Cell phone ringtones have emerged as a hot market. It's no wonder -- as more mobile phones fill the coffee shops and clubs, people are left wondering whose phone is ringing! A unique ring makes it easier to recognize your calls. But more importantly, custom ringtones are fun to hear.

Ringtones are inexpensive bits of entertainment; users opt for cheap monthly subscriptions or low pay-per-download services. Still, people wonder about free ringtones, and yes, they are available! First, many websites offer free ringtones as an incentive to try their services. Second, many free ringtones have been made of copyright-free songs. Finally, and for the more adventurous, free ringtones can be composed at home.

Of course, downloading copyright-free ringtones probably won't satisfy one's urge for the latest hit. Copyright-free songs in the US are mostly those recorded before 1922. Classical music, old folk tunes, the national anthem, and religious songs often fall into this category. However, contemporary artists occasionally release free ringtones for their promotional value. With so many people using custom ringtones, it's a cheap way to advertise a new song.

Composing free ringtones is an option for cell phone users with ringtone composers (also called melody composers). Composers are usually found on the "Settings" or "Tone Settings" menu of a phone. When the user selects "New tone" or "My melodies", they're able to key in a free ringtone. Many keypress sequences, or codes that you need to type for free ringtones, can be found online.

Whether you choose a free ringtone or pay for an inexpensive download for your Wireless phone, you'll find that downloading ringtones is easy. The most common method involves visiting a ringtone website on your home computer. Sample from thousands of ringtones, from Mozart to hip-hop to your favorite TV theme song. After you make a selection, you'll need to enter your cell phone number, model, and service provider.

Your phone will automatically alert you when your new ringtone arrives. You'll be prompted to listen to, store, or delete the new file. (Some phones might display a nonsense message. If this happens, choose "Options" to get the prompt.)

Use the new ringtone as your default ring, or assign it to a particular caller. That way, you'll know who's calling without even looking at your phone. After downloading just one ringtone, you'll see how easy and fun they can be!