Weekly Tip #1: How To Set Up An iPod

So you just got with the style and bought an iPod, now what? Well, that is how I reacted when I first got mine. I had o idea what to do and turned to my fellow people over at Yahoo Answers. I got so many responses that varied so much that I was still on my own. Well I found out that it wasn’t that hard but to anyone who is new to this stuff it’s like trying to steer a boat on dry desert land. So, in this simple tutorial I will tell you everything you need to know about how to get this iPod of yours up and running to your liking. Also, this review is only for windows users sadly. Until I get a Mac then I cannot do any tutorials for that platform OS.

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Step 1: Get Ready

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When you first get your iPod you (of course) unpack it right? The next few steps are just prep for what we’re going to do later.

1. What your first need to do is unpack your iPod and lay out everything thats in the box. You should have the ipod, a USB cable, and instruction manual, stickers and a pair of headphones.
2. Gather all your CD’s if you have any. If not make sure all of your music on your computer is in the My Music folder. If you don’t have any music on your computer or you dont have any CD’s (which I doubt) then your starting fresh.
3. Next, Start up your PC.

You are now ready to make your iPod work.

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Step 2: Get The Software

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Ok, now we are in the phase of actually setting up your iPod on your PC. Remember you have to be running Windows XP service pack 2 or later or Windows Vista! If not then turn back and return your iPod for a new OS. Also, it would be good if you had an internet connection other than Dial-Up. Perferrably a high-speed connection that is always on.

1. What you first need to do is go to www.apple.com and click on iPod+iTunes.
2. Next, click on iTunes and scroll down until you see a blue oval saying “Download iTunes”, click it.
3. Over on the side you should see a box saying “Windows XP or Vista”. Next un-check the two boxes under it(this is optional) and under that type in your email adress.
4. Then, click download iTunes. Then you need to click Save file(this step may vary because of different internet browsers; I am using the Firefox browser.)
5. Once it is done downloading open the installer(this should be on your desktop) and then follow the instructions on how to set it up.IMPORTANT: If you have music on your computer that you want in iTunes and on your computer make sure that you have the two boxes check when the installer asks you if you ant to import music.
6. Once it is done downloading, open iTunes and click on iTunes Store.
7. Click sign in, and then click “Create an account”
8. Follow the steps until your account is confirmed and then go to the iTunes Store again and click Sign In and enter your email and password.
9. Once you are signed in give your self a pat on the back because you have just set up iTunes.

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Step 3: Make It Work

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Here we are in the final step of setting up your iPod. It may take some patience but it will all be over soon.

1. Remember that USB cable I told you about? Well plug the USB side of it into your computer then plug your iPod into the other end(you may have to use a little force but not too much; If you feel like your pushing too much then you most likely are; Try flipping the plug over and try it that way; Remember to keep the plug a straight as you can.)
2. Open iTunes and it should detect the iPod.
3. Then, just follow the steps to set it up (Naming it ect.) Registering it is optional.
4. Finnaly grab all of those CD’s I told you about and put one of them in.
5. Click on the CD under devices and then select the songs you ant in your library and on your iPod. Next,click Import CD down in the lower right corner. Wait for it to complete and then repeat this step with all the CD’s with the songs you want on your iPod.
6. When this is done, click on your iPod under devices and then click sync.
7. While it is syncing click on the iTunes Store. In this store you can buy songs, movies, TV Shows, Music Videos, Audio Books, Podcasts(free), iPod Games and more. Buy as you wish, it’s not my credit card!

Well thats it. Congrats! You have just set up your iPod and can listen to it as you may.

A few bumps you might run into though:

1 If you have WMA songs on your computer then they have to convert into the Apple format.

2 If you have an iPod 5th Generation video then you might only be able to use it with Windows XP.UPDATE:5th generation iPod’s are supported on Windows Vista
3 If you have an iPod shuffle you might run into some extra setup features involving Auto Fill. However, I have never owned a shuffle so I don’t know but its a pretty educated guess.

UPDATE: This process is for Windows XP. HOWEVER, it is that same basic setup instructions for Windows Vista, but some things may be different.

UPDATE 2: If you are looking to sync two iPods with one computer, go here