The iTunes Software

Network Protocol
iTunes uses Apple's proprietary Digital Audio Access Protocol (DAAP) to transfer shared music between devices on a network. That means any other computer on the network can only access the shared music through iTunes -- unless you build yourself a DAAP server. See OpenDAAP to learn more.
iTunes offers all of the features we've come to expect from a high-level jukebox media player:
  • Audio-file playback - iTunes supports AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3 and WAV audio formats.
  • Streaming music - You can open a stream in iTunes just by entering the URL in the "Open Stream" dialog box.
  • Internet radio - You can set Internet radio presets.
  • Graphics - You can view audio-coordinated graphics on-screen and print jewel-case art for your burned CDs.
  • CD track information - iTunes automatically displays all available CD information when you insert a disc into the drive. You can also edit the information if it's incomplete or wrong.
  • Organization and management tools - iTunes offers automatic and manual management options for your library.
  • File-type conversion - iTunes will convert your AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3, WAV or unprotected WMA files to AAC, AIFF, Apple Lossless, MP3 or WAV format.
  • Playlist creation
  • Burning and ripping CDs
  • Downloading files to a portable player
  • Sharing music over a network

In addition to the typical jukebox functions, iTunes offers some nice advanced features:

    What's a Podcast?
    A podcast is an audio (or sometimes video) broadcast that you can download via the Internet and subscribe to so your computer automatically downloads all new episodes served up by that podcaster. You can listen to it on your computer or download it to a portable media player. Lots of podcasts are home-made, put together on a home PC and loaded up to a server for distribution. Many bloggers now produce their own podcasts. Some podcasts are professional-grade recordings put out by organizations like NPR, PBS and The Onion. See How Podcasting Works to learn more.
  • Autosyncing - iTunes will not only detect an iPod, but will also automatically download all content you added to iTunes since the last sync (you can set it to manual mode if you don't want iTunes to transfer everything). Your iPod will also upload to iTunes any new song ratings or playlists you created directly on your iPod (but not any songs you added -- if there's a song on your iPod that isn't in your iTunes library, say goodbye to it when you autosync). The problem with autosync is that it syncs blindly -- if, for instance, you clear out your iTunes library for some reason, and you then connect your iPod to your computer, the autosync will wipe everything off your iPod to make it look just like your iTunes library. To avoid this, just turn off autosync.

  • Smart Playlists - You can set parameters for iTunes to create a playlist for you using songs from your library. Parameters can be the song's genre, date of release or rating. When you add a new song to iTunes that matches your Smart Playlist parameters, the software will automatically add it to the playlist.

  • Videos - You can download videos, movies or TV shows from the iTunes Music Store to watch them in iTunes and download them to an iPod video. You can also convert your DVDs to iTunes video format using one of many pieces of external software available for just this purpose. See Engadget: HOW-TO: Convert a DVD for your iPod (with video) in Windows and AfterDawn Forums: Rip Convert DVD to iPod, iPod Video Converter.

  • Audiobooks - You can listen to audiobooks (Audible .aa file format) through iTunes.

  • Podcast subscriptions - You can subscribe to a podcast directly through iTunes. Just click "Subscribe to Podcast" and type the podcast's URL in the dialog box that pops up. You'll automatically receive all new podcasts from that broadcaster.

  • Joining CD tracks - iTunes will join all of the audio tracks you choose into one track file to eliminate pauses between songs.

  • Editing ID3 tags - ID3 tags are bits of data attached to a song that can include the artist name, album title, release date, music genre, album art and other related items. You can edit the tags and add tag data to your songs through iTunes.

  • iTunes Music Store - The iTunes Music Store is an integrated function of the software. Click the store icon in the main iTunes interface to browse and buy content online, or click the icon next to any song, album or artist in your library to go directly to that content in the Music Store.

  • MiniStore recommendations - When you're listening to a song or watching a video in your library, the MiniStore function will display related content available in the iTunes Music Store.
So that's what the software can do. In the next section, we'll find out how to get started with iTunes on your computer.