To help understand digital rights management lets take a look at online music of the past. Years ago millions of users would jump onto Napster and freely share music files without thought to copyright or other infringements. This didn't last long as Napster was forced to discontinue the illegal services.

The music industry recognized that customers want online access to music. To do this they had to ensure their content was protected. Specifically the industry wanted to limit usage of digital downloads.

People have very strong opinions on both sides as to whether or not DRM is needed, essential, or even fair. From a technical standpoint DRM practices have been circumvented again and again through the years.

So what does this mean for you? It has very distinct implications depending on the type of music download service you subscribe.

• Unlimited monthly download services such as Napster and Rhapsody rely on DRM to allow users access to million of songs for one low monthly price. The DRM protection allows you to listen on your PC and even transfer music to MP3 player and listen as long as you subscribe to the service. The key here is "as long as you subscribe". Once the subscription ends all the music you downloaded is rendered useless. This is the role of DRM.
• Song download services offer DRM and DRM-free tracks. When you pay per song or album downloaded you own the music whether or not DRM is applied. It simply limits the number of devices you can play it on. With services like Amazon Music and Wal-Mart Music offering all DRM-free tracks there's really no more reason to deal with DRM limitations for these downloads.

Clear as mud? I hope this article has shed some light on the use of DRM in digital music. In our opinion it has a valuable use for services like Napster and Rhapsody for offering unlimited access. For song downloads we definitely suggest DRM-free services. Even iTunes is coming around to DRM-free music with over 1 million tracks and counting.