How to Use the Songbird iPod Manager

Songbird is an open-source media player and web browser. It is one of the first open-source media players and it was the first open-source media player to integrate web access. Another popular feature is Songbirds ability to serve not just as a media player, but as a media manager for an iPod. This eliminates the need to use iTunes if you have already chosen Songbird as your media player.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open iTunes and attach your iPod. Go to the "Settings" tab and uncheck the box instructing iTunes to open when the iPod is attached and put a check next to "Enable Disk Use." Also from iTunes, click on the slider at the bottom of the screen and slide it all the way to the left to remove all the songs on your iPod. You will have to load the songs back on with Songbird.

2. Install Songbird. While installing the application, make sure to leave "Songbird iPod Device Support" checked.

3. Launch Songbird. You'll be asked if you would like to use Songbird to manage your iPod. Choose "Yes" to set up your iPod.

4. Go to Songbird Preferences and click on the "iPod" tab. Choose how you would like Songbird to manage your iPod from the choices displayed. You can have Songbird synchronize all songs and playlists, only certain playlists or you can choose "Manual" to select the individual songs you would like to synchronize.

5. Find the icon representing your iPod in Songbird's left-side column. Select your iPod and drag and drop songs from your library to your iPod. The songs will now be on your iPod and will also be accessible from Songbird.

Tips & Warnings

• In the future when you open up iTunes, the program will ask you if you want to synchronize your iPod with the iTunes library. If you want to continue using Songbird to manage your iPod, click "Cancel."