How to Transfer Music from iPod to iTunes
Apple makes it easy to move songs on to your iPod from iTunes, and even through WiFi from the iTunes store. However, the ability to move songs from an iPod into a new iTunes library is more difficult. There are a few different ways that this can be done, though it is important to mention up front that this is difficult to do intentionally. The reason for this is because taking music free of charge from iPods that belong to others is one form of piracy. Though this may seem like a victimless crime for some, the revenue from the CD sales and song downloads can often mean the difference between a career and a living for a lesser musician and having to do music only as a hobby. Assuming that the music you want was all purchased legally, however, here are some options:
1. Make sure all of your music purchases are through the iTunes store legally, and buy the more expensive version of the songs- they usually run $1.29 instead of $0.99, and in this form the rights for the music belong to you, and you are free to share, distribute, and copy as much as you would like. In this case, all you need to do is search online for your downloads, and you can re-download them onto a computer, with or without an iPod. They remain on the cloud, so you can re-download them as many times as you want, and keep up to five copies of iTunes registered at a time.
2. There are a number of iPod ripping software configurations that you can buy. Though some of them are free, others cost a small amount. These software packages can be found by googling “iPod to iTunes”. These include wondershare, macroplant and TouchCopy, for example. A few tips on choosing a software company: First, be sure that you aren’t downloading additional software with a free copy of iPod ripping software. Often, spyware and trojan horse programs come with something that is otherwise “free”, and they slow down your progress and potentially steal information from your computer, particularly your browsing habits, which can be sold to data collection and advertisement agencies. If you choose one, be sure that your virus programs are up to date, and read the fine print about what you are buying. Choose BBB certified businesses if you can, as you have a better chance of protecting your computer.
