In reply to "TheLonliestMonk" who wrote the following:
> I'm new to this group and not too clear on how to open the files I've
> downloaded. I have a Mac. Any help would be appreciated!
> --
I saw Fred's reply and I'll expand on it just a bit - because I'm not entirely
sure how much you understand about usenet files and playing them back on PC, Mac
or mobile devices.
Like Fred, I know little about Apple. However I do know that Macs know how to
deal with the common files downloaded which are:-
1. mp3 files - these make up the bulk of audiobook files and apart from the fact
there are usually a lot of them, sequentially numbered, they can be treated
exactly like mp3 music files. However to get the best out of audiobook files
they must be kept together, played in the right order and all devices will do
this. An added virtue of iTunes is that it will treat a collection of mp3 files
as if it were a normal Apple audiobook format (m4b etc) - if you tell it to do
so. Most mobile devices have bookmarking facilities (ie remembering where you
are up to) but iTunes adds its own on top for iPhones, iPods etc.
To get itunes to see an MP3 as an AUDIOBOOK.....
select track(s) in itunes -> go to "get info" -> go to "options" -> set "media
kind" to "audiobook" and the selected track(s) is(are) now an audiobook!
This means you don't have to convert mp3 to m4b.
iTunes will transfer the collected mp3 files to your mobile devices and you
might even be able to transfer them without iTunes. Probably most audiobooks are
listened to on mobile devices - it is more convenient to walk around with
earphones in/on than sit static in fron of a PC or Mac.
2. nfo files - These are text files with info about the book.
3. jpg files - Again perfectly normal jpg files usually a picture of the front
cover of the book.
4. par and par2 files. These are recovery files which mend or fix damaged mp3
files. No need to download these if the mp3 files are complete and undamaged
which is usually the case. If, however, the mp3 files are labelled "incomplete"
by your newsreader/news downloader then you will need to download some par
files. I have no idea how Macs deal with par files but google will probably tell
you. Your Mac will probably tell you what to do if you click on a par file. I
have seeen something called MacPar deluxe which obviously deals with pars. It
may be a paid for app so look for a free one.
5. rar files. These are quite common in some newsgroups and I'm sure you know
how to deal with this "zip" format. Your Mac or PC will know. rar has the
potential to be dangerous so scan rar files before opening them.
If you have a specific difficulty please ask again giving details of what you
cannot do.
lanky
--
----------------------------------------- --- -- -
Posted with NewsLeecher v7.0 Final
Free Newsreader @ http://www.newsleecher.com/
------------------------------- ----- ---- -- -
|
|