Software to make audio files (MP3's etc)

[tpkdrummer]

OK, so I recorded and mixed the final version and burned it to CD. Now I want to make it available to others on my webpage at www.energy-escape.com.

I put the CD in my PC and can't copy the audio file as is. So I use the only available program on my PC to record it - MS Sound Recorder. When I save the file it is in .WAV format.

What is the best format to store finished songs in on the PC and/or internet? I know MP3 is very popular.

If MP3 is the way to go, what software should I use to create the MP3 files? Are there any free software out there to do this? Are some better than others?

[David Katauskas]

I like this one...and it's cheap.
http://www.acezsoft.com/

[scrubs]

If you have windows, you should have Windows Media Player, which can encode mp3s from .wav files. iTunes is also free.

[bennychico11]

my vote is for Itunes, WMP sucks for importing files
and don't use Microsoft Sound Recorder for importing your files.