Join the music revolution with this step-by-step guide on setting up and using Napster.

At this time last year, searching for MP3 files was a quest best suited to die-hard music fans. Who else had the patience to sift through broken links or jump through hoops on scavenger hunts for ftp server passwords? But, by the end of 1999, a little program by the name of Napster came along, making it ridiculously easy to find and share MP3 files. No MP3 files are stored on the Napster servers. Rather, the Napster software acts as an MP3 search engine and the MP3 files exist on the computers of individual Napster users. Put simply, you download files from your fellow Napster users.

Finally, garage bands around the world have an easy way to distribute their songs to previously untapped audiences. However, to be honest, the market for demo-tape songs is limited compared to the demand for well-known acts. In fact, the majority of songs being traded via Napster are copies of popular (and sometimes not so popular) songs by major artists. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) was so concerned by this development that they filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against Napster. Joining the fray, Metallica and Dr. Dre have also slapped copyright infringement lawsuits against Napster. With all this publicity your grandmother in Peoria could probably give you the 411 on Napster.

How can one free program cause such hand-wringing (on the part of the RIAA and some artists) at the same time Napster's fast-growing base of users champion it as the start of a music revolution? After reading this how-to guide you'll be able to decide for yourself.

Next: The Copyright Issue