Technical help please.
 

Hi everyone, the kids have flown, so myself and a friend are looking to get back playing live, using mp3 backing tracks and a laptop. We have guitars amps and mikes. Thing is, we don't know about the techi stuff what kind of programme do we need to get started? Quick ways of choosing tracks etc.
Hope someone can help,
Many thanks,
Tim.

Laptop/(Any) MP3 Player > Headphone Out > PA/Amp

You may need an 1/8" to 1/4" adapter, but other than that it's fairly simple.

Hi Plankton, when you say any MP3 player, I was going to play the MP3s through the laptop. Is using an outside player different, or more controllable?
Cheers,
Tim.

As long as it has a "Headphone" jack, you'd be able to use it. Laptops, Cell Phones, MP3 Players, iPads, iPods, anything. All you have to do is grab a cord and plug it in, then hit play and start jammin. The 'Control' is whatever player style interface you're comfortable with. Not sure what you're plugging into for your output (Amp/PA), but in most cases this scenario will work.

The one obstacle you might not be familiar with is the plug size. Laptops, MP3 Players, Cell Phones, etc. come with an 1/8" output, and most amps/PA systems have 1/4" input/output (as well as other types, but 1/4" is a standard), so head to somewhere like Radio Shack and grab an 1/8" to 1/4" adapter/chord.

Here ya go:
6-Ft. Shielded Cable, 1/4" Plug to 1/8" Plug - RadioShack.com

Thank you Plankton, really useful information. Didn't think it would be that simple.
Tim.

Glad I could help. :)