iTunes

You've just bought a shiny new computer, and you want your iTunes library on it. Migrating your iTunes library from your old computer to your new one can be a little tricky. Here is the best way I've found:

1. Open Edit>Preferences.
2. Click on the Advanced tab, and select "Keep iTunes Media folder organized." This will organize your media files into Album and Artist folders and name the files based on disc number, track number, and song title.
3. Open File>Library>Organize Library and select Consolidate Files.

If you've downloaded music from another source or ripped it from a CD you own, you can transfer it to iTunes in a couple of ways.

Transfer it using iTunes:

This is described thoroughly in "Importing existing music into iTunes" (page 68).

Use a third-party program to transfer music:

A number of third-party computer programs let you do this. Check out the following:

• PhoneView (Mac only, $19.95, ecamm.com/mac/phoneview): This program replaces iTunes as a music player and media transfer system.

You may have purchased music directly from your device and want to integrate it into the iTunes library on your Mac or PC. This is easy to do, using the iTunes syncing feature: ?

1. Connect your iOS device to the computer using the USB sync cable. iTunes should open automatically, sync with your device, and transfer the songs on your device into iTunes. If it doesn't, continue with these steps.

iTunes can be a source of frustration for some iOS users. Apple is so determined to keep pirated content from circulating freely, that they've made simple actions, such as transferring music you didn't purchase through iTunes, into a complicated affair. Here some basic ways to avoid iTunes frustration.

iPhone, iPod touch and iPad

Sooner or later you’re going to have to get familiar with iTunes. Your iOS device depends heavily on it for backing up media, downloading apps and music, organizing folders, and more. To work with iTunes, your Mac should be running OX 10.5.8 or later, and your PC should be running Windows XP (with Service Pack 3), Windows Vista, or Windows 7. Your computer must also carry a USB 2.0 port.

iPhone, iPod touch, iPad


You can download apps through iTunes on your computer or through the App Store app on your device. Apple's App Store has an impressive array of apps ranging from popular games and productivity enhancers, to language guides and barcode scanners. Most apps cost between $0.99 and $10, but there are quite a few free apps and a small number that are quite expensive.