Configure iTunes to play mp3 files in the Preferences settings. Mp3 is the most common digital file type, and it will save time and trouble if iTunes doesn't have to convert them.
Create a folder on your computer to contain your free downloads. It doesn't matter where, as long as you remember where it is.
Locate the free music files you wish to download, and download them to the folder you just created. If your download source is the iTunes store, these files will import directly into your iTunes library, and you won't need to worry about directing them to your new folder. Use the folder you created only for non-iTunes free downloads.
Looking for some new tunes to play on your iPod, but a little short on cash to pay for them through iTunes or Amazon? The iTunes store usually has a number of free downloads available each week, but there are also lots of other places to get legitimate, free mp3 downloads--some of which are listed in the Tips section below. Even if the download site doesn't sync to your iPod the way iTunes does, you can use the following method to play virtually any free mp3 download on your iPod.
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