How To Get Music Onto An iPod From The Internet

Step 1: You Will Need

Step 2: Getting Started

If you haven't already set up your iPod and installed iTunes onto your computer, refer to videojug 'How to get started with your iPod' for a detailed instruction.

Step 3: Set up an account

In the iTunes Library list, click on the iTunes Store icon in the menu. This will automatically take you to the iTunes Store website. Click on the 'sign in' button in the top right hand corner, and follow the instructions to set up your account. You will need to enter your credit card details to do this

Step 4: Shop

You can search for tracks by entering the name of the track or artist that you want in the search box. Or you can look at the latest offers and releases advertised in the iTunes store.

Once you've found a tune that you want, double click on it to hear a preview of the track. This way you can check that it's really the one you are after before you buy it. If you want it, click the 'buy song' button. If you decide you want the whole album, click 'buy album'

You will then be asked for your account details. Enter them into the correct boxes and click 'Buy' to begin your download. In the iTunes library list in the iTunes store click 'download' to see the progress of your downloading music. If you have a broadband connection it shouldn't take too long. Click on the purchased music under iTunes store in the library list. You will now see a list of your downloaded songs. This means you can keep track of all the music that you have bought from iTunes.

Step 5: Alternative sources

There are many internet sites where you can find legal downloads, too many to list here. Some you will pay for, others may be free. A quick internet search will direct you.

Step 6: Transfer to your iPod

To get your new songs onto your iPod plug the smaller end of the cable, which is the USB connector, into the USB port on the computer. This can be identified by the USB logo. Plug the other end of the cable, which is called the dock connector, into the base of your iPod.

A 'Do not disconnect' message will show up on the iPod screen. And your iPod icon will appear in the Library list in iTunes.

Step 7: Automatic Updating

By default iTunes will automatically start transferring the tracks from the computer to your iPod. This is called 'synchronizing'.

It is important that you do not disconnect the iPod while the transfer is happening.

When the iPod has finished the transfer, the iTunes window will state 'iPod update is complete'. Click the eject button next to the iPod icon. Wait for the iPod screen lights up, then disconnect.

Whenever you add or remove songs from iTunes, your iPod will be automatically updated the next time you connect it to your computer.

Step 8: Manual Updating

If you do not want iTunes to automatically update your iPod you can change the settings to 'manually update'.

To manually update, open iTunes and connect your iPod to the computer. Click on the iPod icon in the Library list. The main display will change to your iPod summary. Click on the music tab at the top of the display panel. Uncheck the sync music box. Now to update your iPod simply drag and drop your wanted track into your ipod icon.

Watch our other iPod Videojugs for more ways to use your iPod