An iPod or MP-3 player allows you to download music to a tiny device that you can take anywhere.  The more megs of storage you buy, the more music, videos, music videos, photos and pod casts you can download.

For the purpose of these instructions, I'll reference an iPod and the iTunes library (from Apple); however, other MP-3s and music sites work in a similar manner.

When you purchase your iPod, you'll need to register it with iTunes.  To do so, run the USB connector from your iPod to your computer.  Go to the iTunes site via the internet.  A wizard should pop up that automatically takes you through the process to register your iPod, pull any music that you've already downloaded from your computer and put it into your iTunes music library, and allow you to set up an account to purchase music from iTunes (not required).  When going through the registration process, write down the serial number for your iPod for future reference.

Once this process is complete, iTunes will automatically load any music you've previously loaded onto your computer to your iPod.  To add music from CDs, just insert your CD into your disc drive while logged into iTunes and it will automatically pick up the music from the CD and load it into your music library on iTunes (will take several minutes).  To purchase music from the iTunes store, search on your favorite artist, year, song title, etc., which will then pull up a  list of matching options.  Double-click the songs to hear a 30 second clip.  If it's the one you want, click the 'buy now' button.  It will download it into your iTunes music library and charge your account the .99 (or more if you bought an album, etc.).  You'll receive an e-mail receipt for any purchases you make.

To manage your music library, click on the music library link to view all of the songs you've loaded.  A check box will appear next to each song.  Songs with a checkmark will be downloaded into your iPod.  If you loaded a CD and don't like all of the songs, just uncheck the box next to the song to prevent it from being loaded to your iPod.  If you want to get rid of the song altogether from your library, just press the 'delete' key on your computer and follow the prompts.  Just be careful not to delete songs you purchased!!

NOTE:  You're downloading music and saving it to the hard disc on your computer, so be sure to check the memory on your PC before downloading to ensure it doesn't impact system performance.  Also be sure to back up your music on CDs - particulary any that you've purchased - to avoid losing your investment if your computer crashes. 

To create a playlist in iTunes, create a folder under your Favorites on the site.  Then drag/drop songs from your library into the appropriate folder.  Once you've synched your iPod, the playlist names will appear on your device so you can select individual playlists.

When you log into iTunes and then plug in your iPod, it will automatically synch with the information on your computer.  You cannot configure the songs on the iPod itself; your music is managed from your computer and any changes need to be made there and then loaded to your device.

NOTE:  You can save memory on your iPod by reviewing your music library - check and uncheck your music, videos, etc. - to manage what's being downloaded to your device.  Mixing it up keeps it from getting boring and also avoids the need to download everything to your device and eating up that memory.

I've been through explaining this twice now to friends, so thought maybe others could benefit from the experience I've had.  Hope you found this helpful.  Thanks for stopping by!

sbk