Everything you need to know about MP3s
MP3 ISN'T EVERYTHING, BUT IT'S CLOSE: MP3 isn't the only compressed audio file format in town. Microsoft promotes its WMA format, Apple uses AAC for iTunes Music Store downloads, RealNetworks has RealAudio files. All three claim their format is best, and each one contains Digital Rights Management technology that can limit where, when or how you might use the files. Both MP3 and the open-source favorite Ogg Vorbis are unrestricted, meaning you can copy, play, and manipulate the files any way you choose. When in doubt go with MP3 -- it's supported by just about any playback device you'll own now or in the future.