What is a file format?

A file’s “format” is used to encode information about a digital file. Different formats are supported by different computers, devices, applications, and operating systems.

Some of the formats you may find in our service include:

• MP3: An MP3 is a basic audio file. It can be played on all players and most devices – since it is not used in conjunction with encryption and DRM, it enjoys ubiquitous support by software and hardware components. The majority of our music files will be MP3s.
  
• WMA: WMA stands for Microsoft's "Windows Media Audio" file format. The WMA format can be played using supported software (such as Windows Media Player) and devices. These files are not compatible with Mac operating systems.
  
• WMV: WMV stands for Microsoft’s “Windows Media Video” file format. These files are similar to WMAs except are videos rather than simply music/media files.
  
• m4v: M4V is an MPEG 4 Video file. These files can be played in iTunes.
  
• JPEG and GIF: JPEGs and GIFs are graphical file formats used for images. Wallpapers and screensavers are normally in JPEG and sometimes also in GIF. AIM Icons are normally small GIF thumbnails.