Usage Tip: DRM/protection, font jagginess, previews in iTunes 4

This usage tip was posted to the new user feedback section at VersionTracker, our sister site, by mkincaid.

"There is no DRM (digital rights management) or protection of any kind on ripped tracks, whether MP3 or AAC. Protection applies only to Music Store tracks. Let me say that again - the 3-Macs and 10-playlist-burns restrictions apply ONLY when you purchased the tracks from the Music Store.

"The solution to the font jagginess bug is to go into System Preferences: General and change the "smooth text below" font size option to 8. Then change it back to wherever you want.

"Some of the previews appear to be erroneously posted at bad quality. Don't assume the track you will get sounds bad, even though the preview might. Also, don't assume 128kpbs AAC must be bad/inadequate; it's not equivalent to 128kbps MP3. It sounds as good as 192kbps MP3 or better. Try some tests (preferably double-blind) for yourself.

"International users, please realize that Apple may not be to blame; they have pretty strict distribution agreements with the labels. iTunes is Carbon (but does it really matter?)"

Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.

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