It is possible to download music to an iPod without using iTunes, but users have to go to iTunes to prepare their iPods to do so. This involves setting up it up as an external hard drive. To accomplish this, a user needs a computer and a Universal Serial Bus (USB) cord for connecting the iPod to the computer. With these things on hand, the music device can be converted for use without iTunes in just a matter of minutes and for free.
In preparation for downloading music without using iTunes, a person connects his iPod to his computer via a USB cord. iTunes will usually open automatically at this point; it's necessary to use iTunes to prepare the device, but not to download the music. His next step is choosing his iPod in the source list. Then, he can click “Options” in the iTunes window. Clicking this button opens a preferences window for the device, where he can click on the option that says “Enable disk use.”
Once a person sets up the device to be used as an external hard drive, he’ll need to use a program to enable him to manage his music with it. There are free programs an individual can download specifically for this purpose. They are called music device managers or simply device managers.
The exact setup requirements for using a music device manager vary depending on the program the person chooses. Many of them, however, require the user to drag an application icon to his iPod. Once he has done so, he can then run the device manager application. If he no longer wants to use the application to manage his music, he can delete the application and choose another program or return to iTunes.
With a music device manager in place, a person may open the manager from the iPod and use the application's menu to select “Add.” Then, a window usually opens on the user's computer. The user can then drag the music he wants from his computer into that box, clicking “Add" again. Clicking “Add” copies the song the person wants from his computer to his iPod. Many music management programs also have advanced features that allow an individual to place songs into different play lists.
When an individual is finished using a music device manager, he can close the application and eject his iPod. It’s important to click eject before removing it from the computer, however. If the user fails to do so, he may damage or lose some of his files. Some programs have eject buttons or special keys that eject the device.
