Alternatives to the MP3 Format

MP3 is not the only format available to computer uses, other formats that are commonly used for audio files include:

• AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)
• AU (Audio Files)
• RA (Real Audio)
• OGG (Ogg Vorbis)
• WAV (Waveform)

The reason why MP3 has become the standard format for audio storage is that it used by the majority of today's major computer systems from PC to Macintosh and by a wide range of hardware and software, and because the file sizes can be so small in comparison to other formats.

Other formats like AU and AIFF are commonly only used on UNIX-based systems and as such limit their acceptability in the world-wide market.

Format Conversion

With so many types of format for audio files on computers available you may be worried about getting stuck in the Betamax versus VHS trap of many years ago.

It's true that there are many formats out there; however, changing between these formats is actually relatively simple. There are many software applications out there that are designed to help you convert the format of files with relative ease and with little knowledge needed on your part.