Using an iPod is easy once you know how. Follow the tips in this article and you'll be uploading music (games, videos, audiobooks, podcasts) like an expert.
1) Load the music files onto your computer
Chances are you have some CDs sitting around your house that you'd like to add to your iPod. Copy the files from your CDs onto your computer's hard disk so it'll be available to your iPod manager.
2) Import the music into your iPod manager
An "iPod manager" handles moving files to and from the iPod. For most of us, Apple's free iTunes software fills the bill. But, there are other choices if you decide you don't like iTunes. If you're new to iPods I suggest you start with iTunes.
Don't worry, using iTunes to manage your iPod doesn't keep you from buying music at other stores. I buy music downloads from Amazon and eMusic, in addition to iTunes.
Quick tip: If you want iTunes to put a copy of the file in the main iTunes library directory, choose Edit, Preferences, Advanced from the menu and click the "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library." I like to do this to make it easy to find my music files. I know that music files anywhere else on my hard drive aren't part of the iTunes library and can safely be deleted.
Now it's time to import to iTunes. One of the easiest ways is to click File, Add Folder to Library, and select the directory (or CD) holding your music. Click the "OK" button and iTunes will import the music to the library. You can also use the Control + O keys and select single files to add.
3) Connect up the iPod
You probably already did this, but just in case: connect your iPod nano to your computer with the the USB cable that came with your nano. You'll know the connection's successful when the left-hand menu in iTunes shows your iPod.
Now, decide if you want to let iTunes handle synchronizing with your iPod or if you want to handle things manually. I like the "manually manage" approach -- it lets me decide which files to move to my nano. It also lets me synch up different computers to just one iPod.
4) Now to upload music to that iPod nano
If you decide to let iTunes manage the uploads, click your iPod's icon and select "Sync" in the lower right corner.
If you decided to manage uploading manually you have a one-time setup to complete. Click your iPod's icon and select the "Manually manage music and videos" checkbox on the iTunes screen. Now, select the music you want and drag it onto the iPod icon.
5) Last step: Eject your iPod before disconnecting
Never disconnect your iPod nano without ejecting it first. Not taking that extra minute risks corrupting the files. Eject from iTunes by clicking the button at bottom right of the screen.
6) Time for more music!
If you've followed these steps you know how to upload music to your nano. Time to download more games, videos, books, and music for your nano. See my web site for suggestions of where to find great downloads for reasonable prices.
1) Load the music files onto your computer
Chances are you have some CDs sitting around your house that you'd like to add to your iPod. Copy the files from your CDs onto your computer's hard disk so it'll be available to your iPod manager.
2) Import the music into your iPod manager
An "iPod manager" handles moving files to and from the iPod. For most of us, Apple's free iTunes software fills the bill. But, there are other choices if you decide you don't like iTunes. If you're new to iPods I suggest you start with iTunes.
Don't worry, using iTunes to manage your iPod doesn't keep you from buying music at other stores. I buy music downloads from Amazon and eMusic, in addition to iTunes.
Quick tip: If you want iTunes to put a copy of the file in the main iTunes library directory, choose Edit, Preferences, Advanced from the menu and click the "Copy files to iTunes Music folder when adding to library." I like to do this to make it easy to find my music files. I know that music files anywhere else on my hard drive aren't part of the iTunes library and can safely be deleted.
Now it's time to import to iTunes. One of the easiest ways is to click File, Add Folder to Library, and select the directory (or CD) holding your music. Click the "OK" button and iTunes will import the music to the library. You can also use the Control + O keys and select single files to add.
3) Connect up the iPod
You probably already did this, but just in case: connect your iPod nano to your computer with the the USB cable that came with your nano. You'll know the connection's successful when the left-hand menu in iTunes shows your iPod.
Now, decide if you want to let iTunes handle synchronizing with your iPod or if you want to handle things manually. I like the "manually manage" approach -- it lets me decide which files to move to my nano. It also lets me synch up different computers to just one iPod.
4) Now to upload music to that iPod nano
If you decide to let iTunes manage the uploads, click your iPod's icon and select "Sync" in the lower right corner.
If you decided to manage uploading manually you have a one-time setup to complete. Click your iPod's icon and select the "Manually manage music and videos" checkbox on the iTunes screen. Now, select the music you want and drag it onto the iPod icon.
5) Last step: Eject your iPod before disconnecting
Never disconnect your iPod nano without ejecting it first. Not taking that extra minute risks corrupting the files. Eject from iTunes by clicking the button at bottom right of the screen.
6) Time for more music!
If you've followed these steps you know how to upload music to your nano. Time to download more games, videos, books, and music for your nano. See my web site for suggestions of where to find great downloads for reasonable prices.
About the Author:
Check out Lydia Vaughn's review of recommended sites to get more downloads for your iPod nano at her website, Nanos Reviewed. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service
