Digital Media FAQ

Documentation | BearShare.Net | BearShare FAQ | Installation FAQ | New User FAQ
Support FAQ | Digital Media FAQ | Press FAQ | Company FAQ | Contact FAQ

Q: Who should read this document?
A: You should read this if you are interested in learning about Media files.

Q: What is a digital media file (or media file)?
A: Digital media files contain a computerized representation of audio or video data. Media files may contain songs, speeches, movies, videos, or photographs, for example. Unlike traditional media formats (like film, tapes, and CD-ROMs), perfect copies of digital media files can be made at no cost. They can also be transferred over the Internet.

Q: What are media file types?
A: Media file types include:
Audio: MP3, WAV, OGG (for more information on OGG, go to Ogg Vorbis)
Video: MPG, MPEG, AVI, ASF, SWF
Graphic: JPG, GIF

Q: What are some music file formats?
A: MP3, WAV, OGG

Q: What are some video file formats?
A: MPG, MPEG, AVI, ASF, DVD, DiVX

Q: How are music, videos, and other media files stored on my computer?
A: Music, videos, and images are stored as digital media files. When you download or copy one of these files, it is placed on your hard disk.

Q: How do I play music, videos, and other media files on my computer?
A: Media files are usually played back using a player application. WinAmp, Windows Media Player, or your web browser (for certain file types like image files) are common choices for player applications.

Q: Where do I get software to play back music, videos, and other media files?
A: WinAmp, Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer - comes with Windows.

Q: Can I get a virus from a media file?
A: Media files generally do not contain executable code; therefore, they cannot be used to spread a virus. Only executable file types can contain a virus. Executable files end with extensions such as: ".exe", ".xls", ".doc", and ".vbs", to name a few. BearShare hides these file types from your search results by default. To get additional information on viruses, go to McAffee.

Q: How do I search and download media files with BearShare?
A: To search for a media file in BearShare, click on the "Search" tab. Type the keyword(s) into the text box. Click "Search". To download, double-click the file you wish to download. The file will then begin to download into your bearshare/download directory.

Q: How long will it take to get a media file?
A: The time it takes to download a media file depends on several circumstances: your internet connection speed, the type of file, and the size of the file. Music files can take half an hour to an hour for a modem connection. A video can take ten to twenty hours on a modem. A full length movie can take more than a hundred hours with a modem. A cable connection or DSL connection can get music files in a few minutes, and videos in a few hours. Faster connections will require less time; however, the time can also vary based on the connection speed of the host from which you are downloading.

Q: How much disk space will I need to store my media files?
A: The amount of disk space you will require to store your media files depends on the size and type of files you wish to store. For instance, you will need substantially more space for multimedia files (.mpg or .mp3) as opposed to graphics (.jpg or .gif).

Q: How is the quality of a media file measured?
A: The quality of the media file is generally measured by it's bit rate. 192 is usually acceptable.

Q: What are some additional links to knowledge areas?
A: Webopedia - basic computer terms
Webmonkey - web developer's resource
Real Networks - music, players, and utilities

Please direct comments, questions, or contributions, via e-mail, to faq@bearshare.com.