Good Programs for Putting Songs on an MP3 Player

by Melissa King
Transfer all of your music to your MP3 player in minutes with an MP3 synching program.

Transfer all of your music to your MP3 player in minutes with an MP3 synching program.

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MP3 players can be handy if you want to take your music with you in the car or on a long plane trip. If you have just purchased your first MP3 player, you may be wondering how to get your favorite songs onto the device. Several programs are available to make this task simple. These programs, as of January 2011, are all free.

Windows Media Player

Many Windows computers come with Windows Media Player pre-installed. If you have a computer that runs Windows XP or Vista, you can run Version 11. The latest version, 12, is available only for Windows 7. Once you import your music to Windows Media Player, you can transfer as much or as little of it as you like to your MP3 player.

iTunes

You can use iTunes to synch music to your MP3 player even if you don't have an iPod. ITunes is available for Windows XP, Vista and 7, as well as for Macs. The application allows you to sort your music into playlists and favorites, then transfer your songs to almost any player. ITunes also connects you to TV shows and movies that you can transfer to your player if it has video-playing capabilities.

MediaMonkey

The basic version of MediaMonkey is free and will transfer music to your MP3 player; the full version, with additional features, is priced at $19.95. MediaMonkey is fully supported on Windows XP, Vista and 7, and it also works on Windows 98, ME, 2000 as well as and Linux. Besides transferring music, MediaMonkey also lets you listen to podcasts and add special effects to your songs.

Winamp

Winamp is a highly customizable media player that can be used to transfer songs to an MP3 player. The program can be made to look just the way you want it, with free skins and visualizations. Plug-ins and online services are also available to connect you to other songs you might enjoy, as well as upcoming concerts and music events. Available for Windows XP through 7, the basic software is free; the upgraded version costs $19.95.

About the Author

Melissa King began writing in 2001. She spent three years writing for her local newspaper, "The Colt," writing editorials, news stories, product reviews and entertainment pieces. She is also the owner and operator of Howbert Freelance Writing. King holds an Associate of Arts in communications from Tarrant County College.

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