You and Your iPod Shuffle

(Note: This post, like many, will focus on the Windows operating system, as this blog is not so secretly a public how-to guide for my lovable, intelligent, and hapless mother. As such, I've visited the computer in her basement to review and compose the step-by-step. If you feel irate or confused, do not hesitate to contact me.)

Let's talk about your second generation iPod shuffle.
Before we talk about "plugging" in your iPod, it might be a good idea to discuss the resources provided by Apple. Apple's success hinges on clean design, appeasing nerds, and really easy, really simple technology paired with customer service. To that end, Apple provides alot, even if it doesn't include it in the packaging. (If you're annoyed that a manual wasn't included in your purchase, I agree.*)

Apple's support page (www.apple.com/support) has a wide range of resources. Here are important pages regarding your iPod shuffle:

• iPod shuffle user guide (also includes first generation shuffle)
  
• iPod shuffle manual ("features guide"), opens as a .pdf
• iPod shuffle troubleshooting assistant
  

The troubleshooting assistant will instruct you how to reset your iPod, reinstall iPod software and iTunes, and restore your iPod (this will erase all data on the device).

Using Your iPod

Pictured above are your USB cable and iPod shuffle.

Insert your iPod like so:
The jack in the dock will fit snugly:
Turn on your iPod by sliding the on/off switch. A green light will appear:
Connect your USB cable to the computer. First, note the graphic on the cable:
On the computer pictured, the graphic will face the to left. When the option faces up or down, the graphic will typically face up.

Carefully connect the cable to the computer:
(I used a flashlight. My lighting skills are not at the best in this post.)

With your iPod on, and connected to your computer, iTunes may start on its own. (This can be changed in your program's preferences.) Here's a handy diagram of iTunes:

(As always, click the image to see it bigger, and hold CTRL while clicking to open it in a new window or CTRL+T for a new tab.)

(For instructions related to starting iTunes, see this post.)

*May I suggest a tip I learned from my oldest sister? Keep all of your manuals and purchase paper work in an accordion file. Label the tabs to your specifications and keep the file in a safe, dry, each to access location. If a manual isn't available, print out the one provided online and store it with your other manuals.