What is an MP3?

An MP3 stands for MP-1 Audio Layer-3.  MP3s are the most common type of music file available today.  Their popularity stems from the fact that they are small files, yet have incredibly high audio quality. 

MP3s produce the same sound quality as many other file formats, while taking up much less disc space.  For example, 12 MP3 files take up the same amount of space as just one WAV file.  Multiply that by 100 song files, and that’s a lot of saved space.

How are MP3s So Small in Size?

MP3s use a specific process for stripping all of the unnecessary information from the music files without affecting the sound quality.  There is information within sound files that the human ear does not even pick up on.  By taking away these inaudible layers, compressing the necessary components, and then decompressing these files, the MP3 can be listened to as a small file without even noticing a difference in the audio quality.  This process of compressing and decompressing is commonly known as CODEC. 

How are MP3s Played and Stored?

MP3s must be played and stored through an MP3 player.  Most computers today come with an MP3 player installed; however they are easy to download if your computer does not have one.  A broadband Internet connection can certainly help in the downloading of MP3s to your computer. 

There are also portable MP3 players that hold MP3s and play them through headphones.  However, most portable MP3 players do not hold more than 10 or 12 songs.  Portable MP3 players are being outdated by the currently popular iPod.