What is iTunes?
Apple’s iTunes is digital media software that stores, catalogs and plays digital music and video files. In addition, it also allows you to connect and sync your music and movies with your personal music device, namely the iPod, iPhone and iPad. Although iTunes is an Apple product, there is also a version available for Windows computers. It comes preinstalled on every new Mac, but the Windows version can be downloaded for free from Apple’s website. iTunes isn’t compatible with any non-Apple devices, although there are non-sanctioned hacks available.
Update iTunes
Confirm that you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. On the Mac, select “Software Update…” from under the apple in the upper left corner of the screen and allow the updater to check your iTunes and other Apple software as well. In Windows, launch iTunes and select “Check For Update” from under the “Help” menu. Note that in both instances an Internet connection is required.
Set the iTunes Preferences
First, configure iTunes to import and save music files in MP3 format. This is accomplished by selecting "Preferences" (under the "iTunes" menu), choosing "General," and clicking "Import Settings."
Importing From a CD
Insert a CD into the drive. In iTunes, select "Add To Library" under "File," and navigate to the CD. Once you’ve highlighted it, select "Open." The music will be copied into your iTunes library, in MP3 format. You can also set iTunes to perform this task automatically by enabling “Import CD” in the preferences pane in iTunes.
Converting Other Audio Files to MP3
In iTunes, select “Add To Library” (from under the “File” menu) and navigate to the files you wish to convert. Select the files and click on the “Choose” button. This is the same process as converting files from a CD, only here you’re selecting the files that are on your computer (audio files that are stored your desktop, for example).
Converting Music Already in Your iTunes Library
Launch iTunes, and select the songs you wish to convert to MP3. Under the "Advanced" menu, select "Create MP3 Version." This will create a MP3 version, but will not delete or replace the previous version. If you want to delete the original files, simply highlight them and delete them from iTunes by hitting the "Delete" key.
One Timesaving Tip (OK, Two!)
In "Preferences," confirm that “Automatically retrieve CD track names from Internet” is checked. This will allow the song titles to be populated, freeing you from having to type them in manually. Then select “Get Album Artwork” from under the “Advanced” menu to allow the album’s artwork to be displayed when playing in iTunes on your computer or on your iPod.
Chris Capelle - Chris Capelle is a freelance copywriter with over two decades of experience. Subjects of his writing include the business and technology ...
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