CONTENTS:

  I.  Understanding Mpeg Layer-3
      A.  What Is MP3?
      B.  Warnings About MP3
 II.  Creating An MP3
      A.  Recording/Ripping
      B.  Encoding
      C.  Playback
III.  Where To Find MP3s
 IV.  Where To Get MP3 Software
      A.  Recorders/Rippers
      B.  Encoders/Compressors
      C.  Players

I.  Understanding Mpeg Layer-3

A.  What Is Mp3?

	MP3 stands for MPEG 1 layer 3, which is a method of compressing 
music files onto a hard drive in a way that the file size is very small, 
but the song retains it's near-CD quality. You can indentify mp3 files 
because they will always end in .mp3.
	MP3 is a music format with near CD-quality sound. You can 
download songs from the Internet (or encode your own) and play them on 
your computer and they sound great.

B.  Warnings About MP3

	Although I, and many others feel that MP3 is a PERFECT way of
"try before you buy" for albums, many artists and record companies do
not.  They maintain that due to the use and distribution of MP3's, they
are losing money.  This may be true in certain cases, where it's a
small record company, or amature artists, but in all actuality, MP3 can
and should open new horizons and markets for them.
	The general warning issued with MP3's currently, is that you 
must delete the file within 24 hours of receiving it, unless otherwise
specified.  If you do not do so, it is considered music piracy, just as
warez are software piracy.
	Most people don't abide by this policy, and maintain MP3 web
sites, and FTP sites where they collect and distribute many MP3's.  The
risk is totally up to you, but if a record company like Geffen finds
your site (trust me, they do go looking), they'll try their hardest to
shut you down.  If you don't comply, they'll threaten you with lawsuits.

II.  Creating An MP3

A.  Recording/Ripping

	MP3 files get their start as .wav files.  The actual .mp3 file
is encoded or compressed from the original .wav file.  There are two
general ways to create the .wav file.
	The first, and undoubtedly best method, is to get yourself some
software called an "MP3 Ripper".  What this does, is copy the original
track off the CD, and converts it to .wav, maintaining near-CD quality.
There are many rippers out there, and some work better than others.  
You'll have to test them yourself, as CD-ROMS make a big difference 
also.  Not all CD-ROMS are compatible to be ripped.  To see a "work in
progress" of CD-ROMS that are compatible, head over to: 
MP3.com's CD-ROM Compatibility List.
	The second, and worse way to create the .wav file is to record
the track using sound recording software.  Not only does this greatly
reduce the quality of the song, but also greatly increases the final
MP3's file size.  What this does is insert a bunch of "fuzz", or 
unecessary garbage into the .wav file, therefore causing it to lose
quality, and gain size.
	If you absolutely can't find a CD Ripper that works for you, or
your CD-ROM isn't compatible, I'd suggest the following two sound 
manipulation programs: Goldwave available for Windows95/NT and Windows 3.1, or 
Cool Edit available for Windows95/NT and Windows 3.1.
	When recording your .wav this way, most MP3 encoding software
requires the wav to be 16 bit.  A sampling rate of 44100 hz and stereo
quality is recommended.

B.  Encoding

	Once you have your song converted to .wav format, you'll need
an MP3 encoder or compressor.  There are also many of these available,
some of which I provide with the links at the end of this guide.
	The MP3 encoder converts and compresses the original .wav file
into the final .mp3 file, compressing to the smallest file size possible,
yet maintaining it's original quality.
	Since there are so many encoders, for different operating 
systems, I won't go into how to use these.  You'll need to find one 
that suits your operating systems and your needs, and read the help file
to learn to use it.

C.  Playback

	Now that you have your MP3 file created, you'll no doubt want to
play it back.  There are less good players than there are rippers and 
encoders, but you should be able to find one easily, and I provide you
with some links at the end of this essay.
	MP3 players work pretty much like any other sound player, but
are usually VERY processor dependant, meaning if you still have an old
486 PC, you'll more than likely have trouble playing an mp3 file.
	Some MP3 players give you the option to "stream" MP3 songs 
directly from the internet.  If you've ever used 
Real Audio, you'll know what streaming is.  Due to the Net's current 
bandwidth restrictions, streaming and MP3 can often be a "less than 
rewarding" experience.

III.  Where To Find MP3s

	There are many good search engines on the net, that will allow
you to enter the search string of your choice, and provide you with 
links to the sites it found carrying a file with that string.
	MP3 searching on the net can be an extremely frustrating task,
because more often than not, you'll find that the links are often broken,
meaning that the file isn't available anymore, or the sites offering
them are down.
	Searching on the net is still worth a shot though, and following
are some good MP3 search engines:

mp3.box.sk (recommended)
mp3site.com Search
Granite Search
Finer MP3 Search
Chaos Search Engine
Kermit MP3 Search (recommended)

	Another way (albeit better) way to get and trade MP3 files, is
to connect to an IRC network and join channels such as #MP3, #Mpeg3, 
#Layer-3, etc.  By doing this, you can speak directly to the people 
offering MP3s for trade, and/or hosting an FTP site.
	My recommendation would be not to enter saying things such as:
"Where's the MP3's?", "Gimme Some MP3's!", or "Send me an MP3!".  This
will only succeed in getting you kicked and banned from the channel.
Ask politely if anyone is willing to trade some MP3's, or if anyone is
currently hosting an MP3 FTP site.

IV.  Where To Get MP3 Software

	Here is a small list I've put together of some good MP3 software.
It is by no means a complete listing.  If you want, do a search yourself
at a search engine for "mp3 software", and you'll undoubtedly find more.

Windows95/NT
CD Ripper List
Encoder List
MP3 Player List
Macintosh
CD Ripper List
Encoder List
Player List
Other
CD Ripper List
Encoder List
Player List

Happy Encoding!
-Volatility-