| Aside from text messaging, ringtones are probably | | | | the ringtones from the same carrier providing the |
| one of the most popular features used on cell phones | | | | cellular service and cell phone itself. This is the simplest |
| today as people try to personalize their device. For this | | | | method because it is easy to determine which |
| reason, understanding some basic information about | | | | ringtones are compatible with the particular cell phone |
| ringtones such as what types are available, where to | | | | model used, obtain accurate instructions, and assure |
| get them, and what to be aware of when obtaining | | | | that there is no malware involved. Most wireless |
| them can be important for those less familiar with the | | | | carriers will charge a small fee for ringtones without |
| use of non-standard ringtones. | | | | any further obligations to purchase more. |
| The ringtones on a cell phone are simply the sound | | | | An online search on "free ringtones" will also reveal a |
| that is heard alerting someone to an incoming call. Alert | | | | huge number of sites where additional ringtones can |
| tones are the name given to the tone heard alerting a | | | | be downloaded. DADA Mobile and Jamster are two |
| user to a text message or voice mail. Cell phone users | | | | such sites. However, it is important to consider several |
| like to use unique, personalized ringtones to help them | | | | things when going this route: |
| identify when their cell phone, versus another person's | | | | Will the ringtone downloaded be free from malware? |
| phone, is ringing in a crowd. They can also be used to | | | | Will the ringtone work with the particular cell phone |
| identify specific callers when the user sets up different | | | | model and network? |
| ringtones for the various people in their contact list. | | | | Has the site observed applicable copyright laws? |
| Thus, the variety of ringtones in use is not just for | | | | Read the fine print. Even with free ringtones, the user |
| vanity, but indeed has a functional aspect. | | | | needs to be aware of whether or not they are |
| There are many different terms used to describe the | | | | committing to making future purchases for their cell |
| various types of cell phone ringtones, but the most | | | | phone. |
| common types include: | | | | Not all cell phones are capable of supporting MP3 file |
| Monotone: These ringtones are a single note; the audio | | | | ringtones. The software necessary for downloading |
| quality is quite limited. | | | | the files is included with some cell phone models, while |
| Polyphonic: These ringtones consist of multiple tones | | | | for others it would need to be downloaded from the |
| playing simultaneously to form a melody. The audio | | | | internet. |
| quality is significantly better than with monotone | | | | Some cell phones have a feature to allow users to |
| ringtones. | | | | compose their own ringtone. Reading through the |
| MP3: These ringtones are actually MP3 audio files; | | | | owners manual should provide the user with this |
| excerpts from songs. | | | | information and provide instructions on how to |
| Real Sound: These ringtones are not music but are a | | | | accomplish the task. For cell phones without this |
| wide variety of sounds such as horns, sirens, bird calls, | | | | capability, the other option is to obtain the computer |
| racing engines, etc. | | | | software necessary for composing a ringtone and to |
| Most cell phones come with pre-loaded ringtones | | | | then download it to the cell phone. Data cables or |
| which the user can select. In addition, cell phone users | | | | some type of internet connection would obviously be |
| can download additional ringtones from the internet, | | | | necessary to complete this process. |
| compose their own, or send them to friends. To | | | | Ringtones are not a necessity, but they are also useful |
| download ringtones a user simply needs an internet | | | | in some situations and certainly can add some |
| capable cell phone and a plan that allows internet | | | | personality to a cell phone. Luckily the cost is generally |
| access. | | | | minimal as long as the user assures they are not |
| The simplest way to download ringtones to a cell | | | | making a commitment to ongoing purchases. |
| phone is to go to the wireless provider's site and select | | | | |