New Music-- New Language

Encoding - the process of converting a "ripped" file into MP3 format. (Programs that do this are called "encoders.")

Liquid Audio - another popular digital music format. Record companies often use this format because it can be set to expire, after which a listener must pay to keep the sound file.

MP3 - shorthand for "MPEG Audio Layer 3," a digital audio file format that allows the exchange of music over the Internet.

Ripping - the act of extracting a track directly from a CD and storing it on your hard drive. (Computer programs that do this are called "rippers.")

Streaming - a process by which sound files play almost instantly while downloading. This process, used primarily for Internet radio, typically does not create permanent files.