Download a free music software program for your computer. Apple's iTunes (apple.com/itunes) and Windows Media Player (windows.microsoft.com) is compatible with most MP3 players, and Windows Media player comes standard with all Windows computers. If you have an iPod, download iTunes to your laptop's hard drive and install the program. ITunes will import and organize your iPod's music for you without charge.
Plug your music device into your computer using a USB port (if you have the cords available). You can purchase USB cords from local electronics stores if you do not have one with your music playback device. Your default music program will open and you will be prompted to import and organize your music.
Choose the program with which you would like to import your music. The program will load and begin importing your songs and music as well as other media files. Once the import is complete, you will be able to listen to and stream your own music from your media player on your computer.
Open your computer's default Internet browser (such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome) and visit a popular music-streaming website. Some of these well-known music websites include Groove Shark (grooveshark.com), Playlist (playlist.com) and Pandora (Pandora.com). These websites are free and legal to use for anyone with Internet access.
Locate the search bar on the music-streaming website of your choice. Enter the band or song title you would like to listen to and click "Search" to begin browsing the website's music database. You can also join the website to save and create your own music playlists and favorite other users' playlists and song choices. This can help you save new music and expand your musical tastes.
Choose the song you would like to listen to from the online-streaming website you've chosen. Click on the title of the song or choose "Play" to begin streaming the song over your laptop's Internet connection. If you join the website, you will unlock additional features, such as adding the song to a playlist.