What to test during the free trial
There is a reason besides generosity why Napster, Rhapsody, et al, offer free trials: there are many compatibility issues between their software and your computer, portable music player and music file formats. So in the 7 or 14 days before your credit card gets charged, it's time to get crackin'
- Download the software, install it and make sure it works on your computer without complication (crashes, frequest restarting, slow system speed)
- Have the software catalog the music you currently have on your computer. Did it find your Carpenters' Greatest Hits album buried in your c drive? Could it convert multiple file formats (AAC/Apple, WMA, mp3)?
- Search your favorite artists and see if the full tracks (not 30 second samples) are available for listening without downloading. Don't be discouraged if 1-2 aren't (some artists don't work with any of the subscription-based services), but if you're missing more than that, it could be a problem.
- Can you find your way around the software interface well enough to rip a CD, find artists, albums and tracks, download tracks and create a playlist
- Can you burn a CD (using tracks you've purchased)?
- Can you transfer the music to your portable device (assuming you've purchased the tracks or have a To Go subscription)?
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