aint come across this file before. (m4a) what type is it? whats it mean? can i play/burn this type of file

.mp3 is MPEG-2 Layer 3

.m4a is MPEG 4

It's an audio format.

You can both burn and play this type of file (with adequate codecs, that is)

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iMac G4 OSX 10.3.9
RAM 256MB
LW 4.10.5 Basic
ADSL anything from 3 to 8Mbps/around 1024kbps

"Raise your can of Beer on high
And seal your fate forever
Our best years have passed us by
The Golden Age Of Leather"
-Blue Öyster Cult-

thanks, so where do i get the codec should i need them to play and burn this type of file?

My personal suggestion would be to dld and use iTunes from www.apple.com (it's free) since it supports playlists and is supported by LW, pus it can burn and play .m4a and many many other file formats.
However I have no idea if it's any good for PCs so if anyone can recommend other apps then fine by me.

__________________
iMac G4 OSX 10.3.9
RAM 256MB
LW 4.10.5 Basic
ADSL anything from 3 to 8Mbps/around 1024kbps

"Raise your can of Beer on high
And seal your fate forever
Our best years have passed us by
The Golden Age Of Leather"
-Blue Öyster Cult-

I Tunes can create and switch many different formats ie. M4A to MP3. If you purchase music from I tunes though, you will not be able to share it. Only the songs converted from your CD's or imported MP3's can be shared.