How to Set Up an IPod

Not everyone is technologically inclined. I recently walked my father through setting up his iPod for the first time, and I was astounded. This was the man who fixed my computer countless times growing up, who taught me what a start menu was, yet the simple (at least to me) task of setting up an iPod was more then he could handle. This brief tutorial will work on any iPod, whether you have an iPod Classic, iPod Shuffle, or iPod Nano.

Step 1 - Download iTunes from Apple: Go to the Apple website, and click on the iPod + iTunes link at the top of the page. Over in the right hand side of the page you will see a big blue Download iTunes button. Go ahead and hit it. On the next page, you choose what operating system you have. The default option is Windows XP or Vista. This is more then likely exactly what you have. The 64bit version is there if you have it, but if you are unsure, keep the default. If you want to be notified of New Music Tuesday and Apple news, keep the boxes checked and add your email address. If not, or you do not have an email, uncheck the boxes. Click Download Now. A box will open up asking you if you want to save this file, click Save File or the appropriate button on your browser.

Step 2 - Organize Your Music: If you already have music on your computer, take a few moments to browse through and ensure that everything your My Music folder is what you want on iTunes. If you find some that you don't even know what it is, create a new My Documents folder and cram them in there. I like to call it Junk, but that's me. You can even just delete them. Do the same thing if you have other audio in there, or if there are songs you like, but you do not want it on your iPod. It will save you a lot of hassle later.

Step 3 - Install iTunes: Double click or hit Open on your finished download. Let it do its thing, and click Finished when its done. This will open iTunes and start the set up process. Read all the Terms of Service, accept them and follow the prompts. When you get to the screen that asks if you'd like iTunes to scan your computer for audio files, uncheck both boxes. You will end up with everything you do not want in there, and this gives you far more control over your music selection. Keep following the prompts. You might get a screen that asks you if you have an iTunes Store account (also called an Apple ID). Go ahead and set one up now if you plan on using iTunes to download music, pod casts or anything else. If you aren't sure, just skip it, you can always do it later. Once the install is complete, its time to put your music into iTunes. Go up to file, then look for Add Folder To Library. Click on that and find you're my Music folder. That's the only folder you want it to look at for music files, besides the iTunes folder. If there are any files that need to be converted, it will prompt you to do it. Go ahead and let it convert your music.

Step 4 - Plug in your iPod: Connect your iPod to your computer using the USB cable it came with. Once again, if it asks you for an Apple ID, you can either enter one you created earlier, or skip it. It will still register your iPod, and on the next screen you will be able to name your iPod. Be as creative here as you want, then click next. Here is where organizing your music files comes in handy, as the iPod and iTunes will automatically sync. And it does it before you get a chance to change any options. So if you didn't already cull the music you do not like, or duplicates beforehand, they are now on your iPod and you'll have to sync it several times until you get what you want. That is a lot of hassle. Plugging in your iPod also charges the battery.

Step 5 - Update The Software: If you have an iPod Classic or Nano, on the main screen of your iPod, you will see a button that asks you if you want to update your software. Go ahead and do that now. Apple is always releasing new software updates, just like your computer. Keeping it up to date is a good thing, and will save you problems later. The Restore button is useful if something goes wrong, so you always have the option of reverting back.

Step 6 - Get Familiar With Your iPod: Get familiar with the controls, where everything is, really take a few moments to play with it. The insert that came with your iPod will tell you the basic motions and what each button does, use it! Once you feel comfortable, you are now ready to enjoy your music!