Downloading is a great way to broaden your horizons as practiclly anything can be found on the internet, i will often hear of a band from friends/music boards etc that people reccomend.

So i will usually run a search for them listen to a few tracks if I like what I am hearing, then I will go out and buy there stuff.

If I dont like what I heard there's no big loss.

I realise there's a bunch of people who don't agree with the downloading music thing especially through the free sites, but i belive there are quite a few bands out there, that wouldn't of had the esposure/success they have if it wasn't for people sharing there music online and thus spreading the word.

As for rentals this must be a fairly new thing? but will work to pretty much the same effect if you like the music you are renting, you will more inclined to go out and buy there stuff and support the artist/band in the traditional manor.