How to Transfer and Back up Your iTunes Library

If you've just purchased a new computer and need to somehow get all your old music from your old one onto it you might want to read this.

One of the factors that definitely hindered the adoption of digital music in the beginning was the lack of a tangible object, which made the whole idea seem pretty volatile. Of course these fears were brushed aside and digital music has rapidly grown.

However, the fear of something happening to your computer and all your music being lost is still very real. And of course there is there is the whole problem of how to transfer everything when you purchase a new computer. If you are looking for some tips on how to transfer your music library to another computer or just how to back your collection up then this article is for you.

iPod Copy Software

The easiest way to transfer your iTunes library is to use a specially made transfer software. Unfortunately there is a wide range of these programs – some free, some expensive and they all have different levels of functionality. To find out which best suits you read About.com’s reviews of iPod transfer programs.

iTunes Backup

iTunes has its own built-in backup utility that you can find in the File menu. Just go File - > Backup to Disc.

If you have some blank DVDs or CDs you can backup your entire library (with the exception of audible .com audiobooks).

If you only have a CD burner then this method is only desirable if you have a smaller library as it will take you forever and a truck full of CDs to backup your entire library.

Another idea would be to just backup your digital music that you have acquired through iTunes as you probably still have your original CDs that you ripped the rest of your collection from.

On the other hand if you have a DVD burner you can store up to 7 CDs worth of information on a single DVD so this is probably a better option.

Check out what Apple's guide has to say for more info.

External Hard Drive

External hard drives keep getting bigger and cheaper making them my favourite way to backup my library.

Once you have an external hard drive that you like all you have o do is connect it to your computer and copy your iTunes library to it. Then you have a backup that you can transfer to your new computer or your old one after a crash.

Alternatively, you can keep your library on your hard drive and save space on your internal hard drive. If you have a laptop I recommend a USB powered hard drive as this makes the whole operation more portable.

Migration Assistant

If you are using a Mac the easiest option is to use the built in migration tool to transfer your iTunes library. The Migration Assistant tool moves data, settings, and other files from your old computer to your new one.

The Mac OS Setup Assistant will offer you this option; however, if you don’t choose it, you can locate it in your Applications folder, inside the Utilities folder.

You’ll also need a Firewire cable to connect the two computers. Once you’ve done that, restart the old computer and hold down the “T” button. You’ll see it restart and display an orange Firewire icon on the screen. Once you see this, run the Migration Assistant tool, and follow the onscreen instructions.

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Under Garments with more Baggage than you Bargained for

Here’s something a little different…rather humerous in fact!

Thought convenience couldn’t become any more convenient to the extent that it becomes inconvenient?!

Triumph Lingerie have come up with the most extraordinary device. The built in solar powered iPod charger bra…crazy much?…I think so!

I guess the only thing that I can give it is that it is eco-friendly. So how it works is that it is equipped with a detachable solar panel, that is fitted around the stomach. It is said that it is able to generate enough energy to ‘power an iPod or mobile phone as the wearer lazes on the beach’ so they claim. Question is, how would it be possible to expose the device to enough sunlight (if at all), considering the wearer of the garment will most likely be dressed appropriately wearing the items as ‘under garments’?

And for a little convenient addition, the item also comes with two reusable plastic pouches that are intended for the wearer to quench their thirst at any given moment, as well as giving your bust that extra boost for that plunging cleavage.

This is where the convenience becomes a little inconvenient. Because of its electrical properties, it is suggested that the item should not be worn in the rain or washed as it could permanently damage the device.

Good on you Triumph for trying to be green, but lets hope something a little more convenient comes up our alley.

To check out the article, visit: http://www.ipodaccessories.net/solar-powered-bra-to-charge-your-ipod/

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I Love Movies

Who doesn't love movies? But the real question is do you love them as much as this guy?

I was looking for a Podcast to review and saw a promo on the iTunes Podcast page that featured a familiar face. It turns out this face belonged to Doug Benson, an American comedian who has apparently been on Last Comic Standing, however, I recognized him from Friends, Episode 507 to be exact (The One Where Ross Moves In).

In this episode Rachel is playing “hard to get” with her building perv Danny. At Danny’s party Danny tires to set up Rachel with a friend of his (the man in question – Doug Benson) whom delivers the memorable line, “My Mom calls it Bloomies!”

Benson’s podcast, I Love Movies (don’t confuse it with the free porn movie site), is basically a sort of ad-lib standup comedy routine where Benson and a special guest talk loosely about movies. The first episode of season two features the hilarious David Cross (Tobias in Arrested Development).

The improve nature of the show, which is performed live in front of a studio audience, makes for some unusual banter. For example discussions of how the producers of 27 Dresses chose the number 27 and what a merged cut of The Illusionist and The Prestige would look like.

The show also features The Leonard Maltin game, where a player selects a film from Leonard Maltin’s book, reveals the year of its release and then names the cast members from the bottom up till the other player guesses correctly. Strangely enough the podcast keeps this guessing game entertaining.

This podcast is definitely not for everyone but movie lovers who enjoy a variety of eclectic references and of course a side order of comedy will find it a useful time passer when stuck in rush hour traffic on the commute home.

Catch up with the first season of I Love Movies at HandHeldComedy.com.

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Audible.com

Are you tired of consuming books the old fashioned way? Want to get into audio books but not prepared to pay the high price only to accumulate a mountain of CDs that end up collecting dust? Check out what we have to say about the revolutionary online library of audible.com...it could be the answer to not only keeping those extra pennies in your pocket, but also the enjoyment and simplicity of providing hassle free literature.

Audible.com, a subsidiary of Amazon inc. is a revolutionary entertainment provider that allows you to download audio- programs, books, TV, magazines, newspapers, and radio subscriptions, whether its for your personal computer, or any wireless device.

Find leading audiobook publishers, broadcasters, entertainers, magazine and newspaper publishers, and business information providers on this simple to use program. And what’s more, is that Audible.com is not only the unsurpassed provider of audio products for the iTunes Store, but also for the world wide web.

Shop the simpler way. With audible.com, you are able to browse through a selection of 25 000 audio-books and programs with new titles added daily. Whether a one-time user or a member, a small standard fee is required, that some consider to be far cheaper than what you would spend on a cd or cassette version.

On the negative, there are a few miscellaneous points.

1. Some reviews have claimed that the audio format quality is rather poor.
2. If you don't use your free credits in the first two weeks, they expire, even when you have paid for a permanent membership.

Quite frankly, sure, if you are one of the disgruntled customers to have experienced this I hate to say that S#&t happens, and that next time, do yourself the favour of reading the fine print.

It sounds like a great program and I am almost certain that you will get your monies worth. However, it is still very new on the market, so for those of you that have counter feedback on the product, I would like to hear it, so feel free to leave a comment.

In the meantime, check out their website.

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Belkin iPod Touch Leather Folio

Feel a little skeptical just chucking you iPod Touch into your purse? Worried that that beautiful screen won’t be so sleek and clear after experiencing a couple hours with those stray pens and wallet zippers poking and prodding at it? Well worry no more, and check out what we have up our sleeves today.

Want something a little more substantial that and easier to use than a knitted iPod sock to protect your Touch? Here is something a little more suited to your Touch protection needs, as well as something a tad more stylish than the black leather sleeve that we are all so familiar with. Well, I have found the ultimate in both protection and style and I would like to share it with you.

The Belkin iPod Touch Leather Folio comes is a small variety of colours, my fave being lavender. You could say that this version of protective wear is the evolved version of the slip cover. Compact in size, the flip cover protects that precious Touch screen from those everyday scuff marks that inevitably find their way to the most important place on the device. Thanks to this stylish add on, that can now be prevented.

Product features include:

· Simple, balanced design

· Dual material layering effect

· Exposed accent stitching and debossed microfibre interior

· Fully protected screen with overlay

What more could you ask for? For more info on this product click here.

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