Uploading Files to the Internet
© 2012 by Aurelio Locsin.
You can easily store musical selections on your computer by ripping them off CDs or buying digital versions from music retailers. But if your system is turned off, you lose access to your tunes temporarily. And if your hard drive is damaged, then you lose your music permanently. Loading your files onto the Internet protects them from system malfunctions and allows you to listen to them anywhere in the world with a web connection.
1. Review the copyrights and access rights of your music.
Having a digital version does not mean you can upload unlimited copies anywhere you please. Many music retailers prohibit such distribution or demand additional fees. If you ignore these restrictions, you may be violating the law and may suffer penalties and jail time. Northwestern University’s web page discusses some of the issues with downloading.
2. Locate websites where you can upload your music files.
They may cost money or be free, but even the paid services may have a free trial. Examples of audio websites include MySpace, MP3.com, Jukebox Alive and Jamendo. Most require that you sign up for an account. You can find a list of websites that accept downloaded music on this web page.
3. Review the site guidelines for music size and format.
Free versions typically place more restrictions than paid services. A typical format is MP3 or Midi with a size of 15MB. You can use online conversion sites to convert your files to the appropriate format. Examples include MediaConverter and Online Convert. You can also download a conversion program such as Switch Audio File Converter.
4. Enter information.
Enter a title, description and other information as needed for the music file you want to upload. The exact procedure differs by site but you usually click a “Browse” button to display a standard file dialog box. Locate the file that you want and double-click to identify its name to the site. Then click the “Upload” button to send the file to the site. The site informs you with a message box or an email when the upload is complete.
5. Test your music file
Browse the music page of your account or of the site. Click the name of the file you want to play. Information for the music appears with player buttons such as “Play,” “Pause” or “Stop.” Click the “Play” button to listen to your music. Some sites allow you to play your music file by embedding it on any website that you control. In that case, look for the HTML tag for the tune on the music page and then copy it. Paste it into the HTML code of your site.
