Napster. Who hasn't heard of it? Almost everyone has, but not everyone understands exactly what it is. Many people believe it is illegal. I would argue otherwise. To begin, let me explain what Napster is.

Napster is a software program that can be downloaded for free off of the internet. Once installed, you create a Napster ID. After that, you are free to download and trade music files (MP3s) with the millions of other Napster users across the globe. I can guarantee that you'll find almost any song at any given time. You search for songs using the artist and/or song title. It is fast and easy. Depending on the speed of your modem, it may take you anywhere from a few seconds to over an hour to download a typical song.

As I said before, you literally trade or swap songs with other Napster users using the Napster program. Napster is not a database to find and download songs. It would be useless without users.

This brings me to my next point about Napster not being illegal. Napster is comparable to a VCR. It allows you to "re-record" songs as a VCR allows you to record movies. Why doesn't anyone sue a VCR company? It is the exact same thing. Napster is a company that allows users to copy other people's songs, just like a friend allowing another friend borrow a movie to copy. Both are illegal and violate copyright laws. But just as it is not a VCR company's fault, it is not Napster's fault.

What is illegal is the act of copying files, not providing the resource to do so.

Napster also allows users to find bands/groups that are unheard of. It can be used to gain publicity and is a great tool for rising bands.

So, though it may be an uphill battle, Napster is not illegal. Enjoy it! At least for as long as it is around.

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