what is the best way to remove DRM from downloaded music..?

I have not used those programs or had any problems with DRM because I try not to use windows media. Here is a list of several programs some of which are free, and worth a shot.

http://www.downloadatoz.com/free-from-drm-protecti...

Also avoid vista

http://badvista.fsf.org/

According to this on the Tunebite site:

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Tunebite: The DRM killer – A legal license to convert

Instead of illegally defeating copy-protection measures, Tunebite uses an innovative, technically optimized process that records original files as they play and legally saves the recordings in unprotected digital formats. All three Tunebite editions convert copy-protected music and audio books stored in the WMA, M4P, M4B and M4A formats. Tunebite Platinum additionally converts copy-protected films and videos stored in the WMV and M4V formats.

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It converts by recording as the file plays and then re-encoding. You will get the exact same quality by burning the files to CDs and re-ripping, and that's free.

It appears to be the same deal with Soundtaxi.

Actually - anything that says it doesn't strip the DRM ("Instead of illegally defeating copy-protection measures"), will be this way.

I suppose if you have a ton of music, it may help to have a program to automate the process. But, just be clear that not only will the quality will take a big hit, it's essentially the same result as burning and re-ripping.

Some notes on transcoding (which is essentially what this process is, going from compressed audio to uncompressed, then back again):

http://www.andrewdavidson.com/articles/transcoding...

I know what you are going thought. I have an ipod and I did have a Sansa. What I do is use a program called NoteBurner to change songs purchased from itunes into MP3's.

Its like a one time fee of $35.00. What it does is create a virtual CD burner on you computer and converts the songs into MP3's. Its a super simple program and I use it all the time.

No, you already bought it so it is already your music. they cant that away from. plus you have a proof of purchase. you don't need to worry. but if you do worry about just burn the music then add it again on your computer.