Go to the iTunes website (see Resources) to download the latest version of the software for Windows operating systems. Mac users should scroll farther down the page for download instructions. ITunes is the most popular way to purchase music for MP3 players.
Once the software has been installed locally to your computer, click the "iTunes Store" link to the left to browse the latest available music, or use the search box to find specific artists and titles. Buying music from iTunes requires setting up an account including username, password, a valid email address and credit card information.
Clicking the "Sign in" button in the upper right-hand corner of the iTunes store will prompt you to create a new account or sign into an existing one. Click the "Create New Account," button and follow the prompts to complete account setup.
Once an account has been set up and the user has found a song or two to purchase, buying is as simple as clicking the "Buy Now" button located next to the song. When the song has completely downloaded, click the "Purchased" link on the left to view, play, move the song to a playlist or burn the song to CD.
Because glitches can occur within the iTunes software that could result in the loss of purchased music, it is best to immediately back up purchased songs by burning them to a disc. Place a blank disc suitable for music files inside the computer's internal or external CD/DVD burner, and click the "Burn to disc" button located at the bottom right of the "Purchased" screen. Or, click "Preferences" under the top menu, then "Advanced" and "Burn" to get to the burn options pop-up screen. All selected songs will be burned to the disc.