What Software Is Needed to Load an iPod With Music
To load an iPod with music, all you need is the latest version of iTunes, which is a free download from Apple's website. Separate versions of iTunes are available for Windows and the Mac operating systems. You can also use iTunes to load videos and photos onto your iPod if your device is capable of displaying them.
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Installing iTunes
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You can download iTunes from Apple's website and install it as you would any other software application. Be sure to download the latest version of iTunes that is compatible with your computer's operating system. If you have a Mac, iTunes was installed on your computer at the factory, but you may need to download the latest version if iTunes was deleted or is not syncing with your iPod.
Adding Music to iTunes
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If you already have music on your computer, you can add it to your iTunes library by selecting the "Add to Library..." option from the "File" menu. Add music from compact discs by inserting a CD into your computer, selecting the music tracks on the CD and clicking the "Import" option that iTunes displays whenever you insert a music CD in your optical drive. You can also buy music from the iTunes store by accessing it through the iTunes software.
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Setting Up iTunes to Sync With an iPod
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Once you have installed iTunes, you will need to set up your iPod. Attach the iPod to your computer using the USB cable provided. ITunes will recognize the iPod and display the iPod Setup Assistant. The setup wizard guides you through the process of setting your preferences for your iPod. One important preference is a check box labeled "Automatically update songs on my iPod." If you check this box, your entire music collection will be synced with your iPod every time you connect your iPod to your computer. Select this option only if you want your iPod and computer to contain the same music and your iPod has sufficient memory capacity.
Loading an iPod With Music
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If you have selected the check box for "Automatically update songs on my iPod," iTunes will load your music onto your iPod every time you connect the device to your computer. In addition to adding music to your iPod, if you delete a song on the computer, iTunes will likewise delete it on the iPod. If you have not checked the "Automatically update songs on my iPod" box, select the songs you want to load onto your iPod in iTunes and drag them to the icon representing your iPod on the left side of the iTunes window. The selected music will be loaded onto your iPod.
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