Transferring a Windows Media Music File to iTunes
October 15, 2008
by Walter S. Mossberg
Here are a few questions I’ve received recently from people like you, and my answers. I have edited and restated the questions a bit, for readability.
Is there a way to transfer a Windows Media music file to iTunes?
If the Windows Media file is copy-protected, typically because you bought it from an online store that copy-protects its music, iTunes cannot import or play it. However, if it is unprotected, which is typical for files you created from your own CDs using Windows Media Player, iTunes can import the file and automatically convert it into a format it can use.
I would like to purchase an iPhone, but run it on the Verizon network. I realize that AT&T has an exclusive at this time, but is there a way to do this on the secondary market?
No. The radio inside the iPhone is incompatible with the network technology used by Verizon and Sprint. That cannot be changed by hacking the software, or replacing the SIM card in the phone.
I need to buy a new laptop computer and am wondering if you think Vista is wise at this point or should I still stick with Windows XP if I can find it? I only do emails, browsing the net and some downloading of music and photos. I am retired and don’t know much about computers.
Vista easily handles the tasks you want to do, but it will require heftier hardware to work at acceptable speeds, and, assuming you are used to working with XP, Vista will require you to learn some new things. If you buy XP, you can get away with a more modestly equipped computer, and you will be working with a more familiar interface. So, in your particular situation, I would suggest an XP machine. But I urge you to make sure it gets upgraded to the latest revision, called SP3, which bolsters the security of XP, so it is closer to that of Vista. Depending on your setup, this upgrade may be delivered automatically by Microsoft, but you may have to agree to accept it.
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Comments
“Is there a way to transfer a Windows Media music file to iTunes?”
Mr. Mossbergs answer is only right for Windows users.
Silly Apple leaves their own Mac-users in the cold.
Itunes on the Mac is NOT able to convert WMA files to a format that iTunes understands.
Itunes on the Mac IGNORES WMA files completely.
Oh, Steve, how stupid can a Company be …?
Posted by Fredo Medys at October 17th, 2008 at 9:28 amRegarding the question about purchasing a new laptop, the oft stated need for heftier hardware to run Vista is terribly overdone. Any Intel Core 2 Duo processor will do the job (as Walt has stated elsewhere). Integrated graphics will handle Vista Aero and productivity software nicely. Vista runs best with 2 GB of RAM; RAM is so cheap that this adds little to the cost of a machine.
A legitimate complaint is Vista’s longer bootup times, but the OS’s power management features (sleep, hibernate) are so much better that I rarely reboot anyway.
Computer mfgs sometimes sell sluggish machines because they load them with all sorts of crapware. These you would want to uninstall. Some mfgs offer the option to buy a crapware free machines, unfortunately only on some models though. You may want to look into this option.
Vista today is not the same as it was just after its release. SP1 has improved the OS and hardware mfgs have caught up by releasing stable drivers.
It is sometimes said that Vista offers no new features over XP. This simply isn’t true. Please read this.
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/xpsp3_02.asp
Something else to consider. Be sure that the mfgs of your peripherals (e.g. printer) have released Vista-compatible drivers. Old third-party software? It may work on Vista, may not. You might have to pay for a Vista-compatible upgrade.
I noted your comment that you are retired and don’t know that much about computers. Perhaps the safe choice would be to stay with the familiar. Problem is, it won’t be that easy to find an XP laptop.
Frankly, I don’t think that you will find the Vista-learning curve that difficult. Maybe you will need a more tech-savvy friend or relative to help you get started, but I doubt that your brain is frozen.
You will do just fine, I’m sure.
Posted by David Prozzo at October 20th, 2008 at 7:25 am