...vol control...options...record...select 'wave out' mix] If your computer does not have recording software built in, you can download several free ones at 'netware' or 'shareware' or buy one for about 30 bucks [more flexable, and more complete, for boosting the eq, or for editing screaming drunk a$$holes out of live tapes, or commercials out of FM shows, etc.] There are indeed ways to convert mp3 to a wav file so it can be burned to a CD, but to my ear, they always sound thin and 'downloaded' where the 'record as you listen' method takes longer, but sounds better. In some cases it is as easy as changing the extension to .wav, some gotta be run thru a conversion program, also downloadable from the above.
Then of course you will need to use some kinda 'burning software' to actually put it on disc. Easy CD Creator is, well, easy....I also use Sony Hotburn, more flexable, and easier menu hopping, at least for what I do with live tapes and stuff.
There are many sources for mp3 out there, usually do a search for the band or song you are looking for and include mp3 in the search. Most of the stuff I go for [again, live shows, not commercial stuff, as that puts poor musicians out of work!] is found in the binary group newsgroups or yahoo newsgroups. Just like, what is it? alt.darkshadows.rec or something like that, there is alt.beatles.rec rec.music.beatles rec.bootlegs.alt [all the bands/fans have their own newsgroups] I really don't spend that much time surfing around there - If I started listening to everything I have already, I would be older than Barn by the time I got halfway thru, now!
Hope this helps get you started.
good hunting
