Getting Started with your iPod
Sunday, November 30th, 2008Getting started with your iPod is easy since Apple has put a lot of effort into creating the clear and simple instructions that come with the iPod. Here is a quick rundown on how to get started, although depending on which computer operating system you have, the instructions may vary slightly.
Windows PC
To use your iPod with a Windows PC you need the following essentials as a minimum:
• A built in high power USB 2.0 connection (or higher) or built in FireWire.
• Windows 2000 OS with Service Pack 4 or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 2.
• iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. There should be a copy of iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.
• Software for your iPod. This should also be on the CD that came with with your iPod.
Note that your iPod has the capability to import photo collections directly from Adobe Photoshop Album, although this requires optional software. You can also import your digital photos directly from your computer or directly from your digital camera.
Macintosh
If you have a Macintosh computer you will need the following essentials as a minimum:
• A built in high power USB 2.0 connection (or higher) or built in FireWire.
• Macintosh OS X v10.2.8 or Macintosh OS X v10.3.4 or higher.
• iTunes. Make sure that you are running the latest version, 4.7 or higher. You should find iTunes on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase. You can make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes by checking out the iTunes website at www.apple.com/itunes.
• Software for your iPod. This should also be on the CD that is included with your iPod purchase.
Preparing your iPod for use
Before you can actually start using your iPod you need to prepare it for use. First you will need to charge the battery, then install the software, and import songs from your CD collection or from music folders on your computer. Don’t forget that you can also purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store. The following steps will guide you to correctly prepare your iPod for its first-time use:
1. Charging the battery: Your iPod should be 80% charged in three hours and fully charged in five hours. Connect your iPod to the Power Adapter by using the iPod Dock Connector with a USB 2.0 (or higher) cable.
2. Software installation: Put the iPod CD into your CD drive, then follow the on screen instructions to install both the iPod software as well as iTunes.
Now you have reached the point of importing music to your computer from your CD collection if you haven’t already done so. There are two options when it comes to obtaining music for your iPod: (1) importing to your computer from a CD, or (2) buying music online at iTunes. To import music from a CD use the following steps:
1. Pick a CD and put it into your CD drive. Once iTunes has been installed it will open automatically and the CD that you have inserted will appear in the iTunes Source list.
2. Check off any songs that you don’t want to transfer. Click on import.
3. Continue this same process for all of the music CDs that you want to transfer to your computer.
To buy music online use the following steps:
1. Open up the iTunes software program. From the Source List click on Music Store.
2. Select the Account option. Set up your personal account so that you can purchase music online. Keep in mind that this download service is not available in all countries.
iPod Music
Once you have finished the process of transferring your selected music you will be prompted with a message that says OK to disconnect. Disconnecting is effected easily by squeezing both sides of the dock connector before you remove it from your iPod. Use the wheel on your iPod to choose a song to play. That’s it!
If you require iPod accessories for your Nano, Touch, Shuffle, or Classic then there is a huge variety of Apple and third party items for sale online that can enhance your iPod experience.