Preparing for Setup

• Charge your iPod fully before you attempt to connect it to iTunes. This will help the process go faster, as it can take iTunes up to 30 minutes to recognize an iPod that is not charged. While your iPod is charging, download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer if you do not already have it. This free software is available from Apple and works on Apple and Windows computers. You can find the specific hardware and software download requirements on the iTunes download page.
  
  

Connecting to ITunes

• Your iPod needs information it can only get from iTunes before it will work properly. This includes your iTunes account information and any music you currently have in iTunes on your computer. Connect your charged iPod to the computer using a USB 2.0 port and the charge/sync cable that came with your iPod. Use a direct computer port rather than a USB hub attachment or a port on an external device for best results. Plugging your iPod in will launch the iTunes software, and the instructions on your screen will guide you through the setup or update process.
  
  

Why Connect

• IPods are mobile devices with far less storage, memory and processing power than a computer. This limits their capacity to run software as complex as the full computer version of iTunes, so the iTunes software on your iPod is extremely scaled back and contains only what you need for that device. Connecting to iTunes allows your iPod to download software updates and receive information using your computer's processing power. IPod Touch users will be able to set up and back up their iPods without a computer connection once they update to iOS 5, which releases in late 2011, but other iPod models may still need a wired connection to iTunes.
  
  

Troubleshooting

• Occasionally, iPods may suffer from glitches that keep the device stuck on this screen without allowing them to sync with iTunes. If this happens, power off your iPod completely and then wait a few minutes before starting it up again. With it restarted, plug into iTunes on your computer again. The problem may also be iTunes not recognizing the device, so if you don't see your iPod listed under "Devices" in iTunes after a few minutes, try a different USB port. If that doesn't work, click the "Hold" switch back and forth if your iPod has one, as this can affect iTunes' ability to recognize it. Disconnecting other USB and FireWire devices can also help iTunes find your iPod.