I have used Winamp, the most popular mp3 software, since I first heard about mp3s. It has worked nicely with few problems. Its benefits include:
Layout
Winamp has a nice layout that includes a playlist that the user can customize, an equalizer to achieve the perfect sound, a minibrowser function to search for mp3's online, and cd player like controls. One of the wonderful features of winamp is that it is so customizable. If a person is not satisfied with the look of winamp they can download "skins" which change the way the player appears. Another customizable feature is added plugins that do various visual effects that correspond with the music.

Functionality
Winamp can perform other functions other than simply playing an mp3 file. The latest version has the following: * Skin selection menu in main menu, browser in preferences
* Builtin visualization settings are now in preferences
* Two streaming-related bugfixes to in_mp3.dll
* Added streamed-file saving to in_mp3.dll (no shoutcast saving, sorry)
* Added extended-M3U/PLS support (files include title and length info)
* Improved in_mp3.dll's frame sync code
* Better multi-byte character set support
* Numerous playlist editor bugfixes, and refinements
* Fixed some default skin images
* Fixed some leak and GDI issues (thanks, BoundsChecker)
* Fixed some leaks in in_cdda.dll
* Restructured some internals of Winamp for bitrate reporting for speed
* Added recent stream list to open location box
* Automatic IE integration for SHOUTcast
* Fixed a bug in out_wave.dll
* Updated AudioSoft plug-in
* Final WMA support for full version
Winamp can play the following types of media files: WAV, CDA, IT, XM, S3M, STM, MOD, DSM, FAR, ULT, MTM, 669, AS, WMA, MJF, M3U, PLS.
If you choose it to, Winamp can also replace the windows media player.
Winamp has other functions such as WAV export or disk writer. It is truely multi-functional.

Shareware
Winamp does not cost anything unless you opt for the full version. The shareware version is available for direct download.
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Winamp Also Has Some Small Problems

Winamp will sometimes lock up or work very slowly if you have too many songs on your list. This occurs more frequently when you are using shared files or have a cd loaded into the list.


Winamp is a wonderful tool that is very popular. It is very easy to use and can run in the background without causing other programs to run slower. It is truely a useful program and I have and would recommend it to anyone.




Recommended: Yes