The second part of the question is I would like to use an online music
source like napster, itunes or the likes. What services are the most
GNU\Linux friendly?
I use allofmp3.com. It complies with all Russian intellectual
property laws. The selection is good, the quality is very good,
and anything can be downloaded in ogg format. (there's your
linux-friendly bit, I guess).
As for the legality of it all, I have read and read, and can't figure
it out. A close friend who is an IP attorney for a big company
won't give me a definative answer, either. He won't say it's
illegal, anyway.
My daughter just paid for, and downloaded, 10 CDs worth of MP3 @ 192Kb and spent, I think, $28.
HTH -- Craig