To download free music, such as MP3s you’ve ripped from your CDs, to an MP3 player, plug the player into a computer and copy the songs to the player. If you're transferring MP3s to an iPod, drag each file into an iTunes window, and then let iTunes classify it.
Downloading music that you don’t get through Amazon or iTunes is usually no harder than plugging an MP3 player into a USB port on your computer. First, know where you put the music files you want to copy. Then, as soon as the player mounts, make a directory to put the files in, and copy the MP3s to it. The new files should be available for listening immediately. This method also works when you download MP3s directly to your computer from Amazon or iTunes.
Adding music files manually to an iPod is almost as easy. If you have an iPod Touch, plug it into your computer with its USB cable, and wait for its icon to appear on your desktop. Then click it open, make a folder, and add your music files. To manually copy files to other iPod models, open iTunes on your computer, and then connect your iPod to the computer with its USB cable. Select your iPod in iTunes, and transfer the files to it.
