How to Use an MP3 Player for Beginners

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MP3 players allow you to carry hundreds or even thousands of songs on one tiny hard drive. With a few clicks, you can navigate through an entire music collection while on the go and move seamlessly between songs for hours at a time. If you have never used an MP3 player or still consider yourself a novice, do not fear. Most companies design their players with user-friendliness in mind.

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Step 1

Install the software that came with your MP3 player. This will allow you to transfer music directly to your MP3 player using your computer. Just insert the CD-ROM and follow the on-screen installation instructions.

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Step 2

Find music for your MP3 player. You can use MP3s already available on your computer, you can purchase MP3s from an online music store or subscription site like Rhapsody or Napster or you can burn CDs onto your computer and copy the MP3s to your MP3 player software. If using an online music store, make sure the music is compatible with your brand of MP3 player. For example, iTunes music comes formatted specifically for the iPod, and music from the Zune Marketplace comes formatted specifically for the Microsoft Zune.

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Step 3

Plug your MP3 player into your computer. Typically your device will come with a cable that connects to your computer via USB. Just connect to any free USB port and wait for the MP3 player to appear among your drives.

Step 4

Copy songs to your MP3 player. Using your newly installed software, you can transfer your MP3s directly onto your device. Some MP3 players will even allow you to create custom playlists, where you can organize your music into folders according to album, artist or any other classification of your choosing.

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Step 5

Unplug your MP3 player from your computer. Some models will require you to first eject the device from your computer electronically, which you can do by clicking an "Eject" button on the browser window of your MP3 player program.

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Step 6

Navigate your MP3 player menu. If your device includes a menu, you can scroll up or down between songs and playlists either by sliding your finger along the scroll wheel, or by clicking the up and down arrows, depending on your model of MP3 player.

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Step 7

Begin playing when you reach a song that you want to hear. On your device, you should see a button that resembles a triangle turned on its side. This is the universal symbol for "Play." In most cases, this button will double as a "Pause" button.

Step 8

Fast forward and rewind by clicking and holding the left and right arrow buttons. Holding the left arrow will rewind, and holding the right arrow will fast forward.

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Step 9

Skip ahead to the next song by clicking and releasing the right arrow button, and skip back to the previous song by clicking and releasing the left arrow button.

Step 10

Stop the device from playing by clicking the "Stop" button, indicated by a small, black square.

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