Not only do you have to worry about whether an audio file you purchase can play on your computer, but you also have to know where you can use the file after you get it. As online music stores use more digital-rights-management coding with audio files, how you can listen to your files can vary from store to store. Consider the following issues about file protection:

• Copying: This determines how many times you can make a copy of your download.
• Transferring: This indicates how many systems or portable devices you can legally put the file on.
• Burning: This is important if you want to copy the file to a CD or DVD and listen to it in a standard player.

If you're only planning on listening to your music at your computer, you'll probably be comfortable shopping at any of the available stores. If you want to burn files to a disc or put them on a portable player, however, you should make sure that your files and portable players are compatible. Read the fine print for every store and portable player you consider to make sure that it fits your needs.