Ripping CDs

I am learning how to set up my mp3 player with podcasts and playlists. Here is the first step for getting my CDs onto my mp3 player. First, I have to build a CD library on my computer. I am using Windows Media Player which came installed on my computer.

1. Open Windows Media Player.
2. Click Rip which is listed in the bar along the top.
3. Put a CD you own in the CD drive on your computer.
4. Wait for the window to show the listing for the CD you inserted.
5. Here's the tricky part: Some CDs do not have the information about tracks, artists, etc stored on them that can be read by Windows Media player so the listing in the window will come up with Unknown.
6. If configured appropriately, and you are connected to the internet, Windows Media Player will do a lookup of missing information and load the details.
7. After waiting a few seconds, that doesn't automatically change to list the actual artist and songs etc from the CD you inserted, then you will have to change a setting on your computer.
8. Once the rip is finished, remove the CD and look at the library view. You will see your CD listed under All Music Album Artist.
9. Now you are ready to rip another CD.

Technically speaking this process converts the digital track on the CD to an mp3 file on your computer.