iPod and iTunes: The Missing Manual, Third Edition

The iPod Software CD

The CD that comes with the iPod contains all the software you need to get up and iPodding in no time (see Figure 2-5). (There’s only one CD in the box of the latest iPod models. The iPod CD installer program is smart enough to figure out what kind of computer you’re using and show you only the Mac or Windows installer on the disc.)

The Macintosh CD

Note

Early versions of the iPod CD included software for both Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. But beginning with the 2003 iPods, Apple expects you to use Mac OS X 10.1.5 or later. Recent versions of the iPod CD come with iTunes 4.7.1; if that’s not the version you have, download the latest version of iTunes at http://www.apple.com/itunes.

To install the software, insert the iPod CD into the Mac. If necessary, install the iTunes jukebox software from the CD or download the latest version from Apple’s Web site.

The iPod has an operating system of its own, too (see page 17), but you don’t need to install it; it’s already on your iPod. However, double-clicking the installer in the iPod Installer folder puts a copy of the iPod installer program on your Mac, so you’ll have it handy if you ever need to reinstall the iPod’s system software.

Along the way, you’ll be asked for your iPod’s serial number and your registration number.

When the software installer finishes, put the CD in a safe place. You’ll need it if you ever need to reinstall your programs after a hard drive crash.

The first time you connect the iPod to the Mac, iTunes starts ...