Audiogalaxy

For Windows

Audiogalaxy Satellite is one the most popular applications to search for and download MP3s. Its main attractions are its small size and low processor usage. On the flip side, the Satellite server sometimes refuses connection because of too much traffic. 

Installation is quite straightforward. If you are not already a member of Audiogalaxy, it allows you to register when you run it for the first time. You will need to fill some details like user name, e-mail, password, proxy settings, and the city and country you live. If you already are a member, simply log in to get started. The satellite sits quietly in the background in your system tray. You can also share folders on your computer, from which people can upload MP3s. To search for and add songs to your queue, you will have to go to their website. The satellite downloads songs one by one from your queue, as and when they become available. A good feature for home users is that it supports file resuming. Beware of legal implications while downloading MP3s.

For Linux

Installation is simple. You just have to copy the AGSatellite0520-statuc.tar.gz file to any folder on your system and untar the file, which creates a folder called AGSattelite0520. Before you can start using the satellite you have to create two files called account.txt and shares.txt, in this particular folder. The file ‘account.txt’ contains the e-mail that you used to register with audiogalaxy and your password. ‘Shares.txt’ contains the path to the folder you want to share with other users, and store MP3s you download. Once that is done, the satellite is started by running a script. The satellite now connects to the central server, and downloads songs, which are in your queue. To add MP3s to your queue, go to www.audiogalaxy.com and search for songs and add them to your queue. After each song, it displays a line containing the name of the downloaded file and the average download speed for that file.

Sachin Makhija