I have winamp now what??

[Trisha69]

Could somebody please help me.

I've downloaded winamp but I am clueless as to where to download MP3s. I thought the whole idea was to be able to grab music for free. Can anybody please direct me to websites where I can download music for free.

Thank you in advance!

T

[n_ick2000]

Get Kazaa Lite or WinMX

[zootm]

winamp lets you play music for free. programs like kazaa, morpheus and winmx let you download music for free. google search for them. i recommend winmx, but i'm sure some other people will have their own opinion.

[Atmo]

You could try a google search for free mp3s.

Or try kazaalite...

http://www.k-lite.tk

[AjStone]

iMesh

Proven to be Spyware-free.

[Trisha69]

Those were real quick replies guys. Thanks. I am beginning to wonder why I bothered with winamp. I'll be looking into Kazaa, Imesh, etc. A little worried about these shareware as I may be downloading a virus. Or am I wrong to think this?

[Atmo]

The programs themselves arent virus'...Its possible to download virus' with filesharing apps though.

Best to get an anti virus program if you dont already have one.

However, youre more likely to recieve a virus in an email than from a file downloaded on one of those applications.

[n_ick2000]

Originally posted by Trisha69
I am beginning to wonder why I bothered with winamp.

It works like this. Winamp is the best Mp3 player ever. But you still need to get your mp3's first. And File Sharing programs are one of the best ways. The File Sharing programs have a built in "feature" to play the mp3's but they are not as good as Winamp.

[Trisha69]

I reckon kazaalite is out. Went to the website (kazaalite.com and didn't seem right, there was also a download against a virus that did not inspire confidence. Imesh website looks nice and I'm going to give that a go.

As for MP3 player I don't see why I cannot use Windows Media Player. Has many features winamp already has. Or am I wrong in assuming this? Anyway am coming to the conclusion that having winamp is just a waste of valuable hard disk drive space. If it had shareware incorporated into it, it might actually be useful.

Trish

[Atmo]

Dont judge an application by its website...Some of the most spyware/addware infected commercial programs have the prettiest websites around...

Most of use like winamp because it can be as simple or complicated as you'd like it to be, uses little in the way of system resources and is very stable...It just does what its meant to do well.

If you'd prefer to use WiMP, thats fine. Its your choice and none of us (hopefully) will try to convince you otherwise.

[n_ick2000]

Yeah, KazaaLite's page looks like crap, but trust me. The program is much better than normal Kazaa. The normal Kazaa has a lot of evil and nasty spyware.

[Aero Zeppelin]

Originally posted by Trisha69
As for MP3 player I don't see why I cannot use Windows Media Player. Has many features winamp already has. Or am I wrong in assuming this? Anyway am coming to the conclusion that having winamp is just a waste of valuable hard disk drive space. If it had shareware incorporated into it, it might actually be useful.

Trish

Well yeah, it has a lot of the same features as Winamp. But I know for sure that you can't make your own visualizations from scratch with WiMP and WiMP doesn't recognize ID3 tags. I'm guessing you don't know what those are. They are like ID tags for MP3 files and you can type in the artist and title and album and stuff. If you use Kazaa or something like that it shouldn't be too much of a problem too use WiMP but if you download MP3s from the internet, you're gonna have a hard time getting organized and not having a nervous breakdown. I know from experience. Getting MP3s from the internet is pure 100% Hell.

Another important thing, WiMP is made by a super-big-tycoon-power hungry-mega corporation, known as Microsoft . Nullsoft, the small company that makes Winamp is not greedy and power hungry, although they are owned by AOL, another greedy and power hungry mega corporation, but that's just cuz they have to get their finacial support somewhere. So, obviously, big corps like Microsoft don't have time for the needs of "pathetic consumers" like you (no offense to you, but that is what they think) but Nullsoft listens to the user's needs well. Sometimes you might run into one of the creators of Winamp here on the forums. That's usually if someone gets into a lot of trouble or something really important is happening.

[Aero Zeppelin]

Originally posted by n_ick2000


It works like this. Winamp is the best Mp3 player ever. But you still need to get your mp3's first. And File Sharing programs are one of the best ways. The File Sharing programs have a built in "feature" to play the mp3's but they are not as good as Winamp.

word.

However, youre more likely to recieve a virus in an email than from a file downloaded on one of those applications.

I've gotten several viruses from Kazaa, but I think that's only when I'm downloading warez. In fact, one of my system files was infected with a trojan. I had to quarantine it.

[MetallichicA]

Originally posted by Trisha69
Anyway am coming to the conclusion that having winamp is just a waste of valuable hard disk drive space. If it had shareware incorporated into it, it might actually be useful.

Waste of valuable hard drive space? What do you have, a 3MB hard drive?

As far as I'm concerned, the sound quality is terrible in WiMP as compared to Winamp, but then again I use an enhancer in Winamp.

Why in the world would you need shareware incorporated into it?


Btw, it's very unlikely that you'll download a virus when getting mp3's. Unless you're getting .exe files and the like, you really have nothing to worry about. Oh, and use DirectConnect

[Aero Zeppelin]

Originally posted by MetallichicA
Oh, and use DirectConnect

What's that?

[zootm]

Originally posted by Aero Zeppelin
What's that?

lacking in proper firewall support, for a start...

[Cameron221]

Please, before you start whining read the Winamp3 FAQ.



Why doesn't Winamp3 do XYZ like Winamp2 did?
Winamp3 is a complete re-write form Winamp2.X. Therefore all features form Winamp 2.X would need to be re-implemented in Winamp3. Due to time limitations on Nullsoft a lot of the non-critical features from Winamp 2.X were left out of the original release. These features will be returning over time. They may not be in the next release, but most, if not all, of Winamp 2.X's features are coming to Winamp3.

To the end user, what's different?
- New interface
- Media Library
- Video playback
- Fully customizable
- Free-form skins
- Cross-fading
- Alpha Transparency (Windows 2000/XP)
- etc....

Why is Winamp3 so different than Winamp 2.X?
Winamp is a complete re-write from Winamp2. The platform that Winamp2 was built on is old and out of date and no longer meets the needs of its developers. So they created an entirely new system (see Wasabi below). Now, while to the average user, Winamp3 may look just like a few GUI updates, there is a lot more than that! Winamp3's component system (known as plug-ins in Winamp2) has been completely re-worked. This makes everything in Winamp3 components running on top of Wasabi. This way Winamp3 can be stripped of unwanted features or developers can make components to add completely new or different functionality to Winamp3.

Where is all this new functionality?
Nullsoft does not have the time nor resources to fully show all the possibilities on the original release of Winamp3. Though as third party development picks up, look to see features like media organization systems, CD ripping systems, CD burning systems, encode in different formats, and so on. These can be made available to users by simple component downloads.

How come Winamp3 is missing features from Winamp 2.X?
Well, as said before, Winamp3 is a complete re-write from Winamp 2.X. Therefore not all features from Winamp 2.X can make the first release. Due to limited resources and time Nullsoft included the critical features to make Winamp3 what it is. Expect more and more feature additions in each release of Winamp3. If your favorite feature from Winamp 2.X is missing, please be patient, it is most likely in the pipeline.

Does WA3 overwrite/replace WA2 ?
No. WA 2.x is still under development. Updates can be found here
If all you want is an MP3 Player, then stick with WA2.
v2.81 has just been released (note, 2.81 released after 3.0)

Will my old plug-ins still work?
Nope. Unfortunately, to totally change the component interface, backwards compatibility had to be scrapped. But fear not, developers are already making plug-ins to run Winamp 2.X plug-ins. For Input download WA2Input . General and DSP plug-ins can be run with Winamp3 Plug-in Manager. The Winamp 2.X API can be emulated with RM-X and Winamp3 Plug-in Manager. Visualizations can be run with the Classic Visualization Component (not yet available).

Will my Winamp 2.XX skins still work?
Winamp3 has limited Winamp2 skin support. Though there are Winamp2 Skin converts that work better then Winamp3. Try this link


AND MOST IMPORTANT?
Does anyone want to hear me cry because a free program is not no my Standards?
No. If you don't like Winamp3 stick with Winamp2. Nobody is forcing you to upgrade. Winamp 2.X is still being updated. Nobody around here really gives a rats-ass if you want to cry about Winamp3.

What if I still want to bitch and moan?
Then go here

[rm']

Thank you for testing the functionality of the "CTRL" and "C" keys on your keyboard. Could you kindly next test the operability of "CTRL", "ALT" and "DEL" please?

[Namelessv1]

Originally posted by Trisha69
I reckon kazaalite is out. Went to the website (kazaalite.com and didn't seem right, there was also a download against a virus that did not inspire confidence. Imesh website looks nice and I'm going to give that a go.

As for MP3 player I don't see why I cannot use Windows Media Player. Has many features winamp already has. Or am I wrong in assuming this? Anyway am coming to the conclusion that having winamp is just a waste of valuable hard disk drive space. If it had shareware incorporated into it, it might actually be useful.

Trish

Well, if you're strapped for hard drive space, then delete WiMP. WA3 is better than WiMP in just about every aspect of a media player.

[lemon_chicken]

Originally posted by Dawg4Life2K1
Well, if you're strapped for hard drive space, then delete WiMP. WA3 is better than WiMP in just about every aspect of a media player.

ever tried to install and older WiMP on XP? lol, not happy memories...

[dlinkwit27]

Originally posted by AjStone
iMesh

Proven to be Spyware-free.

Yet the first thing I read at downlaod.com was that it is a "walking virus" and "full of spyware". Also interesting enough is that you "spyware free" iMesh has Gator in itz licence aggrement, a known spyware program . Just something to think about. I use WinMX 3.31 for music , and Kazaa Lite 2.0 for video. Thats just my opinion tho.

[QHOBBES]

I would recomend CDex to for ripping http://www.cdex.n3.net/ I assume
you have some CDs

[eleet-2k2]

Ya, here's a stretch for the imagination, how about actually paying for music? You have to at least do this sometimes.

FOr me, KazaaLite for grabbing the music, CDex for ripping it.

I suggest ripping to OGG Vorbis if you rip your cds.

[dlinkwit27]

Originally posted by 31337-2k2
Ya, here's a stretch for the imagination, how about actually paying for music?

Thy speakith thy word of thy DEVIL! Perish oh unholy one!


(hehe )

[Ravenzfire]

Originally posted by MetallichicA


As far as I'm concerned, the sound quality is terrible in WiMP as compared to Winamp, but then again I use an enhancer in Winamp.

I've been looking for a decent winamp enhancer, what type do you use?

[QHOBBES]

I've been looking for a decent winamp enhancer, what type do you use?

Enchancer .17! DUHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://classic.winamp.com/plugins/de...ponentId=81361

[MetallichicA]

Actually, I use Wow!thing, but a lot of people swear it's terrible. I may try some others and find out for myself, but I've been very happy with it. Problem is, you now have to pay for it. I, on the other hand, found it when it was still free. So I don't know if it's worth the $10 or not.

[Ravenzfire]

Originally posted by MetallichicA
Actually, I use Wow!thing, but a lot of people swear it's terrible. I may try some others and find out for myself, but I've been very happy with it. Problem is, you now have to pay for it. I, on the other hand, found it when it was still free. So I don't know if it's worth the $10 or not.

Thanks for the info. Actually I finally figured how to get the enhancer I used to use with Winamp2 to work (Octimax) It's definitly the best one I've come across but you do have to pay for it. I've found it to be worth it though. It does wonders to even the worst mp3's!

[sgtfuzzbubble011]

I have a copy of iZotope's Ozone plugin for W2. Very awesome sound enhancement. I was lucky enough to be given a full copy to test without cost, and I'm extremely pleased with it. The full version is 29 bucks, and the lite version is free. If you're into DSP and audio enhancement, get this.

http://www.izotope.com/




Addendum-
And don't forget about Dee. Dee = r00l

[Trisha69]

In reply to your questions...

I do have an antivirus installed on my computer, however it seems to be a reasonably well known fact (or so I thought) that antiviruses may not detect all viruses as there are people always working on newer more harmful viruses. That is what worries me.

As for paying for music, all the hearsay is that you can download music for free, so I wanted to get in on the action. Why should I pay for music when there are others getting it for free?

Anyway, I've downloaded Imesh and Kazaa to give it a go. I now regret this as I have **** of stuff on my comp that I did not want.

Getting MP3s is starting to become a real hassle! Anybody know how I can get rid of these unwanted programs easily? E.g, Gator, etc...

Trish
P.S. Thank you so far for your contributions.

[james]

Lavasoft Ad-Aware is excellent for removing all types of spyware and adware (Gator).

As for your worries about new viri, as long as you keep your virus checker up to date through regular updates (which the program can download for itself) you have very little to worry about.

[Trisha69]

Ad-awareis the first thing I've downloaded that has actually given me what I expected with no unwanted extra's. Thank you kindly,

Trish.

Incredibly just found out that if I do a normal search for music on www.tiscali.co.uk I can find music this way. Simple and easy. Just right click on the link and Save target as... and no need to download harmful software. What do you say to that guy's?

[Atmo]

eh??

I browsed that site for 5 minutes and couldnt find any legal free mp3 download links...

[Trisha69]

have you tried to use their search facility?

[Merlin]

Any LEGAL downloads...

And when I searched on tiscali.co.uk for "Coldplay - The Scientist" I got these results.

Originally posted by Trisha69
Anyway, I've downloaded Imesh and Kazaa to give it a go. I now regret this as I have **** of stuff on my comp that I did not want.

But with Kazaa-lite, you only get kazaa. No hidden nasties. The website may not look very corporate, but that's because the program is an illegal hack. It works a treat, though.

Searching on your ISP's web site for music isn't wise - often you'll just find people's playlists and broken links/poor quality files.

[raydream]

Originally posted by Trisha69
Anyway, I've downloaded Imesh and Kazaa to give it a go. I now regret this as I have **** of stuff on my comp that I did not want.

in this day and age, your not going to be able to find a site full of mp3's with working links unless the site creator made the music himself, you say you want in on the action, if so, do like the rest of us and install a P2P program of your choice and go leech all you want.

simple as that, if you cant deal with extra software installed to download what you want, then you dont want it bad enough.

[raydream]

For totally free chillout music, by our very own court jester (Griffinn), Visit GriffMP3

[Trisha69]

Ok I know where this may be going so I'll intervene before it gets out of hand.

I'm not very IT orientated so bear with me a little, that's why I'm here.

1. Kazaa-lite - had a brief look and seemed a little confusing to install as there is no auto install feature. I'll give it another go....

2. Searching my ISP - the choice is limited I admit. As for dodgy files you can get these from shareware programs too if not careful.

My thought to begin with and where I want my discussion to go is that it should be easy to find MP3 without having to download anything. Somewhere out there, there has to be an MP3 search engine (similar to the one I pointed out) where it is easy to find and download mp3s. If one does not exist, surely it makes common sense for somebody to create an MP3 search engine that ensures reliable results and no need to download software on comp. I'm positive it would be popular amonst new uptakers of music downloads like myself. Simple and non-complicated or is it a far fetched vision????

Trish


I'm sure I'll get there in the end!

Trish

[Atmo]

Maybe about 5 years ago before the whole copyright battle got out of hand...Put a single copyrighted mp3 up for public download and expect to be hammered by legal emails, or even sued from the owner of the copyright.

But not its pretty much file sharing apps or nothing if you want a decent range of quality, free music.

[raydream]

Okay, I’ll most likely get in serious crap for this, but ill help you out.

Download Kazaa Lite 2 here

Save it somewhere you know you can find it, for example, c:\temp\
Double click the file, and the installer will begin; -

Installation

Step 1: Will show you the introduction installer text
Click next.

Step 2: Click "I Accept the agreement", and hit next, you may read the agreement, but I never do.

Step 3: Given that you haven’t messed much with P2P. Ignore this page and hit next.

Step 4: Installation directory
either leave it what it currently is (usually
C:\Program Files\Kazaa Lite", or change the location, then click next

Step 5: Item install selection
Here, simply uncheck the bottom 3 options, since its Kazaa lite, you may install them if you wish, but I never do.

Step 6: Program shortcut name
no need to change this, hit next.

Step 7: Shortcut entry
Two check boxes, ticking the first will put a Kazaa icon on your desktop (which you load Kazaa by clicking), the second puts on in the quick launch bar, simple really. hit next.

Step 8: Installer verify
As long as you’ve listened to me, you can ignore this and hit install.

Step 9: Firewall use information
Useful only if you want to use Kazaa through a firewall, hit next, then Finish, to finalize installation.

Using the program for mp3's

Go to C:\ and make a folder called Music, this is where your downloaded tunes will live.

Load Kazaa lite, before you do ANYTHING, click Tools, then Options, from the menu, in the options box, Click the "Traffic" tab, and at the bottom, check "Disable sharing of files with other Kazaa users"
(some users may bitch at me for saying that, but I don’t suggest a novice p2p user to share files)
then uncheck the last option depending on virus scanner use.

Now, at the top click the [...] button, and select where you want your mp3's to be downloaded, If your using winamp 3, DONT save them to the winamp directory, put them somewhere like c:\music\ which we created earlier., now click OK, locate the Kazaa icon in the taskbar (bottom right of screen), right click on it, and choose Exit (not needed, but its the fastest way to apply settings)
Reload Kazaa, and now click the Search button, the one with the magnifying glass next to it, and you will be presented with a search page.

From the left menu, Check the "Audio" radio button, and then, in the search field "Search for:", type what song you want, and hit Search Now"
On the right a generated list of matches will be shown of files that are found, a tip is that the ones with a little + next to them, will download faster, double click on the files you want after the search has completed, your selection will be marked on the file's icon so you don’t accidentally download it twice., to make a new search, simply type another name in the search field and hit Search now again, To check on how your downloads are doing, Click the Traffic" button, once a download has completed, in the transfers window, Right click and choose "Clear downloaded and erroneous", this will clean the download list of files which are complete, or files which wont download due to reasons beyond your control.
If you follow this guide roughly, you will soon have many songs in your music folder to enjoy.

Virus protection
Considering your using the program for just music, you should be pretty much safe, as the audio search will not find exe, scr, bat, or any other executable file types, but a general rule of thumb, when your looking for files which aren’t music, DONT download stuff which have funny names, like "Winamp 4" etc, its always good to scroll along and check the filenames first, and the file sizes, because its obvious that 300kb file which says its Winrar, is actually a virus.
And lastly, and I cannot stress this enough, DO NOT download drivers from ANY p2p network

I hope this helps, good luck in your music hunt.