Section 99. Update Your iPod s Software


99. Update Your iPod's Software

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

4 Connect Your iPod for the First Time


SEE ALSO

100 Restore Your iPod to Factory Settings


Every few weeks, Apple issues an update to the software that powers the iPod, adding features and fixing bugs . Each such software release is delivered in the form of an " updater " that runs on either a Mac or a Windows PC, contains updates for all models of iPod in a single package, and gives you the option to either upgrade the software on your iPod or erase its disk and return it to the pristine factory condition.

It's important to keep abreast of iPod software updates for many reasons, not least of which is that some of the tasks in this book are not possible without the latest software installed on your iPod. Be sure to check regularly at the iPod software download page to see whether an update has been released.

NOTE

If you're on a Mac, iPod software updaters are delivered through the Software Update mechanism (in the Apple menu) that also brings you updates to Mac OS X and your installed Apple software. Be sure to run Software Update regularlyit's how your Mac is protected against security vulnerabilities, as well as a convenient way to have necessary upgrades at your fingertips.


WEB RESOURCE

http://www.apple.com/ipod/download/

Here is the iPod software download page, where you can get the latest iPod updaters for Mac or Windows computers.


99. Update Your iPod's Software


1.
Download the Latest Updater

Visit the iPod software download page. Apple requires you to identify yourself before you can download the updater, although this is not an authentication process and doesn't require you to be registered with any particular service; enter your name and email address in the fields at the bottom of the page, and indicate whether you want to receive promotional email using the two check boxes. Specify your computer's operating system using the radio buttons (your correct platform should be automatically selected). Click Download iPod Software Update to begin the download.

NOTE

If you have an Apple ID, such as the login address you use to download music from the iTunes Music Store , you can use it to log in instead of supplying your name and email address.

When the download is complete, there is an installer program for you to run: iPod.mpkg on the Mac or iPodSetup.exe on Windows. Run this installer. When it's complete, the updater is available in the Programs menu in Windows, or in a folder called iPod Software Updater inside Utilities within the Applications folder on the Mac.

2.
Check Your iPod's Software Version

On the iPod, navigate into the Settings screen, then select About . Check the Version number reported in the information screen.

3.
Run the Updater Program

Launch the iPod Updater <date> program, either from its location on the disk or from the Programs menu in Windows. The first screen that appears reports the version numbers for each of the iPod models it supports; compare this version number with the version you saw on your iPod in step 2. If your iPod is up-to-date and you plug it in, the updater will tell you that no update is necessary (by comparing the version numbers , you can save yourself the trouble of continuing with this task).

NOTES

Don't connect your iPod to the computer before you launch the updater program; doing so can cause the updater program to hang. Wait until the updater is running before connecting the iPod.

If you quit the updater without updating your iPod, you might have to manually unmount the iPod from the computer (by clicking Windows' Unplug or Eject Hardware icon in the system tray, or by clicking the Eject button next to the iPod in the Finder on the Mac) before you can disconnect the iPod safely.

4.
Connect Your iPod

Connect your iPod to the computer using the Dock or cable. The updater heads off iTunes and prevents it from synchronizing your music while it's running. Your iPod's information, including whether its software needs updating, is displayed in the updater window.

5.
Update the iPod's Software

If your iPod's software needs an update, the Update button is active. Click this button. (If you are running Mac OS X, you must enter an administrator's password.) The software is copied to the iPod.

6.
Disconnect the iPod to Complete Installation

When you are directed to do so by the updater (and not before), disconnect the iPod from its Dock or cable. The iPod resets, and the firmware update automatically takes place, as you can see by the progress bar that appears on the iPod's screen. After 15 seconds or so, the iPod resets again and returns to the Main Menu.

NOTE

In some cases, particularly with newer iPod models, you don't have to disconnect the iPod from the computer, even though the updater says you should. The iPod simply updates its firmware and returns to the Main Menu.


Quit the updater program and keep it around for future use, as in 100 Restore Your iPod to Factory Settings .



iPod + iTunes for Windows and Mac in a Snap
iPod + iTunes for Windows and Mac in a Snap (2nd Edition)
ISBN: 0672328992
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2005
Pages: 152
Authors: Brian Tiemann

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