Music-PC-Requirements

Jimmy Buffet	Nat King Cole	Cheryl Crowe

Most late model computers have enough resources to play music, though some do not have good enough speakers to really play music well!

1. Microprocessor(CPU)
Even the most barebones computer with a slow microprocessor should have enough "oomph" to play back any type of music you throw at it, so there's no reason to upgrade the computer you have.
2. Memory
Windows XP – You should have 512MB or more to meet Music-PC-Requirements. Playing music on a PC is another application, and does not use a lot of resources, but with less than 512MB, you would see some degradation on other things, like searching the web, etc.
Vista and Windows 7
Typically, these systems are normally 2GB or more. You will not need any additional memory
3. Hard Disk Drive
While you don't need a fast microprocessor or a lot of memory to play back music on your PC, you may need more hard disk capacity to meet Music-PC-Requirements. That's because you may be storing a lot of music on your PC, and all that music takes up hard disk space.

You do have alternatives! You can store your music on an external hard drive! That way you could move music to other computer(s) easily. Or, you could keep your music on CD's or DVD's, but it could take quite a few to hold a decent collection.

However, to start, you can get by with what you have, for a while!

4. CD drive or DVD

Music can be done with a CD drive, but it takes a DVD for movies. Most newer PC’s have a DVD. You should have R/W capabilities, although not mandantory. But if you want to create a CD to play in you car, then you will need a burner.

5. Speaker system

The better the speakers you have attached to your computer, the better your music will sound.Most PCs come with some sort of speaker system included. Most PC's have stereo speakers, which actually sound pretty good. So, go ahead, start with what you have!

Better systems have a separate subwoofer in addition to the normal left and right speakers (see above). You can find some decent speakers for $50-100. I heard some Bose speakers, that made a normal PC sound fantastic (more than $ 100, I can assure you!).You might really enjoy 5.1 surround sound! Kind  of like theater sound! For more on Speakers .

Alternately, you can invest in a good set of headphones, so you can listen in private.

6. Internet Connection

Of course, to download music from the Internet, your computer needs to be connected to the Internet.

Since music files are big, a fast broadband connection speeds up the whole download process. And since your PC needs to connect to the Internet whenever you play a CD to download track and album info, an always-on connection is nice.

You do not need to be on the internet to hear music, though, unless you are playing Internet Radio!

7. Music Player Software

Finally, your computer needs a quality music player program installed. Windows Media(already installed on your PC, but for a free upgrade - click here Windows Media Player 12). Windows Media Player does a pretty good job, and there are other free (or low cost) programs, that you may want to try. Winamp Winamp is an alternative. Some like this better.

Of course, with Ipods (very popular music player from Apple) and I-Tunes (which work with PC’s, too!) you have a myriad of alternatives! You use this software to play back all your digital music, including both CDs and files you download from the Internet. Apple has established itself a a Music Standard. An Ipod is a portable music player, and you can download music from I-Tunes on a PC (and of course a Mac!) I-Tunes, are typically not free, but your selection is great!