Locate or download a digital media program with CD-copying abilities. Mac users may find iTunes already on their computer (Macintosh HD > Applications > iTunes) and Windows users should find Windows Media Player on the Start menu. If you cannot find one of these programs, you can download either one for free online, or you can download an alternative free program like Media Monkey or WinAmp.
Insert a CD into your computer's CD/DVD drive. Depending on the type of computer you own, it may appear as a slot through which you slide the disc, or a tray on which you place the disc.
Open your selected CD-ripping software and locate your CD. The CD should appear as a title in the left column of your software, or directly in the center of your software window. If you click the title, you will see a list of songs, indicating the CD's track listing.
Select the songs that you want to rip. By default, every song on the list should have a check mark directly to the left of the title, indicating that the song is pre-selected for ripping. If you to rip the whole CD, leave each song checked. If you want to rip only certain songs, uncheck the songs that you wish to ignore, or check the titles that you wish to rip (in the event that none of the boxes appear checked).
Click the "Import," "Rip" or "Copy" button. This usually appears on the right side of the software window, sometimes near the lower right corner. In some cases, you may need to select it from the menu bar or tool bar (if using a program like Media Monkey). The songs will then copy to your hard drive, and save in your program's main media library.
Click your "Library" folder at any time to view your ripped songs. Depending on the software, this folder may appear in the left column (such as with iTunes) or near the top of the software window (such as with Windows Media Player). You can then save your songs onto playlists (like organized folders) by selecting the "New Playlist" or "Create Playlist" option and dragging the song titles onto the folder that subsequently appears.