When ripping CDs, make a backup

From a reader: “I would like to know how I can rip my old CDs and not lose them when I get a new computer. I have ripped them once before using iTunes but didn’t realize they were stored on my PC and were then gone when I got a new one. Fortunately, I still have the CDs but would like to get rid of them. What can I do to permanently have these CDs in a digital format?”

Well, you were on the right track, but iTunes makes it too easy to just let it handle all the details.

First, for those of you who are new to this topic, ripping CDs means copying the music files off compact discs so you can play the music from your computer or other devices like your phone or tablet.

I’m guessing you’ve heard of MP3s, which is a type of a file format for song files. And iTunes is an Apple program for organizing and playing music.

Apple no longer has an app for Macs called iTunes. The app is now just called Music, and it’s part of the Mac operating system. You should be able to find it in your Mac’s dock (its icon is a music note). Windows users can still use iTunes. Apple iTunes and Music apps can rip CDs and play back the music on your Mac or Windows PC.

Here’s the important part: After you rip the CDs, the song files are stored on your computer.

First, take note of the location of your music library. If you want to make sure you don’t lose the files, copy them to a flash drive or external hard drive so you can move them to your next computer.

On your PC or Mac, look in your home directory for a folder called Music, and then look inside for a folder called iTunes and then inside iTunes Media.

You’ll find the music files there so you can make copies.

Also, you don’t have to use Apple software. Windows users can use Windows Media Player to rip CDs.

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Jim Rossman writes for The Dallas Morning News. He may be reached at jrossman@dallasnews.com.