Setting up iTunes and an iPod on your computer isn’t difficult, so I won’t be doing a step by step guide. However, you will be asked a few potentially confusing questions, and there are some other things worthy of conference – such as charging your iPod and the all-important quiz, of giving it a name.
Cables and docks
Ipod
With the exception of iPod shuffles, which plug directly into Usb ports, each new iPod comes with a Usb2 cable, which will connect to your computer and, if you have one, an Ac power adapter. Back in the day, iPods came with FireWire cables, but these have gently been phased out.
If, when purchasing the pod, you also bought a Dock, this minuscule stand will contribute a collect spot for your iPod and make it easy for you to connect to both a computer and hi-fi. The Dock naturally sits “between” the iPod and the Usb2 cable – its use is entirely optional.
iPod Charging
Standard iPods come with power plugs bearing a socket that allows you to recharge the battery with the same cable that you use to connect to your computer. However, in the vast majority of cases, you’ll also be able to fee your Pod via your computer – the only selection if you have and iPod nano or iPod shuffle.
Note, though, that recharging via you Mac or Pc will probably only work when your computer is on and not in sleep/standby mode. Also note that when a acceptable iPod (not a nano or shuffle) is plugged into your computer, its hard drive will stay active, which some users see as unnecessary wear and tear. If this though bothers you, think ejecting the Pod; this puts it into charge-only mode and puts the drive in stand-by mode.
Like many similar devices, iPods use a combination of “fast” and “trickle” charging. This means that, with a acceptable Pod, it should take colse to three hours to accomplish 80 percent charge, and someone else two hours to get to 100 percent. From a full recharge on a new iPod, you should then get in the middle of twelve and eighteen hours music. But bear in mind that just leaving the expedient lying colse to and playing will cause the power to drain gradually. And, as the battery ages, expect the maximum playback time to cut gradually.
Installing
The process of installing iTunes and an iPod on your computer varies slightly in the middle of Pc and Mac, and in the middle of distinct iPod models – but it normally naturally involves inserting the Cd provided with the Pod and following the prompts. At some stage, however, you will be invited to select a name for your new iPod, which is now laughing matter! And – whether during the premise or the first time you run the iTunes – you’ll find yourself presented with a few choices. You don’t need to worry too much about these as you’re just choosing options that can be changed at any time in the iTunes preferences panel.
iPod – Getting Started