How the iTunes Music Store Works

Through the rest of the chapters in this part of the book, you will learn how to use the iTunes Music Store in detail. For now, read through the following sections to get an overview of this amazing tool.

Getting an Account

To purchase music from the iTunes Music Store, you need an account (you don't need an account to browse the store or preview music). This account lets you charge music you purchase and prevents you from having to enter your information each time you visit the store. After you create and configure your iTunes Music Store account, you sign in to the store automatically so you don't need to think about it again.

tip

You can use your iTunes Music Store account to log in to the store from any iTunes-equipped computer. You don't need to have an account to subscribe to podcasts.

Accessing the Store

Accessing the store is as easy as clicking the Music Store source in the iTunes Source List (see Figure 23.1). The iTunes Music Store will fill the Content pane, and you can begin browsing or searching for music.

Figure 23.1. When you shop at this store, you don't need to worry about parking.

Browsing or Searching for Music

You can use the iTunes Music Store's tools to browse for music by genre, artist, or other attributes. This is a good way to explore the store to look for music you might be interested in but might not be aware of. You can also search for music using the iTunes Search tool, which becomes the Search Music Store tool when the Music Store Source is selected (see Figure 23.2).

Figure 23.2. You can use the familiar iTunes Search tool to search for music in the iTunes Music Store.

Previewing Music

When you find a song in which you are interested, you can play a preview of it. The preview typically consists of 30 seconds of the song. This can help you decide whether the song is really one you want.

Buying and Downloading Music

When you find songs you want to add to your iTunes Library, you can buy and download them with a few mouse clicks. The music you buy is automatically placed in a special playlist called Purchased Music (see Figure 23.3).

Figure 23.3. As you can see, I have had no trouble finding music to purchase from the iTunes Music Store.

What Happens to Music You Buy?

When you purchase music, it is automatically placed in your iTunes Library. From there, with a few minor exceptions, you can do the same things with iTunes Music Store music as you can with music from CDs you purchase.