Accord CD Ripper Free
A freeware CD ripping utility, which will assist you in converting audio CD files to MP3 and WAV. A simple, effective tool that does exactly what it says on the tin. Note: ensure you download the "freeware" version by scrolling down to the option beneath the commercial variant. (UK Only)
pulpTunes
If you would like the capability to access your iTunes collection from any Internet-connected computer, check out pulpTunes. Whether you're in the office, in a library, at a friend's house, or even on holiday, this will do the trick nicely. Functions on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Mixxx Free DJ Software
Impressive free and open-source DJ mixing software, which is perfect for performing live mixes. Unlike similar programs, Mixxx has been "created by DJs for DJs", hence the ease of use and availability of features. It functions on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X, includes MIDI controller support, and has a great mixing engine with recording, vinyl control, and more.
Orbit Downloader
A handy piece of free software that works on conjunction with most popular Web browsers to help you download files and retrieve social media streams. This "next generation" download manager is particularly useful in helping you to select downloads or streams whilst browsing the Web. Videos, music and other streaming media can be grabbed and downloaded at the touch of a button. If you regularly download, this may prove an invaluable tool. It's not the prettiest piece of software, but it sure comes in handy!
VideoThang
This cool, freeware video editing tool allows you to create digital videos in next to no time. There's no need to get your head around complicated video editing programs with VideoThang, and you'll be mixing videos, images and overlaying music to create outstanding effects within minutes. This application is 20MB in size, so it may take a while to download on slower connections.
Nullsoft Winamp
Our favourite free audio-visual player, Nullsoft Winamp is undoubtedly a classic. It supports MP3, CD, WMA, MPEG, Audiosoft, Mjuice, MOD, WAV and tons of other file formats. You can even customise your Winamp player with a variety of freeware skins. The program is easy-to-use and offers: drag and drop file support, CD ripping and burning, graphic equalisers, extra plug-ins, visualisation effects, etc. A powerful media library allows users to organise multiple playlists.
> Winamp 5.5 sees the introduction of a sleeker, more polished default skin called "Bento" (and "Big Bento" for users who prefer larger controls). The interface is more cluttered than previous Winamp versions, in which case you may wish to revert to the "classic" or "modern" skin.
> The latest version of Winamp features an improved media library and podcast support.
MediaMonkey Free
With its ability to handle up to 50,000 tracks, this program may just become your media player of choice. As a combined music player and music manager, CD ripper and converter, the program is perfect for playing and recording music. In addition, its support for various media file types is second to none. It features: "tags" to help you arrange your music, album artwork support, the ability to download and manage podcasts, file conversion tools, multiple playlist support, album artwork, skins, and is easily synced with popular MP3 players.
VLC Media Player
A free and cross-platform media player, ideal for playing music, watching videos and accessing streaming services. VLC supports various formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, MP3 and Ogg. It also has no problem playing DVDs and VCDs. The software functions on all popular operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, BeOS, etc.
JetAudio Basic
This freeware media player provides all the tools you'll need to play and organise your various media files. It supports all the popular media file formats (e.g. MP3, WAV, WMA, MPEG), and includes a cross-fader, media file converter and also a media library for creating playlists. This nifty little program also makes burning/ripping audio CDs a breeze, so you'll no longer have to reply on larger programs to perform this task.
Cdex
At this site, you'll find a link to an extremely useful program called CDex. This program converts various file formats to MP3s or WAVs. You can also extract music files from a CD-ROM and convert that way, compressing as necessary. It has many other uses and although commonly called a "file ripper", it doubles as a recorder for sound cards. This site also provides a link to a similar program called "Xilisoft CD Ripper".
FoxyTunes
Do you listen to music when browsing the Internet? If you do, then we highly recommend you check out FoxyTunes. This nifty little program integrates a media player seamlessly and unobtrusively into your browser window, so you'll no longer have to switch windows when playing your favourite tracks. Users can press play, stop, shuffle, pause and also adjust the volume all from a neat bar at the base of their Web browser. Size: 0.5 MB.
musikCube
This fast, free and lightweight audio player makes organising and playing your digital music collection very easy indeed. Since musikCube is compatible with the vast majority of music storage devices, audio files can be transferred from one location to another with minimal effort. The program also uses "dynamic playlists", which learn from your listening habits and become smarter as more tracks are played. Size: 2.9 MB.
UltraPlayer
This is a seriously cool, 2 MB digital media player with potential to become one of the Internet's most popular audio software programs. It can handle MP3 files, CD audio, WAVs, MIDIs and virtually every other type of sound file. The program allows you to create and edit playlists, change graphic equalizer settings, automatically repeat tracks and change visual effects. UltraPlayer also supports a variety of skins.
Apple iTunes
An easy-to-use digital jukebox-style program, originally designed for the Apple Mac, but now available to users of Microsoft Windows. iTunes plays a wide variety of media files, such as MP3s, CD tracks and videos. It has an integrated radio player (with pre-configured stations), a CD burner, parental controls, and more. Storing and organising music into relevant playlists has never been easier with this popular program.
> If they choose to do so, users of iTunes can now gain access to the "iTunes Music Store" where tracks are available to download legitimately for a minimal fee.
> Users on networks (i.e. home or office networks) have the option of sharing their music collection with other iTunes users on the same network.
> iTunes integrates seamlessly with Apple iPods, so if you own one of these music players, make this software your first port of call.
RealPlayer
This second-generation audio program, produced by Real Networks, is the latest RealPlayer offering. Overall, the package is pretty tidy and has some appealing features: a personal media library, skinnable interface, integrated Netscape-style Web browser and graphic equaliser. Using this, you can play CD tracks, MP3 and also listen the radio online. On the downside, the program has a cumbersome interface, which distracts from its appeal.
Quintessential Player
This classy Web site houses a great freeware audio player. Quintessential Player plays songs from a CD or from your own personal MP3 collection and can also be customised with different skins (these can be downloaded from their site). With all sorts of interesting "modes", add-ons and plug-ins, Quintessential Player is definitely worth a download if you need to take control of your music collection.
BiblePlayer
By using this unique freeware program for Apple iPod, you can read the Bible when you're on the move. The BiblePlayer also comes complete with various other "modules", which you can transfer to your iPod, including a daily reading plan and daily devotionals. Please note: a deluxe BiblePlayer (Audio Bible Player) is available with extended readings, although this is not completely free to download.
Audacity
A free audio editor, which enables you to open, export, record, play and modify sounds in various formats, including WAV, MP3 and AIFF. Audacity can also be used as a simple mixer, allowing you to merge tracks together. Some other interesting built-in effects include: bass boost, "wahwah" and noise removal. Available for Windows, Linux and also MacOS 9/X.
vanBasco Karaoke Player
Play karaoke MIDI files in the form of .kar, .midi, .mid and .rmi file formats. This freeware program packs plenty of features and tools to keep you going and even includes a piano view, the ability to change tempos, volume and the key of various songs. You can also integrate the program with Netscape or Microsoft's browsers and skin the interface.
Ots CD Scratch 1200
See yourself as a budding DJ? Ots' CD Scratch program is a free and fun virtual turntables CD player that can be used to mix tracks together. Using this, you can play two tracks from the same CD at the same time, one forwards and one in reverse. You can also perform various other impressive tricks, such as "scratching" the turntables back and forth. The file size of Otd CD Scratch is approximately 1 MB.
GOM Media Player
This freeware multimedia player for Microsoft Windows will handle almost any type of multimedia file format you can throw at it. Containing pre-installed audio and video codecs, the program is ideal for playing all kinds of files, including videos and sounds. The program is also able to play some broken media files (i.e. an incomplete or damaged AVI file). GOM can be customised with a variety of skins, which are available to download for free.