Any good, free apps out there that can convert .m4a to .mp3? I've done some searching but can only seem to find shareware. (These are files that were ripped from CDs, not one's bought off the iTunes Store).
Yes, I would first change iTunes preferences so that it does not copy songs when added to library. Then change your importing preferences to MP3 (although I prefer AAC). Drag and drop m4a files on your library. Now, if you select all of those songs and right click on them, there will be an option that says: "convert selection to MP3".
I was thinking that too, but it isn't for my music, it's for a friends' library (He switched to a distro of Linux).