The Internet is an extremely useful resource for obtaining information on any subject. A relatively new feature of the World Wide Web is the technology for sharing music in MP3 format. A popular site for downloading music “for free” is called Napster. This program allows people to share music files, discover new artists, and become part of the music community. Although Napster is controversial, the program should nevertheless remain accessible to Internet users and music lovers. Program supporter Marc Geiger states that "Napster is 'totally community oriented' ("Napster..."). It brings artists and fans together and can give struggling musicians a chance to be heard; that’s the goal of the program. “The more people listen to the songs, the more they want to buy the CD” (“Napster…”). Struggling musicians who don't make millions from a single CD are Napster's staunch supporters. Richardson promotes the good things about the software and tries to make upset artists understand that this program is for the little guys. “Its software aims to make it easier to find MP3 files on the Net” (RIAA). Another advantage of the program is that it makes it easier to find music files instead of having to search the entire World Wide Web. Napster is an MP3 file sharing program that allows users to share their music with each other. Anyone with a computer can download the program, sign the user agreement, and then start trading music. The program includes chat features, a list of top music shares, search capabilities, a chart showing file transfer status, a "library" and a help section. Chat rooms allow conversation between different users and display information about the people in the room. The search function allows the music consumer to search by song title, artist, bit rate, ping time and connection. The file transfer element of the program allows the client to see the amount of file downloaded, estimated time to complete the transfer, music host name, file size and file name (title song and artist generally). “Library” is a music file holder that sorts downloaded music files alphabetically. It provides a music player capable of playing an assortment of already downloaded music, chosen by the consumer, in any order. The program is easy to use and does not contain ...... middle of paper ...... on, Brad. “10 Big Copyright Myths Explained.” » http://www.templetons.com/brad//copymyths.html (November 26, 2000).OutlineI. IntroductionA. Background of mp3 and Napster1. What it is and how it works2. NapsterB support. Description of the programC. Founder of Napster1. Why he developed NapsterII. BodyA. Problems with Napster1. Pirated MP3 files2. Court case for copyright infringement3. Problems with the RIAAB defense. Bills Preventing Copyright Infringement1. Penalties for downloading unsecured filesC. Similarities between the Sony v. Universal Studios lawsuit and the Napster v. RIAAD lawsuit. Consequences for Napster if found guilty of copyright infringementE. Make record labels obsolete if Napster is to be abolished. Problems between the “digital divide”1. CommercialismIII. ConclusionA. Napster is a resource1. Connection between artist and fans2. People buy the CD after downloading a song from it)