The method used to download music to an MP3 player varies according to the type of MP3 player and the software installed on the computer being used as the host. For PC based MP3 players there are two types of file transfer systems that are commonly used on most common MP3 players that are being sold by well known manufacturers.

The method used to download music to an MP3 player varies according to the type of MP3 player and the software installed on the computer being used as the host. For PC based MP3 players there are two types of file transfer modes that are commonly used on most common MP3 players that are being sold by well known manufacturers. MTP mode, which stands for Media Transfer Protocol and MSC or Mass Storage Class. Depending on which mode the device is set to (some MP3 players can be set to either mode) a person will have to use a different method for downloading the music to the MP3 player.

Downloading Music To An MP3 Player In MSC Mode

Mass Storage Class mode essentially turns the MP3 player into a portable hard drive of sorts. Any file, music or otherwise can be loaded into the available memory space for use or (if the player supports it) playback. When connected to a computer an MP3 player set to MSC mode appears as another hard drive. The files can simply be dragged and dropped into the appropriate folder. When the MP3 player is removed from the computer it functions normally and can then be plugged into another computer to transfer off any additional files that may have been stored there.

Downloading Music To An MP3 Player In MTP Mode

Using an MP3 player in MTP mode limits a users options. MTP mode is most often used with music downloading subscription services such as Rhapsody, Napster, or Yahoo Music. These subscription services charge a monthly fee for unlimited access to their music on their servers. The music can be downloaded and played on an MP3 player, but when the subscription ends the music will not play any more. In MTP mode downloaded music is transferred to the MP3 player by the subscription software. The MP3 player's excess storage space is not available to use for storing other files as can be done when using MSC mode.

Once a person understands how his or her MP3 player organizes and stores information, downloading music to the MP3 player becomes a simple matter of selecting their favorite media manager software. For more information on this part of the process read on to the next article in this series .