Thank you! ----- Original Message ----- From: "Donnie Parrett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 3:17 PM Subject: RE: {SPAMFILTER} Re: {SPAMFILTER} Re: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites
> Thanks Hailley. Now everything is as clear as muddy water! > > Contact me at: > Donnie Parrett > 1956 Asa Flat Road > Annville, KY 40402 > Home # 606-364-3321 > Cell # 606-438-2557 > Church # 606-364-PRAY > Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Behalf Of one foxy lady > Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 3:01 PM > To: [email protected] > Subject: {SPAMFILTER} Re: {SPAMFILTER} Re: [jaws-users] Downloading > music sites > > > Texas slang for your welcome, grins > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Donnie Parrett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 1:25 PM > Subject: RE: {SPAMFILTER} Re: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites > > >> Hey Haily, >> >> Welcime? That's a new one on me!!! >> >> Scooter >> >> Contact me at: >> Donnie Parrett >> 1956 Asa Flat Road >> Annville, KY 40402 >> Home # 606-364-3321 >> Cell # 606-438-2557 >> Church # 606-364-PRAY >> Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: [email protected] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Behalf Of one foxy lady >> Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 2:12 PM >> To: [email protected] >> Subject: {SPAMFILTER} Re: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites >> >> >> your welcime >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "ANDREW GODWIN" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >> To: <[email protected]> >> Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 12:50 PM >> Subject: Re: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites >> >> >>> thanks for the informative article. >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "one foxy lady" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> To: <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 12:56 PM >>> Subject: Re: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites >>> >>> >>> This might be helpful.. >>> >>> >>> AFB Accessworld >>> Friday, July 21, 2006 >>> >>> Can You Get the Music? A Review of Music Download Sites >>> >>> By Janet Ingber >>> >>> About 10 or 15 years ago, if you liked a certain musician or a >>> particular >>> song, chances are that you went to a store to buy an album, cassette, or >>> CD. >>> First, albums vanished, and now cassettes are disappearing from the >>> market. >>> Thanks to new technologies and the Internet, it is now possible to >>> download >>> a huge selection of single tracks or entire albums directly to a >>> computer >>> or >>> portable player. >>> >>> With the advent of music downloading a few years ago, several web sites >>> at >>> which people could share music at no cost, including Morpheus, Kazaa, >>> and >>> Napster, became popular. The recording industry objected and obtained >>> rulings that made the practice illegal. Napster transformed itself and >>> is >>> now a legal, pay-for-music web site. There are still sites that say that >>> downloading music is free and legal, but do not be deceived. >>> >>> Legal Music Download Sites >>> This article reviews six legal music download sites: eMusic, RealPlayer, >>> Rhapsody, Napster, Wal-Mart, and iTunes. When you are looking for a >>> legal >>> web site, there are several things besides accessibility to consider. >>> How >>> are you going to listen to the music that you download--on your computer >>> or >>> on a mobile device? Will you want to burn the music onto a CD? What kind >>> of >>> music are you looking for--current and recent songs, classical music, >>> jazz, >>> alternative, or older songs? How much money do you want to spend? The >>> going >>> rate per song is usually 99 cents. Some web sites offer additional >>> options, >>> such as online radio stations and streaming audio. This article covers >>> how >>> to navigate online music download sites, install their necessary >>> software, >>> find songs, and download them to your computer. >>> >>> Words of Advice >>> Before you download any software or music, carefully review the site's >>> system requirements for your computer. This article gives the operating >>> system that is necessary for each site, but more detailed information is >>> available on each web site. Make sure that your computer is fast enough >>> to >>> handle the software and downloads. Music files can take up a lot of room >>> on >>> a hard drive, so check to determine whether you have enough space. >>> >>> It is possible that you will need sighted assistance to install some >>> software or to fill out a web site registration form. Software >>> installation >>> and registration took only a few minutes on each site. >>> >>> When searching for music, be as specific as possible. Searching for a >>> song >>> by title will yield fewer results to wade through than will searching by >>> the >>> artist's name. All the web sites use a search form to locate music. Be >>> familiar with edit boxes and combo boxes because you will need them for >>> your >>> search. >>> >>> eMusic < >>> www.emusic.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Using the eMusic site requires Windows 98, ME, 2000, or XP. The eMusic >>> home >>> page contains many unlabeled links, mostly consisting of the word go and >>> then a string of numbers and letters. Even with this problem, it is >>> still >>> relatively easy to navigate. Once a registration form is completed, >>> unlabeled links do not appear on any other pages. eMusic offers a free >>> two-week trial and then has several payment plans if you want to >>> continue >>> to >>> use it. The most inexpensive plan is $9.99 per month, which allows you >>> to >>> download up to 40 songs every 30 days, or 25 cents per song. You cannot >>> roll >>> over your unused downloads. >>> >>> A big advantage of eMusic is that the songs download in MP3 format, so >>> no >>> file conversion is necessary; songs can be burned onto a CD; played on a >>> computer; and be added to a portable player, including the iPod Shuffle. >>> Once you purchase the music, you own it. A disadvantage of eMusic is >>> that >>> it >>> does not have as much current music or as many well-known artists as >>> some >>> other legal download sites. However, eMusic's web site states that it >>> has >>> "more than 1,000,000 tracks from the world's leading independent labels. >>> You'll find music in every genre from both established and emerging >>> artists." >>> >>> Registration >>> The registration form for eMusic is simple and straightforward. Once the >>> form is completed, you can download eMusic's Download Manager software, >>> which will allow you to download albums with one click. The software is >>> easy >>> to install. If you choose to download one song at a time, the special >>> software is not needed. >>> >>> Getting Music >>> eMusic's search form consists of an edit box, a combo box, and a Search >>> button. The combo box offers many options, including artist, track, >>> record >>> label, and classical music. The search results are displayed clearly. To >>> find them quickly, just go to the last control in the search form and >>> arrow >>> down to Search Results. There are also links to search by genre, release >>> date, and editor's picks. Above the search form is an eMusic Shortcuts >>> combo >>> box. This combo box was not user friendly. When I turned off >>> Window-Eyes' >>> Browse Mode to fill out forms, using the down arrow did not move to the >>> next >>> item in the box; instead, it took me off to another page. The way to >>> stop >>> this from happening, with Window-Eyes or JAWS, is to open the combo box >>> using the Alt-Down arrow. Then it behaves normally. >>> >>> When I entered "Mariah Carey" in the edit box and chose "artist" from >>> the >>> combo box, there were two results, neither of well-known songs. The >>> first >>> result was "Mariah Carey, the Unauthorized CD Biography" and the second >>> was >>> "Mariah Carey Tribute Band." eMusic does have a lot of tribute-band >>> recordings of popular artists, so it is important to check if the >>> recording >>> you are looking for is from the actual artist or a tribute band. >>> >>> When I did an artist search for "Tim McGraw" without quotes, I got 111 >>> results. I realized that eMusic gave me every artist it has with the >>> name >>> "Tim." "Tim McGraw" in quotes gave no results. "Beatles" did not yield >>> any >>> results either. For "Black Eyed Peas," my one result was a "Black Eyed >>> Peas" >>> tribute band. >>> >>> I decided to search for Charlie Parker, the jazz saxophonist. I entered >>> "Parker" in the edit box and chose the "artist" option in the combo box. >>> My >>> search yielded several artists named Parker, and Charlie was one of >>> them. >>> A >>> list of Charlie Parker's eMusic albums was displayed. Sometimes, even >>> with >>> the window maximized, only part of an album's title is visible. When the >>> album's link is activated, the full title is read. For each album, there >>> was >>> a link labeled, Listen. Once that link was activated, brief clips of >>> each >>> song on the album were played. >>> >>> When the album's Title link is activated, more specific information, >>> including the song title, artist time, and download links for each >>> individual track are displayed. At the bottom of the track listing is a >>> link >>> to download the entire album. The information on the album is presented >>> toward the bottom of the page. Above it are play lists from other >>> members >>> and editor's picks. >>> >>> After I spent some time listening to clips of Charlie Parker's music, I >>> settled on "Koko," a track from the album, The Best of the Bird. When I >>> downloaded the song, there was no option to choose where the track went >>> to >>> on the hard drive. I found the track by doing a search for the track's >>> name, >>> "Koko." The track was in a folder called, My eMusic. The actual MP3 file >>> was >>> buried several folders into the My eMusic folder. First, there was an >>> artist >>> folder, and opening that folder revealed another folder labeled with the >>> album's title. Once that folder was opened, there was the MP3 file. Once >>> I >>> located the MP3 file, I was able to rename it to fit the format I use >>> for >>> labeling my MP3 files and then move it to the folder that contains such >>> files. When I downloaded subsequent tracks, I then knew where to find >>> them. >>> >>> If you are a classical music fan, eMusic may be a good web site for you. >>> There are many classical tracks, and you can search by composer, name of >>> composition, album title, conductor, or ensemble. There are also many >>> classical music compilation albums. Jazz enthusiasts will also find many >>> choices. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> The Help link is located close to the top of the page. There are a >>> variety >>> of help topics, including frequently asked questions (FAQ), general >>> questions, my account questions and technical questions. The information >>> contained in each link is clear. There is also a Contact Us customer >>> service >>> form. In the first part of the form, there is a combo box in which you >>> choose a specific topic. The options include "cancel account" and >>> "defective >>> tracks." This combo box had the same accessibility problem as the eMusic >>> Shortcuts combo box. After the combo box is a standard form to fill out. >>> At >>> the bottom of the form there is a message indicating that you will >>> receive >>> an automated e-mail tracking number when your form is submitted. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> eMusic is easy to use once you learn where information is located. >>> Although >>> the web site does not have a large collection of popular music, it does >>> have >>> a lot of material from both known and unknown musicians and composers. >>> The >>> MP3 format works with all CD burners and portable players. >>> >>> RealPlayer < >>> www.real.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Although RealPlayer will run on Windows 98 or higher, for the most >>> recent >>> player, Windows XP is recommended. On the system requirements page there >>> is >>> information about which versions of JAWS and Window-Eyes to use. There >>> is >>> also a link to use an earlier version of the player if necessary. There >>> is >>> screen reader information within the Help topics. RealPlayer also >>> provides >>> a >>> specific e-mail address for screen-reader users to send feedback about >>> accessibility issues. >>> >>> Links on the web site are clearly labeled, and there is a wide variety >>> of >>> material, including current and popular songs. RealPlayer uses its own >>> .RAX >>> protected format. This format will play on your computer, or you can >>> burn >>> it >>> to a CD using RealPlayer's software. The .RAX format is different from >>> the >>> .RA music files because they are protected, and all purchases from the >>> music >>> store are in this protected format. In addition, if you plan to transfer >>> your .RAX files to a portable device, check to determine whether your >>> player >>> supports this format. >>> >>> Registration >>> Before you download music from RealPlayer, the RealPlayer software must >>> be >>> installed and an account must be created. Setting up an account is >>> simple. >>> The standard questions include password, credit card number, and >>> address. >>> >>> There are two different versions of the RealPlayer software. The free >>> basic >>> player lets you download and play music along with some other features. >>> The >>> RealPlayer Plus has more features, including the ability to convert some >>> file formats. However, purchases from the music store, which are in the >>> secure, protected .RAX format, cannot be converted. The fee for this >>> player >>> is $19.95. There is a link on the home page to get a 14-day free trial. >>> Either version of the player will play other formats, such as MP3 and >>> Windows Media. >>> >>> Although the installation process is straightforward, there are check >>> boxes >>> and radio buttons that you need to read carefully. By default, the radio >>> button for the free player is not checked. Also, the check box to have >>> RealPlayer as the default player for all media is checked. Later in the >>> installation process, there are also check boxes for receiving different >>> information, such as e-mail notification of new songs and product >>> updates. >>> >>> Getting Music >>> RealPlayer uses a basic search form. There is an edit box and a combo >>> box >>> with the following options: artist, track, album, and composer. The >>> final >>> control is a Search button. Another option is to activate one of the >>> genre >>> links, such as Pop, Rock, Country, or Alternative. >>> >>> When I typed "Mariah Carey" in the edit box and chose artist from the >>> combo >>> box, I received many results for performers named Carey. The top choice >>> was >>> Mariah Carey, and I selected that link. The search results were easily >>> located. >>> >>> I was presented with a list of Mariah Carey's popular albums, including >>> her >>> most recent, The Emancipation of Mimi. There was also a list of single >>> songs. Activating an album's link brings up its track list. This list is >>> displayed farther down the web page, below the album listings. Once you >>> find >>> a track that you want, there is a Click to Preview link and a Click to >>> Purchase link. I downloaded, "We Belong Together" from the album, The >>> Emancipation of Mimi. If I had put "We Belong Together" in the edit box >>> and >>> selected Track in the combo box, I would have gotten many fewer results, >>> and >>> it would have been easier to find that one song. >>> >>> The music downloaded into the My Music subfolder of My Documents. As >>> with >>> eMusic, there were several subfolders before I got to the song, starting >>> with the artist's name. >>> >>> A lot of classical music is available at the RealPlayer music store. >>> Searching for "J. S. Bach" brought up a long list of albums. Jazz fans >>> will >>> also find a lot to choose from. My "Charlie Parker" search brought up >>> many >>> album options as well. I found several tracks by the Beatles and >>> separate >>> links for each of the group's members. In addition, many results were >>> displayed for Tim McGraw. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> RealPlayer uses a knowledge base, links, e-mail, and telephone contacts >>> for >>> customer support. Activating a Help link, such as RealPlayer or Music >>> Store, >>> brings up specific information that is relevant to that topic. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> RealPlayer is an easy site to use and has a wide range of material. >>> Since >>> it >>> uses a proprietary format, not all CD burners and portable devices can >>> support it. If the file format is not an issue, then RealPlayer may be a >>> good choice for buying and downloading music. >>> >>> Rhapsody < >>> www.rhapsody.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Windows 98 SE, ME, 2000 or XP. A high-speed Internet connection is >>> required >>> for streaming music. Rhapsody is available only in the United States. >>> >>> Rhapsody's home page does not have any unlabeled links. There is a Learn >>> More link on the home page. One of the options after the link is >>> activated >>> is Take a Tour. Unfortunately, the tour is all visual and does not have >>> even >>> one word of audio. >>> >>> Although you can link to Rhapsody through real.com, they are separate >>> entities. While RealPlayer is a music store, Rhapsody is a music >>> subscription service where you can stream or download music, depending >>> on >>> the subscription option that you choose. There is an extra fee for >>> burning >>> Rhapsody music onto a CD. While RealPlayer uses the .RAX format, >>> Rhapsody >>> uses the more common WMA protected format. >>> >>> Streamed music does not go to the computer's hard drive, but instead >>> remains >>> on Rhapsody's server. To listen to the music, you must be connected to >>> the >>> Internet and log into your account. Once your subscription is canceled, >>> you >>> no longer have access to your music on the server. >>> >>> Rhapsody offers a free service called Rhapsody 25. With this service, >>> you >>> can stream a total of 25 songs per month for no charge. If you stream >>> the >>> same song more than once, it counts toward your 25 streams. CD burning >>> is >>> not an option with this free plan. >>> >>> Registration >>> Registering for Rhapsody is simple. By default, the radio button for the >>> free account is checked. Rhapsody did recognize my e-mail address and >>> password from my RealPlayer account. To listen to streamed music from >>> Rhapsody, its player must be installed. I did ask for sighted help for >>> the >>> installation. >>> >>> Getting Music >>> Rhapsody uses a standard search form. The first control is an edit box >>> followed by a combo box that includes artist, track, and key word. The >>> final >>> control is a Search button. It is also possible to search by genre, by >>> first >>> activating the Find Music link. >>> >>> I inserted "Mariah Carey" in the edit box and "artist" in the combo box. >>> My >>> results were displayed similarly to the display in RealPlayer. I >>> selected >>> the same album and then the same track as I did with RealPlayer. I was >>> presented with the option to play the track, but although Rhapsody has a >>> music store, where you can purchase tracks or albums, I could not find >>> an >>> option to purchase the song. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> Rhapsody's Help system uses a knowledge base and e-mail contact. Once I >>> submitted my question, "how to buy tracks," which required that I fill >>> out >>> several forms, I received an auto reply e-mail saying that I should >>> receive >>> an answer to my question in 24 hours. In fact, I received an e-mail >>> response >>> in about 18 hours, but the response did not help me. >>> >>> Next I called Rhapsody's technical support. The wait time was less than >>> two >>> minutes, but technical support did not completely solve my problem. In >>> addition, I spoke to four people, three of whom had strong accents that >>> were >>> sometimes hard to understand. I was informed that I had the wrong >>> version >>> of >>> Rhapsody, even though I downloaded it the day before. The last technical >>> support representative sent me a link to get the latest version. The >>> e-mail >>> that contained the link had three spelling errors in it. >>> >>> I then called technical support several more times and got a bunch of >>> different answers, but no one could tell me the correct way to buy a >>> track. >>> These technical support representatives had strong accents as well and >>> seemed to get impatient when I asked them to repeat what they just said. >>> I >>> repeatedly had to remind several of them that I was blind. Trying to get >>> an >>> answer to this one question was extremely frustrating. After spending >>> hours >>> trying to buy a song, I finally gave up on Rhapsody. >>> >>> A couple of days later, I received a survey from Rhapsody wanting to >>> know >>> how happy I was with its technical support. I did not give it a good >>> rating. >>> I e-mailed the form the same day, but have not yet received a response. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> If you just want to stream music, then Rhapsody is a good site to use. >>> If >>> you want to try Rhapsody and buy tracks, I hope you have better luck >>> than >>> I >>> did. >>> >>> Napster < >>> www.napster.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Windows XP or 2000 and Internet Explorer 5.1 or higher. >>> >>> Napster is now legal and has a large selection of music, including >>> current >>> songs. It offers a subscription plan by which you pay a given amount a >>> month >>> and can listen to an unlimited amount of music on- or offline, by >>> downloading the music to your computer. Your account can be accessed by >>> up >>> to three computers. When you cancel your subscription, you no longer >>> have >>> access to your music. Napster Light, which is an online music store, >>> allows >>> you to purchase songs at 99 cents per song. These are your songs to keep >>> with or without a Napster subscription. Songs are delivered in the WMA >>> protected format. Napster offers a seven-day free trial. >>> >>> Although there are some unlabeled links that start with the words, "duet >>> registration," most of the links are easy to read. The FAQ section >>> provides >>> many answers. There are two search forms on the web site, the first >>> consisting of an edit box and a Search button, and the second having a >>> combo >>> box and a Search button to search the top five songs by genre. The best >>> way >>> to use the edit box and Search button is to search by artist. The >>> results >>> are displayed under the form. The top five genre results are displayed >>> under >>> that search form. These forms are good for finding out information, but >>> they >>> will not help get music onto your computer. Once you are registered, a >>> different search form is used. >>> >>> Registration >>> Before you can use Napster, you must download its software and set up an >>> account. The software was easy to download. I did have some difficulty >>> filling out the registration form and asked for sighted help. When the >>> Napster program is first launched, there is an option to sign in >>> automatically. Choosing this option will eliminate one task every time >>> you >>> use the program. >>> >>> My initial response when I opened the Napster program was frustration >>> and >>> disappointment. There were many links for songs, but it was initially >>> hard >>> to find the search form. The Browse Mode controls for Window-Eyes did >>> not >>> work. I eventually found a combo box with such items as artist, track, >>> and >>> album, but the edit box for entering text was not clear. I finally >>> decided >>> to call technical support and was surprised to find that I did not have >>> to >>> hold for more than a couple of minutes and that the person who assisted >>> me >>> spoke clearly and was eager to help. >>> >>> Window-Eyes does not see the entire screen. For example, on the top left >>> column of Napster, there are buttons for File, Account, and Help. On the >>> top >>> right of the program, there are buttons for changing the window size. >>> Maximizing the window did not make any difference in what Window-Eyes >>> spoke. >>> Window-Eyes also did not see the buttons for the Library and Radio >>> Stations. >>> Even with these problems, Napster can work well enough to play, >>> download, >>> and purchase music. >>> >>> Getting Music >>> When the Napster program launches, you are placed one tab away from the >>> search form's edit box. Keep in mind that the edit box may not say edit >>> box, >>> but rather something else on the page. Type in what you are looking for >>> and >>> press the Tab key. The next control is the combo box to search by >>> artist, >>> track, album, and so forth. After you make a selection in the combo box, >>> hit >>> the Enter key. Napster's search form does not have a Search button that >>> my >>> screen reader could find. Using Ctrl-Tab will cycle you through the >>> search >>> form. You may hear some other words, not related to the form, but after >>> one >>> or two presses, you will be back in the search form. Another option is >>> to >>> close the program and then reopen it. You do not want to keep hitting >>> the >>> Tab key because doing so can take you to unrelated links. >>> >>> I put the song title "We Belong Together" in the edit box and chose >>> Track >>> from the combo box. My results were right under the combo box. It said, >>> "Most popular track results based on your search." Underneath was the >>> list >>> of tracks and their artists. I found the track I wanted and, using the >>> Window-Eyes mouse keys, put the pointer on the track title and did a >>> right >>> click. This brought up a Context menu with many options. The top option >>> was >>> Play, so I hit Enter, and the track quickly played. >>> >>> Another option is to download a track to your computer. The music will >>> stay >>> on your computer until you stop your Napster membership. Since the >>> Library >>> button is not accessible with Window-Eyes, I had Napster download all my >>> tracks to the folder My Music on my C drive. By default, Napster will >>> download tracks to the My Music subfolder within My Documents. During >>> software installation, there is an edit box to choose where the files go >>> when they are downloaded or purchased. To download a track, simply >>> choose >>> the Download Tracks option from the Context menu. You can play the >>> downloaded song as much as you wish, but you cannot burn it onto a CD or >>> transfer it to a portable device. >>> >>> It is easy to purchase tracks with Napster. As with playing and >>> downloading >>> tracks, right click on the track's name and choose, Purchase Tracks from >>> the >>> Context menu. This will open up a dialogue box, where you will be asked >>> to >>> enter your password. The Browse controls do not work with this form >>> either, >>> so just type the password. After the password is entered, pressing Tab >>> will >>> bring you to an unlabeled button with a long name. That is the Submit >>> button. >>> >>> Another page comes up that shows your searches on the top and then >>> farther >>> down displays the name of the track and its price. I needed to use the >>> Window-Eyes mouse keys to read this page. There is a picture link that >>> says >>> Buy. Activating that link will start the download process. Since this >>> track >>> was purchased, I own it. If I discontinue my Napster membership, I will >>> still own the track. Since the track was purchased, it can be burned to >>> a >>> CD >>> or transferred to a portable player. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> Napster has a FAQ link for people who are thinking about signing up. >>> There >>> is also a Quick Help link for Napster members. These links provide a lot >>> of >>> information. Within the Napster program, the User's Guide can be >>> accessed >>> through the Help button. However, this button was not accessible to me. >>> I >>> called technical support to ask if they could e-mail me the User's >>> Guide, >>> but they were not set up to do that. The representative directed me to >>> the >>> Quick Help links, but I had already tried that option. >>> >>> Napster has an e-mail form for obtaining help. There is also telephone >>> technical support. I had called them several times and never waited more >>> than a couple of minutes. One of the representatives I spoke to seemed >>> genuinely interested in how screen readers work. Without my asking, he >>> gave >>> me a verbal layout of the program and patiently walked me through how to >>> find and play tracks. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> Although some parts of Napster are not accessible, with determination >>> and >>> possibly a little sighted help, it is relatively easy to find, play, >>> download, or purchase music. There is often a lot of extra information, >>> not >>> related to the search, so just be aware of it. Also, remember that part >>> of >>> the page may not be accessible. >>> >>> Wal-Mart < >>> www.walmart.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Windows 2000 or XP. Available only in the United States. >>> >>> No, your screen reader is not having a breakdown. Wal-Mart has music >>> available for 88 cents per song. The music comes in the WMA protected >>> format. The web site states that over 1 million songs are available. >>> There >>> is current music and a good selection of other songs. The web site takes >>> some getting used to, but it is relatively easy to use. Besides, you can >>> do >>> some other online shopping while you're there. >>> >>> Registration >>> To download music, you will need to install Wal-Mart's Download Manager >>> software. You may need some sighted assistance with this operation. You >>> will >>> also have to create a Wal-Mart account. You do so through edit boxes and >>> a >>> few combo boxes. Once you have set up the account, you are ready to >>> shop. >>> >>> Getting Music >>>>From the home page, activate the Music link. When that page loads, >>>>activate >>>>the Downloads link. >>> >>> There are many links on the page, but just use form controls to find the >>> first control of the search form. Wal-Mart uses a standard form with an >>> edit >>> box; a combo box for artist, song, and so forth; and a Search button, >>> which >>> has a long link that ends with "search.gif." To find your results, use >>> your >>> form keys to locate the Search button and then arrow down. Depending on >>> your >>> search, you may need to arrow down through many links to find your >>> results. >>> If you arrow down too far or go to the bottom of the page and arrow up, >>> you >>> may see the words, "Thanks for your order, your songs are downloading >>> now." >>> This message is misleading. Until you have checked out, your songs will >>> not >>> download. If you did not install the software prior to checking out, >>> your >>> songs cannot download. >>> >>> Wal-Mart had the Mariah Carey CD, The Emancipation of Mimi, as well as >>> other >>> albums by Mariah Carey. I was able to find many other current songs, >>> including, "You're Beautiful," by James Blunt, and "My Humps," by the >>> Black >>> Eyed Peas. Above the song's title there is usually an unlabeled link >>> that >>> says something like "PR (0)." Selecting this link will play a clip of >>> the >>> song. Another way to hear a sample is to select the song's album link, >>> where, above each song, is a more clearly labeled link to play a sample. >>> >>> If you find a song that you want, you will need to figure out how your >>> screen reader adds it to your shopping cart. There is a link that ends >>> with >>> the phrase, "add to cart," and clicking on those words with your mouse >>> pointer usually adds it to the shopping cart. However, I found that it >>> sometimes takes several clicks or a click on the price (88 cents), which >>> is >>> located right above the link, to put the song in my cart. Although there >>> are >>> inconsistencies, with a little patience, the task can be accomplished. >>> If >>> you want to be sure that the song is in your cart, just arrow up the >>> page >>> to >>> the shopping cart. >>> >>> Once you have completed your shopping, it is time to check out. Here, >>> too, >>> the links may initially be confusing, but with a little practice, it is >>> not >>> too hard to navigate. Just below the search form is the information >>> about >>> your shopping cart. You will notice that it is in Shopping Mode. When >>> you >>> are ready to check out, just activate the link that says, Change. This >>> will >>> put you in Checkout Mode, and there will be a "log in" form. During the >>> checkout process, you will have the opportunity to remove any songs that >>> you >>> do not want. >>> >>> The songs will show up in the My Music folder in My Documents. They will >>> also be available in Windows Media player. The main folder will be >>> called >>> Downloads, and then each artist will have his or her own subfolder that >>> contains the downloaded song. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> Wal-Mart has a FAQ section that provides many answers. There is also >>> technical assistance by telephone. When I started working with the site, >>> I >>> called to check which file format Wal-Mart uses. The customer service >>> representative was helpful and answered all my questions. Live help is >>> available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a separate number to >>> call >>> if you are having problems with checkout. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> Although there are some unlabeled links and many links that may get in >>> the >>> way, this is still a good site. After a little practice, it is >>> relatively >>> easy to navigate, and the customer service representatives are willing >>> to >>> help. >>> >>> iTunes < >>> www.itunes.com> >>> >>> System Requirements >>> Windows XP is required for iTunes. iTunes uses Apple's proprietary .AAC >>> format. The iTunes music store is accessed through the iTunes software, >>> which is loaded onto your computer. This is the same software that comes >>> with the iPod, so no extra software installation is required. Even with >>> configuration files for Window-Eyes and JAWS, iTunes is not totally >>> accessible. >>> >>> Lists of top 10 songs in a wide variety of genres can be found at >>> <www.itunes.com >>>>. This site is the actual iTunes site and contains >>> information about various iPod products and software. It is a good place >>> to >>> start looking for songs if you are not sure what is current and popular >>> in >>> a >>> specific genre. There are links for all the genres and a genre combo-box >>> form. >>> >>> Registration >>> Before you can start making purchases in the iTunes music store, you >>> must >>> set up an account. This is not an easy feat. Window-Eyes did not read >>> all >>> the information and edit boxes, and there were times when I thought I >>> had >>> put the right information in a specific edit box, but it appeared in the >>> wrong place. Also, the Browse Mode in Window-Eyes controls did not work >>> in >>> iTunes. I needed sighted help to set up my music store account. >>> Fortunately, >>> when you set up the account, there is an option to have iTunes recognize >>> your computer, so you do not have to enter anything but your password if >>> you >>> want to buy tracks. >>> >>> Getting Music >>> The iTunes music store has many current songs, as well as older >>> material. >>> To >>> find a song, go to the Music Store item in the iTunes Source List and >>> press >>> Tab. You are now in an edit box. Type in the name of what you are >>> looking >>> for. If possible, use the name of the song to get the most accurate >>> results. >>> There is no combo box in the search form. After you enter the search >>> term, >>> press the Enter key. >>> >>> It was necessary for me to use the Window-Eyes mouse keys to read the >>> search >>> results. There was a lot of extra, unrelated information on the screen, >>> such >>> as the names of tracks that iTunes was featuring and a list of items in >>> my >>> iTunes source list. I was able to find the Mariah Carey song, "We Belong >>> Together," mixed in with other search results. >>> >>> It is important to make sure that you are in the right place and on the >>> right song before you buy it. Sometimes the screen is cluttered, and it >>> is >>> possible to click on a song with the same or similar title. iTunes will >>> show >>> the performer's name after the title and time of song. With Window-Eyes, >>> I >>> was able to play a short clip of the song by first using the mouse left >>> click key to highlight the name of the track and then pressing Enter. >>> >>> Once you choose a song that you want to buy, you will have to locate the >>> Buy >>> button, which is not clearly labeled. To find it, move your mouse >>> pointer >>> to >>> the last digit of a song's price, which is usually 99 cents so your >>> pointer >>> will be on the second 9. Next, move your pointer one space to the right. >>> Your screen reader may say the first letter of a different title, but >>> ignore >>> it and left click. If you are in the right place, you will be asked to >>> enter >>> your password. After you enter your password, tab to the Buy button and >>> hit >>> Enter. Your track will automatically download into your iTunes library. >>> >>> Getting Help >>> Within iTunes, there is a Help menu that can be accessed by typing >>> Alt-H. >>> I >>> found many instances in which the help descriptions involved clicking on >>> graphics. Telephone technical support is also available. >>> >>> The Bottom Line >>> Because of the way information is presented in iTunes, it can be >>> cumbersome >>> to navigate. Setting up the music store account is difficult, if not >>> impossible, with a screen reader. The main reason to use iTunes is that >>> its >>> proprietary .AAC format can be transferred directly to an iPod. >>> >>> In Short >>> eMusic is easy to use and delivers material in the universal MP3 format. >>> The >>> site does not have a lot of current music and does not carry materials >>> from >>> the major labels. After the free trial subscription, you must have a >>> paid >>> subscription to use the site. >>> >>> RealPlayer has current music and music from the major labels. The site >>> is >>> easy to use but delivers material in its own proprietary .RAX format. >>> This >>> format cannot be played by all portable players and CD burners or by >>> Windows >>> Media Player. This is a music store, not a subscription service. >>> >>> Rhapsody has current music and materials from the major labels. It >>> delivers >>> material in the WMA protected format. Rhapsody works well for streaming, >>> but >>> you must be on line to listen to your streamed music. It was impossible >>> to >>> buy tracks, and the technical support was poor and not helpful. Rhapsody >>> is >>> a subscription service and a music store. >>> >>> Napster has current music and material from the major labels. Material >>> is >>> delivered in the WMA protected format. Although Napster is initially >>> difficult to set up and not all features are accessible, it does work >>> well >>> for downloading music to your computer and purchasing music. You can >>> listen >>> to your downloaded music offline. It is easy to purchase tracks. >>> Technical >>> support is helpful. Napster can be used just as a music store, or it can >>> be >>> used as a subscription service with the ability to purchase tracks. >>> >>> Wal-Mart has a lot of current music, as well as material from the major >>> labels. Its tracks cost 88 cents each, rather than the usual 99 cents. >>> Wal-Mart's music is in WMA protected format. There are many extra links >>> on >>> each page of the web site, but with some patience and practice, the site >>> can >>> be easily navigated. Technical support is helpful. Wal-Mart is strictly >>> a >>> music store. >>> >>> iTunes has current music and material from the major labels. It uses >>> Apple's >>> proprietary .AAC format. When search results are displayed, a lot of >>> extra >>> information is also presented. This can be tough to handle. iTunes is >>> strictly a music store. >>> >>> Unfortunately, no single web site is totally accessible, has old and new >>> music from major record labels, and uses a format that is compatible >>> with >>> all portable players and CD burners. Of all the download sites reviewed, >>> however, my favorite is Napster. >>> >>> For More Information >>> To learn more about portable devices, not only the iPod, visit two pages >>> offered by Brian Hartgen: >>> >>> Portable Media Player Portal, <www/hartgen.org/portable.html>. >>> >>> On the page, you can find information about iPod configuration files for >>> Window-Eyes and JAWS and information about how to join the Blind iPod >>> mailing list. I found this list helpful. Some members of the mailing >>> list >>> use other portable devices than the iPod. >>> >>> The Portable Player Portal Blog, < >>> http://portableplayerportal.wordpress.com> >>> >>> >>> This blog is for posting new information and updates. >>> >>> The iPod Experience, by Anna Dresner, available from National Braille >>> Press >>> <www.nbp.org >>>> is an interesting, firsthand account of the author's >>> experience with the iPod Shuffle. The book also contains some useful >>> resources. >>> >>> >>> http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw070407 >>> ----- Original Message ----- >>> From: "Debbie G" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> To: <[email protected]> >>> Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 11:21 AM >>> Subject: [jaws-users] Downloading music sites >>> >>> >>>> Hi all, >>>> >>>> Do any of you know of any legal sites that people can download music >>>> and >>>> are accessible with Jaws? >>>> >>>> I don't remember if I asked this question before. >>>> >>>> Thanks in advance. >>>> Debbie >>>> Owner of a new group: >>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>>> >>>> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: >>>> http://www.jaws-users.com >>>> >>>> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List >>>> send a blank email to: >>>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>>> >>>> Visit the new archives page at the following address >>>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>>> Yahoo! Groups Links >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: >>> http://www.jaws-users.com >>> >>> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List >>> send >>> a blank email to: >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> Visit the new archives page at the following address >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> Yahoo! Groups Links >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: >>> http://www.jaws-users.com >>> >>> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List >>> send a blank email to: >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >>> >>> Visit the new archives page at the following address >>> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >>> Yahoo! Groups Links >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> >> >> >> Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: >> http://www.jaws-users.com >> >> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List >> send a blank email to: >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> Visit the new archives page at the following address >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: >> http://www.jaws-users.com >> >> For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List >> send a blank email to: >> [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> >> Visit the new archives page at the following address >> http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ >> Yahoo! Groups Links >> >> >> >> >> > > > > > Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: > http://www.jaws-users.com > > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List > send a blank email to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Visit the new archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: > http://www.jaws-users.com > > For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List > send a blank email to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Visit the new archives page at the following address > http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ > Yahoo! Groups Links > > > > > Visit the JAWS Users list home page at: http://www.jaws-users.com For a complete list of email commands pertaining to the JAWS Users List send a blank email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Visit the new archives page at the following address http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ Yahoo! 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