Insert the CD into the computer's CD drive. Sometimes this will cause a media player to automatically launch. If this happens, stop it from playing, and exit the media player.
Launch an audio ripping program by double-clicking the Windows Media Player icon, which appears in the Accessories section under the Start menu. Windows Media Player is included for free on all Windows operating systems.
Press the "Rip" tab at the top of Windows Media Player.
Check the boxes next the songs you want to convert.
Press the "Rip" button at the bottom of the screen. The program will then save the files to the Desktop as .WAV.
Direct the browser to Zamzar.com (see link in Resources). Zamzar is a free file conversion site where you simply upload the file using the "Upload" button. The site will then convert the file--temporarily storing it on its server--then email a download link to you. Zamzar supports WAV to MP3 conversion and will convert files up to 100MB for free.
Visit MediaConverter.org as an alternative (see link in Resources). Similar to Zamzar, Media Converter converts WAV to MP3 up to 100MB for free. This site allows you to set specific output options, such as bitrate adjustment and choosing a specific codec. You are not required to enter an email address because the site provides a direct download link in the browser window. Simply upload the file, click through the instructions and wait for the file to convert.
Use YouConvertIt for another option (see link in Resources). Much like Zamzar, YouConvertIt also e-mails the link to you once the conversion is complete. Just choose WAV from the pull-down menu, upload the video, select "MP3" as the output, and press "convert." Unlike the other sites, which allow one conversion at a time, YouConvertIt allows you to upload as many as five files at once. It offers free conversion of files up to 300MB.