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I was confused, so I did what every sophisticated adult male is supposed to do in such situations. I punted.
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Al Fasoldt's reviews and commentaries, continuously available online since 1983
T e c h n o f i l e
5 tips that will turn you into an iTunes expert
Jan. 1, 2006
By Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2006, Al Fasoldt
Copyright © 2006, The Post-Standard
I've made my reputation by figuring out complicated software, so you probably think I had no trouble at all learning how to use iTunes.
But when I tackled Apple's music software after buying my first iPod, I knew I'd finally met my match. iTunes was either too easy or too hard. I didn't know which.
So I did what every sophisticated adult male is supposed to do in such situations. I punted.
I stopped trying to do things right and started playing with the software. I had no "iTunes for Really Big Dummies" books. Just me and my music — and, as it turned out, my playlists.
I found out they held the secrets to iTunes. Here's what I learned:
1. Playlists rule. Sure, you have songs and tunes. But they're just songs and tunes. Leave them alone. Don't play them. Play lists of songs and tunes instead. These are called playlists. (Makes sense, right?) Just select some music and choose "Make playlist from selection" in the File menu. Give each playlist a name that makes sense. Drag those playlists to your iPod in the iTunes list.
2. Make as many playlists as you want. One called "Great Rock Music" and another called "The Best of Jerry Garcia" might even have a few songs in common, too. (They'd better, or I'll never speak to you.)
3. Playlists that have songs in common don't waste space on your computer or your iPod. The songs aren't duplicated. They're just referenced in more than one place.
4. Tired of the same music? Don't trash the tunes; trash the playlists. Deleting playlists keeps your music files intact. You can always make new playlists. Your tunes will still be there, in the library. (Click the icon at the top of the left-hand list.)
5. Change the order of any playlist by clicking the category header at the top of any column. Then save it as a new playlist.
Now go forth and rock.
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