How to View iPods on Desktops

Make your computer and iPod work together.

People use iPods most commonly as music players, but you can also use them as portable hard drives. Computers usually treat iPods like flash drives, showing them under your Devices or Hardware section. When you plug it in, it should appear on your desktop either as "iPod" or any short name you've given it. Sometimes when you plug an iPod in, it won't appear on the desktop, and this can slow down adding items to it or opening it to play material. One change in the settings will ensure that your iPod appears on the desktop.

Instructions

1. Plug your iPod into its cable and the cable into a USB port. If you're plugging into a USB splitter or anything less than a 2.0 port -- for example, on a keyboard -- the computer may not be able to read the iPod as a drive. Always attach to a USB port directly on the computer when possible.

2. Check the desktop for your iPod. Minimize programs to make sure you can see the entire desktop. Right-click and arrange the items on your desktop alphabetically to make sure you're not missing it. The icon looks like a small iPod. If you see it, you don't need to make any changes.

3. Open "iTunes" and click on your iPod beneath "Devices." Click "Summary," then choose the option "Enable Disc Use." This officially makes the computer recognize your iPod as basically an external hard drive. It will still work normally, and you will now be able to see it on the desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• On a Mac, press the "F11" key to reveal the desktop by temporarily hiding all programs at the edge of the screen. While the programs are hidden, you can double-click your iPod on the desktop.