How to Put Songs On Your New iPod

Putting music onto your new Apple iPod is a lot easier than some people think. All four models -- iPod Touch, Classic, Nano and Shuffle -- can be loaded with music using Apple's free iTunes media management software on your computer. If you have an iPod Touch, you have the additional option of downloading music directly to the device.

Things You'll Need

• Your iPod
• Your computer
• Cord that hooks your iPod to your computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

Using iTunes on Your Computer

1. Download iTunes from the Apple website if you don't already have it on your computer. Follow the prompts to set up an Apple ID unless you already have one. You'll need it to download music, even if it is free.

2. Insert any music CDs you own into the computer drive and copy the entire contents or only chosen songs from the CDs to the iTunes music library.

3. Buy new songs from iTunes. Click "iTunes Store" under the Store heading in the left navigation panel. Browse the current offerings or search for a particular album, artist or song. Most individual songs cost $1.29 at the date of publication, and you charge them to your iTunes account or use an iTunes gift card. To purchase, select a song and click the "Buy" button. Enter your Apple ID and the song downloads to your computer.

4. Connect the iPod to the computer using the USB connection cord that came with the device. Launch iTunes if it doesn't open automatically.

5. Select the name of your iPod from the Devices section of the left navigation menu in iTunes. Click the "Music" tab at the top of the main iTunes screen.

6. Place a check mark next to "Sync Music" at the top of the screen. Select "Entire Music Library" to copy the entire contents of the iTunes music library to your iPod. Choose "Selected playlists, artists, albums and genres" to copy only some of the music to the iPod. Place a check mark next to any song, artist or album you want to transfer. Click "Apply" in the bottom right corner. The music syncs to the iPod.

7. Eject the iPod and disconnect it from the computer.

Direct Download From iTunes to iPod

1. Turn on your iPod Touch and tap "iTunes" on the home screen. Browse the available music using the "New Releases," "Top Tens" and "Genres" tabs at the top of the screen. Alternatively, tap the "Search" button at the bottom of the screen to search for a specific song, artist or album.

2. Tap the graphic icon or the name of a song once to hear a preview of the music. Double-tap it to read more information about the song.

3. Tap the button containing the price or the word "Free" to download a song directly to the iPod. Enter your Apple ID when prompted. If you haven't yet acquired an Apple ID, follow the prompts to open a free account.

4. Look in your "Music" app on the iPod Touch home screen to locate the song after it downloads.

References

• iPod Touch User Guide for iOS 5.0 Software