How do you download songs onto an ipod?

The 'mechanics' of downloading songs onto an iPod are fairly simple. In fact Apple has provided a very simple interface which allows you to manage your music very effectively with iTunes.

There are several options which you can consider to download music and it is best to start with iTunes as this is probably the option you will be most familiar with.

iTunes can be sourced in two ways. Firstly from the CD supplied with your iPod or secondly downloaded from Apples site. It's up to you to use whichever method you prefer - either way is pretty straightforward.

Once you have downloaded the software into your PC/laptop you are then ready for the next step.

This involves connecting your iPod to your computer and allowing it to 'synch' (synchronise). This is the process whereby you will now be able to manage the download process.

The easiest thing to do here is just follow the instructions as you are prompted.

Putting your music on the iPod is now a choice or a combination of transferring music from your CD collection or purchasing music through iTunes.

The process of transferring music from your CD's is very simple. You simply start iTunes, load the CD music you want on your iPod and the software starts the download process automatically. At this stage you will be amazed at how iTunes effectively 'identifies' your CD and then downloads your music. It's pure digital magic!

The process of purchasing the music is also made very simple. iTunes has a very easy to use purchase area. Every tune you download will cost 99 cents. You can search by album, artist and or track. You can download individual favourite tracks from artists or whole albums. It's extremely versatile. However one limitation is that you will not be able to transfer music from your iPod to a CD/DVD collection using iTunes!

I mentioned earlier that there was another option to help you download music to your iPod. It's certainly worth considering - especially if you feel that you will be downloading a lot of music. This option involves the use of unlimited music download sites. Some are free but beware the quality of the songs can be extremely bad and more importantly extremely harmful viruses can be downloaded with some of the tracks.

It is better to look for reputable download sites that are legal, provide high quality (audio quality) downloads, fast download speed and are virus free. These sites do exist and you will see them on the net as membership sites. There are two types subscription (monthly payment) and a one off lifetime membership. The one off lifetime membership sites represent the best value for money and work out a lot cheaper in the long term and should cost no more that $37. It's best to stay clear of subscription sites they are more costly and most of them are of poor quality.

OK - So how do I download music from one of these sites onto my iPod?

Believe it or not many of these sites view iTunes as a competitor so they also try and make it as simple as possible to use.

On becoming a member you have access to a membership area (the engine room/interface) of the site. From here you can download current music, music videos even current movies. Many of these sites 'over deliver' in value.

So when you want to know how do you download songs onto an ipod One of the major benefits is that the most reputable sites will provide software that will allow you to transfer your iPod collection to a CD if that is also what you would like to have. The main benefit though is that it will save you a small fortune on downloads!