How to Download Software for an iPod

by Roger Smith
Downloading iPod software is easy.

Downloading iPod software is easy.

musique image by Christophe Schmid from Fotolia.com

Apple's popular iPod personal music players are powered by two pieces of software. One is iTunes, a music-management program that runs on your personal computer. The other is iPod firmware, the software that powers the device. Since both are updated and changed periodically, it is important for maximum use to make sure that your system and iPod are always up-to-date. It's easy to download and install the latest versions of iTunes and iPod firmware.

Downloading iTunes

Step 1

Using your Web browser, go to the iTunes download page (see Resources).

Step 2

Click the "iTunes" button (iTunes is available in an installation package that works on both Windows and Mac operating systems).

Step 3

On the page that loads, enter your email address. Signing up for Apple's email newsletters is not necessary for the download.

Step 4

Click "Download Now." Depending on your system configuration, iTunes is about a 94-megabyte download, or roughly 20 times larger than the typical music file, so the download will take some time, even with a high-speed connection.

Step 5

Double-click to install iTunes software. The software will automatically open and notify you when new versions are released.

Downloading iPod Software

Step 1

Connect your iPod to your computer using the iPod-compatible USB cable.

Step 2

Wait for iTunes to open. If a firmware update is available, you'll be given a prompt to download the software.

Step 3

Click "Download and Install" to begin the iPod software update.

Step 4

To manually check for firmware updates, click the iPod icon in the left-hand panel of the iTunes software. Click the "Check for Software Update" button on the screen that opens. If no software update is available, you will be told your iPod is up-to-date.

Tip

  • Firmware updates might be several hundred megabytes and could take awhile to download.

Warning

  • Never disconnect your iPod during a software update; such interruptions can corrupt your file system.

Resources

About the Author

Roger Smith is a journalist with three years of experience working for media outlets including eHow and Answer Bag. He worked on the student paper at the University of Southern California for three years.

Photo Credits