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Here at tips for new users, you'll find tips, and how-to strategies to maximize your iPod experience.
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How To's... Folder with exclamation on iPod Setting Maximum Volume Limit for iPod Unlocking Volume Limit for iPod
Changing Maximum Volume Limit for iPod How to easily convert videos and watch on your iPod FREE How to Care for Your iPod video How to Delete Songs Manually from your iPod How to get Google videos on your video iPod
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Tips for New Users #1
Your iPod User Interface…What do these “Buttons” Mean?
Manoeuvring around your iPod can be a daunting task for new users. If you are like me, you will try to use the click wheel as a back button. That doesn’t work. To go back, you need to push the menu button.
So how do you use the rest of the buttons?...
White center button
Acts as the ON button as well as the select or enter button when your iPod is already on. Press this button after you have scrolled down to something that you want to select. It is similar to clicking on something with your mouse. This button also moves you forward through the setup screens.
Play/Pause button
Plays and pauses media. There is no stop button on your iPod, so use this button to stop a feature. This button also acts as the OFF button when you hold it down for a few seconds.
Menu button
Acts as the back button on your iPod. If you want to return to a previous menu, the menu button will take you back through the previous screens. To return to the main menu, continue pressing the menu button until you can’t go back any further.
Next/Previous buttons
Used to go forward or back to the next feature on the playlist. If you hold them down, they fast-forward or reverse through whatever you are listening to.
Click Wheel
Sliding your finger right or left across the round of your click wheel scrolls through menus and controls the volume when something is playing. It functions in setting up the time, date, and screen lock, as well as moving you from day to day on the calendar.
Tips for New Users #2
Spin the…Click Wheel
The click wheel is a touch-sensitive ring that you use to navigate through all of your iPod menus and control all of its features and it’s a whole new way of using your iPod.
It provides you with two ways to input commands: by sliding your finger around the wheel and by pressing buttons located under and in the middle of the wheel. Use the click wheel to adjust volume, navigate songs, or browse the Music menu by artist, composer, album, song, genre, or playlist.
Dock Connector / USB2.0 Cable
The dock connector/USB 2.0 cable is what you use to transfer songs and podcasts from your computer to your iPod. When it’s connected to your computer it also charges the iPod’s battery.
Head/Earphones port
A circular hole located at the top of your iPod next to the ‘Hold’ button is where you plug in your head/earphones.
Hold Switch
At the top of your iPod, to the far left is located the ‘Hold’ switch. Use it to disable the controls, slide the ‘Hold’ switch to the right on your iPod (assume you are looking at your iPod's face with its top pointing up).
When you do so, the area underneath the switch that was exposed when you slid it will be orange to indicate that it's in the ‘Hold’ mode. You'll also see the ‘Lock’ icon on the screen.
Dock Adaptor
You use the dock adapter to fit accessories made by third-party companies. It also acts as a base to set your iPod in to recharge and sync with iTunes.
Dock Connector Port
The rectangular hole at the base where you connect your iPod to the USB 2.0 cable.
Tips for New Users #3
Setting Up the Basics on Your iPod -- Date, Time, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Screen Lock
You've taken your precious time to get your iPod in the mood to blast out your fave songs…but…in the meantime there are some few things you need to do to get your iPod spinning in full motion. I call this 'Genesis iPod' …. the beginning of your iPod's basic setup.
Tips for New Users #4
Setting date and time
To set date and time on your iPod:
Choose 'Settings > Date & Time' from your iPod's main menu.
Choose 'Set Date & Time'. Use the Click Wheel to change the selected value.
Press the 'Center' button to move to the next value.
When you finish setting the date and time press the 'Center' button to go back to 'Set Date & Time' menu.
Tips for New Users #5
To specify the time zone
Choose 'Settings > Date & Time'.
Choose 'Set Time Zone' and choose a time zone from the list.
Tips for New Users #6
To display the time in another format
Choose 'Time' and press the 'Center' button to toggle between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.
Tips for New Users #7
To display the time in the title bar
Choose 'Time' in Title and press the 'Center' button to choose 'On or Off'. You can see the time from any iPod menu screen.
Tips for New Users #8
Viewing Notes
Choose ‘Extras’ from the main menu, then scroll down and choose ‘Notes’. Scroll down to the note that you want to view and press the ‘Center’ button. If you haven’t added notes to your iPod yet, you will only see the instructions note.
Before you can add notes to your iPod you need to enable iPod for disk use.
Tips for New Users #9
How to enable iPod for disk use
From the iTunes interface, click 'Users iPod' and select 'Summary'. Under 'Options' check the box that says 'Enable disk use'.
Tips for New Users #10
Updating Notes
Updating the notes on your iPod can only be done through your computer, you cannot enter a note through your iPod. To enter a note:
Type your note into a word processing program you prefer, e.g. Notepad, WordPerfect, WordPad, etc.
Save it as a .txt file on your desktop or any folder you choose.
Open ‘My Computer’ and you will see your iPod as a disk icon, double-click on it and open Notes folder. Drag the text files from your desk top to the Notes folder.
Tips for New Users #11
Viewing the Calendar
Choose ‘Extras’ from the main menu, then scroll down and choose ‘Calendar > All’.
The 'All' option will display the calendar of the current month. You cannot add items to your calendar directly on your iPod; instead update your calendar on your PC/Mac and then sync it with your iPod.
Tips for New Users #12
Updating the Calendar
From iTunes user interface, click on users iPod under 'Devices' to the left-hand side of the user's interface. Select the 'Contacts' tab. You'll see both 'Contacts' and 'Calender' here.
Under 'Calender' check the box that says 'Sync calenders from Microsoft Outlook'. You can either select 'All Calenders' or 'Selected Calenders'…whichever calender you prefer synced with your iPod. Click Apply
A dialog box will appear letting you know that a program (iTunes) is trying to access data from Outlook. Put a check in the 'Allow' access box and then choose a time limit from the menu. Click Yes to close the dialog box.
Click OK to close iTunes preferences and start the sync process. You will need to update this dialog box each time you plug in your iPod.
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Tips for New Users #13
Viewing Contacts
Choose ‘Extras’ from your iPod's main menu, then scroll down and choose ‘Contacts’. Scroll down to the contact that you want to view and press the 'Center' button. Unless you have added contacts to your iPod already, you should only see the instructions option and the sample contact.
Tips for New Users #14
Updating Contacts…Using Microsoft Outlook
Connect your iPod to your computer.
Click on the iPod tab under ’Devices’ and then click on the ‘Contacts’ tab.
Check the box that says ‘Synchronize contacts from’.
Select 'Microsoft Outlook' from the drop down box.
Click 'Apply'.
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Tips for New Users #15
Updating Contacts…Using Outlook Express
Click on the users iPod tab under 'Devices' and then click on the ‘Contacts’ tab.
Check the box that says ‘Synchronize contacts from’. Select 'Outlook Express' from the drop down box. Click 'Apply'
A dialog box will appear letting you know that a program (iTunes) is trying to access data from Outlook. Put a check in the 'Allow access' box and then choose a time limit from the menu.
Click 'Yes' to close the dialog box. Click 'OK' to close iTunes preferences and start the sync process. You will need to update this dialog box each time you connect your iPod.
Tips for New Users #16
Updating and using your iPod Screen Lock
The screen lock feature allows you to lock your iPod so that others cannot access it.
Choose ‘Extras’ from the iPod's main menu, then scroll down and choose ‘Screen Lock’.
If this is the first time you're using the screen lock you will first need to set a combination.
Select this option by pressing the 'Center' button.
Scroll right or left on the click wheel to increase or decrease the numbers then press the 'Center' button again to move to the next field.
Once you have updated all the fields with numbers, press the 'Center' button again to leave the screen.
The option ‘Turn Screen Lock On’ should show up on the screen. Select this option and choose ‘Lock’ from the next screen. The lock will be displayed whenever you pull up the screen. You will need to enter the code to open it.
Repeat the steps each next time you want to activate the lock. You don’t have to choose a new code each time. If you enter the wrong code, the numbers will flash and you can try again. If you forget your combination, connect your iPod to your computer, and iTunes will unlock it for you.
Tips for New Users #17
Using Your iPod Stopwatch
The stopwatch is a useful feature on your iPod. It’s one of those features you can’t be without if you’re a sport enthusiast or you enjoy regular exercising while using your Pod.
Go to the ‘Extras’ menu and scroll down to ‘Stopwatch’. Click on ‘Timer’. The larger top set of numbers on the stopwatch shows the total time of the session. The smaller second set of numbers shows the current lap time. This way you can time each lap while keeping the total time.
To start the total time and the current lap, scroll to the ‘Start’ button and press the 'Center' button to start timing.
If at this point you scroll over to the 'Lap' button, the current lap time will be recorded in the session's log, and a new lap time will start. The total time will appear to have stopped timing momentarily, but after 5 seconds it will pick up again.
Select ‘Pause’ to stop both timers. Select ‘Resume’ to restart them. Select the ‘Done’ button to end the session. Final times will be recorded automatically in the session log.
To reset the display, return to the stopwatch by choosing ‘Timer’ from the menu and then pressing the ‘Clear’ button.
To listen to music while using the stopwatch use the play, next and previous buttons. These icons will also be displayed in the top left corner of your iPod screen while using the stopwatch.
You may use the menu button and the click wheel to visit other screens while using the stopwatch and it will continue timing. The stopwatch will automatically stop for three reasons: the time counter reaches 24 hours, the iPod goes into hibernation (this only happens after your iPod hasn’t been used for 14 hours), or you connect your iPod to a computer. Turning your iPod off or putting it to sleep.
Tips for New Users #18
Adding Clocks on your iPod
For 5th generation iPods, you have the option of setting multiple clocks. You can set clocks for different times around the world or set several clocks for your current location so that you can then set several alarms.
Select ‘Extras’ from the main menu.
Select ‘Clock’.
Scroll to new clock and press the 'Center' button.
Choose an area of the world and press the 'Center' button again.
Select the city and it will automatically adjust the time for that city.
Tips for New Users #19
Setting your iPod Alarm
At this day and age an alarm is useful if you want to be reminded to do something important or to help you get out of bed. With your iPod, you can set the alarm to do just that and the best thing is that the alarm can be heard with or without your earphones on. Your iPod’s alarm is not very loud and it beeps once.
Tips for New Users #20
To set your alarm
From your iPod main menu select ‘Extras’.
Select ‘Clock’ and highlight a clock on the list.
Select ‘Alarm Clock’.
Press the 'Center' button while ‘Alarm’ is highlighted to turn the alarm on.
Press the 'Center' button while the ‘Time’ option is highlighted to set the alarm.
Using the click wheel and the 'Center' button, adjust the time.
Select ‘Sound’ from the alarm menu and choose either ‘Beep’ or one of your playlists. Note that alarms set with music can only be heard through the earphones.
Unless you deactivate the alarm, it will continue to sound at the same time each day.
Tips for New Users #21
Setting the Sleep Timer
Use the sleep timer if you like falling asleep while listening to music. It allows you to
play music for a period of time and it will turn off automatically when the time interval has passed.
Select ‘Extras’ from the main menu.
Select ‘Clock’ and highlight one of the clocks. Select ‘Sleep Timer’. Use the click wheel to scroll over the time intervals. There are 15, 30, 60, 90 and 120 minute intervals. Press the 'Center' button to select an interval. The timer will immediately begin counting down. Your iPod will continue to function normally and will turn itself off at the end of the interval.
Tips for New Users #22
iTunes Overview
iTunes is the integrated media-player software that works with your iPod. You use it for organizing, playing, converting and downloading files from an external source to your computer and from your computer to your iPod.
iTunes Music Store sells songs, audiobooks, TV programs and movies to iPod users as well as offering 65,000 free podcasts to search for, subscribe to and download.
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At the iTunes Music Store you can purchase songs individually or albums from a collection of 3.5million songs from major and independent music labels, plus individual artists, 20,000 audiobooks and 200 TV shows. Whatever you purchase from the iTunes Music Store is yours to keep forever.
Tips for New Users #23
Installing iTunes
To get your iPod up and running, the first step is to download and install the latest version of the iTunes software --opens in new window-- ...make sure you’re connected to the internet.
After iTunes is installed, connect your iPod to your computer using the USB cable (hint: do not connect iPod to computer before installing iTunes). After the installation is complete, you’ll be asked to restart your computer.
Once iTunes is installed and your computer is restarted connect your iPod to your computer using the USB cable that came with it. iTunes will recognise your iPod connected and will prompt you to register it.
After registering, click finish and iTunes will start syncing/updating songs already in iTunes onto your iPod automatically. If you do not have songs in iTunes, insert a CD into your computer and iTunes will automatically copy songs after which you can sync them onto your iPod if the iTunes' automatic copy feature is turned on.
Tips for New Users #24
Putting songs on your iPod using iTunes
With iTunes successfully installed on your computer, it’s now time to put your entire music collection in your iTunes library. There are three ways you can do this. The first two are the most common and cheapest and the last one is necessary if you have some money to spare.
You can…
1. Upload/import songs from your CD collection
2. Add songs that’s already on your computer to the iTunes music library
3. Buy songs from the iTunes Music Store.
Tips for New Users #25
1. Uploading/importing songs from your CD collection into your iTunes library
Open iTunes and insert your CD into your computer. iTunes will recognize your inserted CD and the title will appear with a small CD icon next to it in the ’Source’ menu.
Click on the CD name to bring you up a list of all the songs on the CD. Songs on the CD will be automatically checked so uncheck the boxes of songs you do not want to import into iTunes library.
iTunes will automatically prompt you with a message 'Would like to import Audio CD into iTunes library'. Click 'Yes' . If iTunes does not import songs automatically, click the 'Import CD' button at the bottom right hand corner of iTunes.
Checked songs will begin to be uploaded. This is indicated by an orange icon that appears to the left of the song being currently uploaded. Uploaded songs will be automatically added to your iTunes library and the next time you connect your iPod to your computer, the songs will be synced/loaded onto it.
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Tips for New Users #26
2. Adding songs Already on Your Computer to your iTunes Music Library
Songs in MP3 or WMA file format that are stored on your computer can be easily added to your iTunes library. Go to 'File > Import' and select the folder or disk you want imported. iTunes will prompt you with this message 'One or more songs you are adding to iTunes are in the WMA format. iTunes will automatically convert them to the AAC format so that they can be added to your iTunes library'. Click 'Convert' to convert the songs to the AAC format.
Songs that are supported by iTunes will be automatically added to your music libarry.
Another way around this to burn the songs onto a CD and use iTunes to rip them back into the iTunes library. This will convert your songs from WMA file extension to AAC file extension.
Tips for New Users #27
3. Buying songs from the iTunes Music Store
To purchase songs from the iTunes Music Store, you must set up an account and give your name, credit card and billing information and your e-mail address. Follow the on-screen steps to setup your account for purchasing songs to fill your iPod to the brim with your fave songs.
After you purchase songs or videos, you keep them and you can play them on up to five computers using your one account. You can also transfer your purchased songs to an unlimited number of iPods which is always a plus point.
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Tips for New Users #28
Adding songs to Your iPod
Connect your iPod to your computer using the USB port and iTunes should automatically recognize it depending on whether or not you have the "Automatically update songs" option on, your iPod will start syncing the songs from iTunes. If that feature is off, go to 'File > Sync iPod, and songs in your iTunes library will be downloaded on your iPod.
Tips for New Users #29
Listening to music on your iPod
Phew…finally…you’ve taken your time to upload songs to your iTunes library and synced with your iPod, it’s now time to enjoy your music. From your iPod’s main menu
Select ‘Music’ and scroll down to select ‘Songs’.
Press the 'Center' button and the song’s title will appear on the screen. To turn up volume slide your finger on the click-wheel in a clock-wise motion and to turn down volume slide your finger on the click-wheel in an anti-clockwise motion while a song is playing.
Pause the music by pressing the play/pause button. Turn your iPod off by holding down the play/pause button for few seconds.
Tips for New Users #30
Updating Your iPod Manually
If you have an extensive iTunes library you may want to update your iPod manually. Connect your iPod to your computer. Open iTunes and click on ‘Users iPod’ under devices on the left hand side of iTunes.
Click on 'Summary' and you will see the details of your iPod, its 'Version' and 'Options'. Under 'Options' check the box that says 'Manually manage music' A dialog box will appear saying that are you sure you want to manually manage music on your iPod in which you should click 'OK'.
Note: You will need to manually eject your iPod before it can be disconnected safely if you choose to manage your songs manually.
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Tips for New Users #31
Deleting songs from Your iPod Manually
Connect your iPod to your computer and make sure iTunes is open on your computer. Click on your iPod's name under devices on the left hand side of the iTunes interface.
Click on the 'Summary' tab. Under 'Options' make sure you've checked the 'Manually manage music' check box. Under devices on the left hand side of the iTunes interface, select 'Music' and select a song you want to delete and press the 'delete' key on your keyboard.
To delete all songs, go to 'Edit > Select All' and hit the 'delete' key on your keyboard.
Note: When you delete a song or other item manually from your iPod, the song is not deleted from your iTunes library. To delete a song from the iTunes music library, click on 'Music' under 'Library', select a song and hit the delete key on your keyboard.
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Tips for New Users #32
Creating and Using Playlists
A playlist is similar to a folder. It allows you to group together types of music, mixes, or any combination of songs.
To create a playlist, click on the ‘Create a Playlist’ button at the bottom left-hand side of iTunes…it looks like a plus sign +…or you can choose ‘New Playlist’ from the top of the 'File' menu. This will give you a blank playlist under the 'Devices' menu.
Type in the name of the new playlist and press enter. Your playlists will be alphabetically ordered by iTunes.
To add songs to your playlist, click and drag the titles over the playlist and drop them in. Your new playlist will be automatically updated on your iPod the next time you connect it to your computer…unless you chose to update it manually.
The new playlist will automatically show up on your iPod when you choose ‘Playlists’ from the ’Music menu’. To listen to a song, select the playlist, then song and press play. It will now only play the songs in this playlist.
Tips for New Users #33
Storing Photos on Your iPod
One of the benefits of owning an iPod is the capability to store and view your photos. If you are using a PC, create a new iPod photo folder on your desktop to store all the photos you plan to update on your iPod.
To create this folder using Windows, right click on the ‘Start’ button and select ‘Explore’. From the 'File' menu select ‘New’, and then select ‘Folder’. A new folder will be created.
Type in the name of the new folder, for example ‘My iPod Photos’, and press ‘Enter’ on your keyboard. You may now add photos you have already stored on your computer.
Click and drag photos from their present folders to the new folder; or, if you want to keep them in the original folder as well, you may copy and paste them. Once you have added all the photos to your ‘My iPod Photos’ folder, return into iTunes and select your iPod under 'Devices' on the left hand side of iTunes.
Select the 'Photos' tab and check ‘Synchronize photos From’ and select ‘Choose Folder’ from the dropdown menu. Highlight your new folder and click ’OK’. Click ’Apply’ to sync photos onto your iPod.
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Tips for New Users #34
Viewing Photos on your iPod
From the main menu, scroll down to ‘Photos’ and click on the 'Center' button.
Scroll down to 'Photo Library' and click the 'Center' button. This will bring up thumbnails of all stored photos.
Scroll through the thumbnails, selecting those you want to view by pressing the 'Center' button, or you may use your next and previous buttons to view every photo.
Tips for New Users #35
To View a Slideshow on Your iPod
From the ‘Photos’ menu select ‘Slideshow Settings’.
Manually set up each option and press the menu button to return to the previous screen. Scroll to ‘Photo Library’ and press play. Your slideshow will begin immediately.
You can pause a slideshow the same way you pause your music. The screen will remain on the last photo until you choose ‘Repeat’ under ‘Slideshow Options’.
***Note that the backlight timer will be ineffective while viewing slideshows. Remember to close the slideshow by pressing the menu button, or it will continue to play and will run down battery very quickly***
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