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Despite the introduction of many MP3 music sites on the Internet, some of them backed by major companies, iTunes remains dominant. This isn�t because iPods, the world�s bestselling portable media players, work only with iTunes. They don�t: many media programmes make a point of working with the full iPod range. The reason iTunes is so successful is that Apple treats it like any of its other products, and ensures that it provides precisely what people want.
iTunes is free
With this in mind, it�s perhaps surprising that iTunes is free. It also doesn�t matter whether you have a http://www.considermac.com�">Mac or a PC, you can download iTunes without fuss on both
The fact is, you can have a first class piece of media library software to organise your music � and much more � for nothing. You�re not obliged to commit to buying anything, and you don�t have to give any debit or credit card details. The only time you part with payment information is if you choose to use the iTunes Store.
Organisation
iTunes lets you organise your digital media under five headings: Music; Movies; TV Shows; Podcasts; and Radio. Within the first four of these are further headings such as Albums; Artists; Genres; and, under Music, Composers.
Within each heading, you can arrange your items in alphabetical order. You can therefore organise everything in a straightforward manner and with complete confidence. It�s then simplicity itself to find what you want.
Features
When you choose iTunes as your MP3 programme, you get more than 100 features. Among the most recent and notable are Genius; Grid View; Cover Flow; and the new visualisers.
When you activate Genius and select a certain song, the Genius Playlist groups together 25, 50, or 100 songs from your library that complement your choice. The Genius Sidebar does something similar by presenting you with a playlist based on your chosen song and taken from the iTunes Store. Genius therefore pulls together songs for you that match a mood or style, and acts as your personal music mentor.
Grid View is the iTunes default method of viewing your music, films, and podcasts. It appears as a grid of relevant artwork, any one of which you click to start playing. Alternative ways of viewing your collection are as a list, or by using Cover Flow. Like Grid View, Cover Flow displays the artwork for your collection but allows you to �flick� through it, rather than have it all shown on one page.
The new visualisers are the incredible images you can ask iTunes to place on your computer screen. The effects are full of colour and movement, and make a mesmerising accompaniment to your music.
Updates and innovations
Since 2001, Apple has regularly upgraded iTunes with new versions that introduce the sort of features described above. Already, the latest iTunes version has reached number 8.0. This is evidence of Apple�s commitment to continually improve the software and respond positively to customer comments. iTunes has a heritage that other programmes can only dream about achieving.
Security
iTunes updates also maintain the software�s reliability. Some MP3 programmes are notorious for letting viruses enter computers. The iTunes Store resists viruses and spyware very effectively.
In addition, Apple ensures the payment system of the iTunes Store remains confidential. This means that hackers are unable to access data about your payment card and your purchases.
iPod compatibility
If you use an iPod with iTunes, compatibility comes as standard. When you plug your iPod into your computer via a USB 2.0 port, iTunes appears on screen. Depending on the settings you�ve chosen, iTunes immediately begins an automatic transfer to the iPod of your latest media items. Alternatively, you can pick what you want from youriTunes library manually. It�s that easy.
Portability
The iPod nano, classic, and touch can use Genius away from a computer. You simply ask the Genius menu on your iPod to create a list of songs that go well together.
You activate this feature through iTunes. iTunes is therefore responsible for helping your iPod become a truly portable music player.
Pay as you go
Should you decide to use the iTunes Store, you�re in for a treat. First of all, you pay for what you want. Unlike some MP3 music sites, you don�t have to agree to a monthly subscription, but this doesn�t mean that iTunes prices are high. Songs, for instance, are only �0.79.
As well as individual songs, the iTunes Store offers a comprehensive selection of albums. This is only part of the story, however. Once you start browsing, you come across music videos; episodes and seasons of TV shows; audiobooks; games; applications; college and university lectures (under the iTunes U heading); films; and podcasts. The podcasts are usually free to download, and you don�t necessarily have to buy the films that interest you - some are available to rent.
Choice
This choice within the iTunes Store runs into millions of items. There�s a remarkable selection designed to appeal to as many people as possible, whatever their media preferences. Music, for instance, has 21 genres. These include blues, children�s, comedy, classical, dance, folk, jazz, pop, and rock.
Legal
Furthermore, everything contained in the iTunes Store is legal. When you shop with iTunes, you don�t infringe copyright protection, and you aren�t involved with piracy.
Ad-free
Some MP3 programmes supplement their income with adverts. These can be both visual and audio. In other words, the ads can use up room on your screen, or oblige you to listen while you�re browsing.
iTunes is a self-contained piece of high quality software. There are no adverts, either in the media library or the iTunes Store.
Explicit content
Finally, the iTunes Store has parental controls that restrict access to explicit content. Set these, and you can rest assured your children can browse iTunes safely.
The best MP3 programme available
This array of content and features makes iTunes the world�s favourite MP3 programme. When you download the software and start to arrange and improve your music, podcasts, TV programmes, games, audiobooks, and films, you�ll wonder how you ever managed without it.
