Ripping a CD is simply copying music from a compact disc (CD) to a computer. There are various software tools allowing one to rip a CD in minutes. Once the music is on the computer in file form, the format can be changed to accommodate anything from creating a personal “jukebox” list, to making compilations, to transferring files to portable MP3 players.

Many people who rip a CD archive the music files in a personal library on the hard disk. Over time, the music library grows. Keeping your music in an archive provides flexibility for more listening options. Soft jukeboxes, or software designed to play music, can play your current favorite tunes while you work or play on the computer.

Another great reason to rip a CD is to make a new CD using only the songs you like. This is called burning a CD. In the ripping process, you can choose to only copy certain songs, or you can rip a CD in full, then leave off the tunes you don’t want when you burn the new CD. Compile CDs that only feature the best songs in the order you want them. Combine artists and genres – it’s all up to you.

There are several popular programs for ripping and burning, and some are free. Many audio geeks claim one of the best free programs to rip a CD is Exact Audio Copy (EAC), though this program takes some configuration that may be beyond the skills of a novice. Nero Burning and Roxio are popular shareware programs for ripping and burning, and Microsoft’s Media Player version 10 is another free program that you can use to rip a CD.

Usually, when you rip a CD, you can choose what file format you would like for your resulting music files. The .wav file format is a better archive format than the .mp3 format, as .wav files are not compressed, offering better fidelity. If you intend to burn your music library to CD later, choose .wav files or a format of equal or better quality when you rip a CD.

If you only require .mp3 files, you can save a lot of hard disk room by archiving music files in this compressed format, but you will be sacrificing quality. Many CD players today recognize CDs with .mp3 files, but the loss of sound through compression becomes noticeable on a good stereo system versus a small portable MP3 player. If you aren’t an audiophile, you may not notice, but if something seems lacking, try ripping to .wav files, then burning to CD.