, and connection. The file transfer element of the program allows the customer to see how much of the file is downloaded, the estimated time for the transfer to finish, the name of the host of the music, how big the file is, and the filename, (song title, and artist usually). The “library” is a music file holder that sorts the downloaded music files alphabetically. It allows has a music player, which can play an assortment of already downloaded music chosen by the consumer in any order. The program is easy to use and does not contain too much technical jargon. Napster could be considered a support group for music consumers in that they can connect with one another and share ideas along with music. A Northeastern student named Shawn Fanning developed Napster in a college dorm room to share ideas and music with his friends. He wanted to be able to play a friend’s song without having to constantly borrow the CD. “Napster software combines chat features and a music player, lets users share their MP3 libraries with each other”(“RIAA…”). The program that Fanning developed uses MP3 music files to transfer from one computer hard drive to the next. An MP3 file is simply a compressed file. MP stands for MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group), and three refers to the number of layers. “MP3 files are about one-tenth the size of uncompressed audio files” (“Mp3 Music…”). One minute of music on a compact disc takes up about 1 megabyte of memory with MP3 compression; without it the same one-minute would take up to 10 megabytes of memory on the computers hard drive (“What it…”). The bad rap that Napster has built up is due to the “pirated MP3 files” and major artists creating negative media attention. David Weekly, the company’s audio consultant said, “this is a really awful move on the RIAA’s part. If what they’re trying to ...
