Rock on, Penn State.

Finally, the university's file-sharing service, Napster, has taken a step in the right direction.

Recently, Napster has made the decision to allow local bands to download their recorded music on the system, giving any student who uses the Napster service access to their songs. Now, students can listen to music that fellow Penn State students are producing.

It's about time.

Since its debut about a year ago, the service has fallen short of student's expectations. Napster owes this change to the students of Penn State. After the Napster service was made available, complaints began rolling in about the limited service it provides. Students have complained not only that some computer systems do not support Napster, but that there are a limited number of songs that are available to listen to for free. Only a select number of songs can be played fully; other songs will only play for 30 seconds.

Napster is paid for by the annual information technology fee that each student is required to pay. The file-sharing service, which is not available to Macintosh users or any other student who does not use Windows XP on his or her personal computer, allows music to be legally played, but not downloaded, for free.

This recent addition also could solve the complaint that the local music scene of State College is dead. The few places where local music is showcased -- mainly bars -- are off-limits to the majority of the student population -- those who are under 21. How is an underage student supposed to enjoy the local music culture? Now, all students, regardless of age, can venture beyond the world of overplayed radio jams like Britney Spears and Nelly, and they can become a part of the local music scene.

However, now the problem arises of student bands or artists not using the service because doing so would be "selling out." Often times, really good bands pride themselves on being "underground" and going mainstream is something that is looked down upon by other artists. And what could be more linked to mainstream music than the university's Napster service? However, the Penn State musical community should keep in mind -- a record is a record. And fans are fans.

Napster representatives said that by featuring student music, there is even the opportunity of record executives hearing the songs. How many chances does a band have of getting their music out there? This is one that couldn't be easier ... just a click and a few steps away.

At last, a forum for sharing local, underground music that is easily accessible to students. Just what we needed.