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When considering music identification software, Tunatic.com is by far the simplest to obtain. It is windows/macintosh compatible freeware, and only requires a simple download.
Its’ current version 1.0.1b 2005 is also one of the older apps. Upon opening it, a “Tunatic ready” window appears above a line in the center of that window, and below that line it reads: “Click to identify song”(magnifying glass).

That line is actually a sound wave which lets you know the app is receiving the signal for the song you wish to name. Simply connect your mic as input to your computer, turn it on and play the song. You should see the sound wave line distort to let you know it’s receiving the signal, if not, it tells you to adjust your mic volume. If the song is in Tunatic’s database, within a minute or so it will give you the name.

I’ve been able to use it for internet radio streams as well as stand alone music tracks in my library. An arrow link also appears that when clicked, links you to buying the song, getting the lyrics, or obtaining a ringtone. The database contains about 2 million songs, which is probably good enough for most popular tunes. This app also makes available as an adjunct funtionality “Tunalyzer” which allows you to add your music library to its’ database. These are the tools I use, but there are more(mac only) which may appeal to you. See the website for more info.

Musipedia.org is an interesting music identification search engine, in that its’ approach has several paths one can choose. It is probably best used by those interested in music theory, which isn’t meant to scare you off, and is not to say you have to be musically proficient, but it can be of help.

This app is based on the “Melodyhound” melody search engine. Songs may be entered with:

A mic to record singing or whistling the melody(though whistling is recommended).

A javascript or flash piano which you can play the notes, or select to play them thru their computer’s keyboard.

Use the mouse to “draw notes” of a melody to a supplied grid to search.

The “melodic contour” by means of the Parson’s code, in which you type the melody as: U=up, D=down, and R=repeat. There is also a keyword option as well.

And lastly, rhythm by tapping to the beat of the song with your computer key(s).

Admittedly, it’s kinda geeky to use this engine, but I like it, what about you?

MusicID2 For Your Cell Phone.

Powered by GraceNote MusicID service, whose database is by far the most extensive with regard to the number of songs(90 million worldwide) that can be accessed for naming purposes. It was formerly CDDB(compact disc data base), and was acquired by the Sony Corporation in 2008.

Winamp, LaLa, Spotify, TuneUp, Pandora,iTunes, Yahoo Music, AOL…all the well known music apps use their cd track id services.

Guess what? If you have a blackberry,you may just need to activate it. MusicID2 and can be accessed directly by clicking on the big blue note symbol, or under Music Apps. Unfortunately, this isn’t completely free. You have to subscribe first at $2.99 month. A 3 day trial period(the end of which you must monitor or be charged ) comes with the subscription, and the monthly service can be cancelled anytime through customer service.

AT&T is the exclusive provider, and it can also be used with the iPhone and 50+ other handhelds.

Using MusicID2 is stupid simple. Open the application, click “identify”, and hold it near the sound source. In about 20-30 seconds it will return the tracks name, artist, links for bio, similar tracks, purchase etc. ID-ing radio tracks should be a piece of cake. Depending on how niche based your music tastes are will have a bearing on how effective your other types of queries will be.