MP3 or MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 is a patented audio technology benchmark and compressing format. It compresses audio files to about one-twelfth of the original size, based on lossy data compression, and also maintains the same quality of audio playback. It was created by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) as a component of its MPEG-1 standard.

MP3 files first gained popularity because of its free availability on the internet. The small file size and the ease of conversion of CD audio files into MP3 files helped peer to peer music file sharing become prevalent.

The first large-scale peer to peer filesharing network site called Napster was started in 1999. Peer to peer filesharing of course led to rampant copyright infringement. The music industry contends that the free distribution of music has decreased their sales and has termed music filesharing as music piracy. Despite these efforts by industry and government alike, the popularity of MP3 files and music filesharing has only increased. Taking a cue from consumers, many record companies now have their own online music stores which offer MP3 music files at an affordable price. Some independent artists distribute their music online free of cost.How to Convert MP3 to Ringtone

How to Convert MP3 to Ringtone

A ring tone is a sound made by a telephone or mobile phone to alert users of an incoming call or text message. There are mostly paid and a few free MP3 to ring tone converter software available online today. The paid converters allow users to convert MP3 songs free of cost for a limited timeline. For example you will find converters that will allow you to convert a MP3 file into a 5 second ring tone. Some sites offer online services as well. You can run a search on www.freedownloadcenter.com or download.cnet.com for MP3 to ring tone converters. You can visit www.iwfr.net/mp3toringtone/ for free online conversion of MP3 to ring tone.

Today most mobile phones support MP3 and you can directly set a MP3 song as a ringtone.