Below is a series of frequently asked questions relating to digital music and digital downloads. If you have any further questions you would like answered, please email us at UKMusicTalk@aol.com.

Please note: All iTunes technical, billing and account-related queries should be directed to Apple iTunes support.

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- Check out our digital music jargon buster

Questions

- Isn't it illegal to download and copy music?

- What's DRM?

- Can I share my music?

- If I buy music from different stores, will it all play on my digital audio player (DAP)?

- Can I send songs bought from iTunes to a friend?

- Can I sign in to my iTunes account from another PC?

- If I purchase from iTunes and later my hard drive gets wiped (for whatever reason), will iTunes have a record of my purchases and let me download them again, without charging me a second time?

- I've set up an account, so why haven't I received any emails from Apple?

- Can I use an AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) account to sign in to iTunes?

- Can I still use my AOL screen name and password to access my iTunes account if I'm using AOL Communicator?

- Does iTunes only play AAC-formatted music?

- Can I download iTunes on to other hardware devices, or does the software only work with iPods?

- Why do I see an American version of iTunes with prices in dollars?

- If I cancel my AOL account will I still be able to access iTunes?

- If I cancel my AOL account, will iTunes remember who I am and keep my history of transactions?

- Can I pay for iTunes downloads via my AOL account?

- Why can't my child or teen access the iTunes site?

- If a General (18+) access account has downloaded and installed iTunes on a PC, there is nothing to stop kids and teens from loading the software, listening to the radio stations and previewing the songs - is this correct?

- Recommended reading

Answers

Isn't it illegal to download and copy music?

It is illegal to take from the internet copyright-protected music that you don't own or have acquired illegitimately. However, downloading music you've paid for on to your computer, and subsequently your digital audio player, is fine.

What's DRM?

DRM is like a software wrapper around the music you've bought from the iTunes Store that places certain restrictions on what you can do with that music. It's a method of ensuring that that music's rights owners are compensated for fair use and stops the illicit copying and sharing of that music.

Can I share my music?

You can't make copies of your music for other people but you can share it through iTunes if your computers are connected over a network. iTunes allows other users to see your music collection and listen to or stream it over the network. However, once you disconnect your computer from the network, the music stops for them and vice versa.

If I buy music from different stores, will it all play on my digital audio player (DAP)?

Not necessarily, as different digital music services use different forms of copy protection. It's always a good idea to check before buying whether their format is compatible with your DAP.

Can I send songs bought from iTunes to a friend?

Because of copyright, you can't send the song to a friend, but you can easily send them a link to a song you've discovered by dropping the link into an email. Once the friend has purchased a song, he or she can burn it to a CD, listen to it on a PC, or transfer to a portable device such as an iPod.

Can I sign in to my iTunes account from another PC?

Yes, you can sign in to iTunes using your AOL or AIM screen name from any PC that has the iTunes software installed. If the iTunes software is not installed, all you have to do is click a link from AOL and follow the download process.

I've set up an account, so why haven't I received any emails from Apple?

Apple will send you a confirmation email when you set up your Apple account and each time you make an order. These emails may not arrive immediately, but if you have not received them within 24 hours of placing your order, please check your spam folder and spam controls to ensure you have not inadvertently blocked apple.com from sending email to you. You can also add the email address to your address book. If you have opted in to receive the Apple newsletter, you may receive additional emails from Apple. You may unsubscribe from the newsletter any time.

Can I use an AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) account to sign in to iTunes?

Yes, you can use an AIM account to sign in to iTunes.

Can I still use my AOL screen name and password to access my iTunes account if I'm using AOL Communicator?

Yes, you can still use your AOL screen name and password to access your iTunes account. However, you will need to do so via the iTunes website.

Does iTunes only play AAC-formatted music?

No, iTunes will play music that's formatted as AAC, AIFF, MP3 and WAV (without copy protection installed). Additionally, if youÂ’re copying music from CD into iTunes, you have a choice of format and quality settings - though the higher quality setting you use, the more space that music will occupy on your computer's hard drive.

Can I download iTunes on to other hardware devices, or does the software only work with iPods?

When you purchase tracks from the iTunes Store, you can download them straight to your hard drive, enabling you to listen to music on your PC or Macintosh. You can also download tracks to iPods, or burn them on to CDs, giving you a number of listening options.

Why do I see an American version of iTunes with prices in dollars?

You need to switch to the UK version of the iTunes Store. If you scroll down to the bottom of the page you will see a 'My Store' option. Simply select UK from the list. This will give you the UK store with prices in pounds.

If I cancel my AOL account will I still be able to access iTunes?

You will not be able to sign in to Apple iTunes using your AOL screen name and password after you have cancelled your AOL account. You will need to create a new Apple account.

If I cancel my AOL account, will iTunes remember who I am and keep my history of transactions?

Your account will remain valid with Apple iTunes. Your account history and records of all previously purchased tracks will be unchanged, but the way you sign in will change. You will be requested to type your full credit card number to confirm that you are the rightful owner of the Apple account.

Can I pay for iTunes downloads via my AOL account?

When you click the iTunes button on AOL for the first time, you have to register once at iTunes with your AOL screen name and password. Currently, payment at iTunes is separate to your AOL account.

Why can't my child or teen access the iTunes site?

Apple iTunes will not hide explicit content (such as albums with explicit/adult lyrics). Therefore, AOL does not automatically allow kids or teens to access the iTunes Store. A parent can allow access by using AOL Parental Controls.

If a General (18+) access account has downloaded and installed iTunes on a PC, there is nothing to stop kids and teens from loading the software, listening to the radio stations and previewing the songs - is this correct?

This is correct. However, we encourage parents to be actively involved in their children's usage and experience of the internet, and to set the appropriate Parental Controls for any AOL account that kids and teens may access.

Recommended reading

The Rough Guide To iPods, iTunes & Music Online

A good book that provides you with a simple guide and keeps the jargon to a minimum.

- Buy this book from Amazon Marketplace

The iPod Book (Scott Kelby)

Scott Kelby is a well-known writer who takes a very friendly and light-hearted approach to all things related to iPods and digital music. Well-illustrated and jargon-free, it’s a fun read as well as practical. It costs about £9 from most book stores.

- Buy this book from Amazon