Having lost my iPod quite some time ago, I've just taken to using the iPod application on my iPhone to carry around my tunes. Regardless, the following how-to can be easily applied to all versions of the iPod.

It's also worth mentioning that some people might take slight different steps in managing their playlists and syncing their iPod, but I find that this way works for me, and now, for you too.

If you want to sync your entire music library to your iPod skip to step number 2. If you want to make playlists according to different activities in which you want to listen to a certain kind of genre (like for a party or going to the gym), then you should read all the steps. :D

Step 1: Compiling your playlist

You need to have a playlist compiled and ready before you can sync your iPod.

Open iTunes and go to File -> New Playlist.

Now have a look at the pane on the right hand side. Under "Playlists" there will be a playlist titled "Untitled Playlist" which you can rename. For this guide, I've renamed mine "Girl Guides Playlist".

The next step is adding music to your new playlist. Go to your music library – all your music should be listed here already – and click/drag the selected albums or songs to your new playlist.

Once you've done this, go and click on your playlist. The music you selected and dragged to the playlist should be there. Continue dragging your prefered music into the playlist you created until you're satisfied with the result – remember to keep in mind your iPod's storage capability and keep an eye on the size of your playlist. At the very bottom of your playlist you will find a summary of the amount of songs, the play-time and size of your playlist.

You can create and sync as many playlists as you want, always keeping your iPod's storage capability in mind.

Step 2: Connecting and syncing your iPod

Connect your iPod to your PC with the usb cable that you received with your ipod - iTunes will pick up the new device. If you have never before connected your iPod, iTunes will lead you through a few simple steps that will help with the set-up of your iPod and your syncing preferences.

Some things to take note of:

Once you've connected and named your iPod it will also show up in the pane on the right hand side under "Devices" and here you can change and edit your preferences at any time, it's completely up to you.

Under the tab titled "Summary" you will find the details of your iPod such as your iPod's name, size and software details as well as an option to check for updates. At the very bottom you'll find a subcategory titled "Options". Listed under this subcategory are the following:

• Open iTunes when this iPod is connected (I know – mine says iPhone, just ignore that)
• Sync only checked songs and videos
• Convert higher bit rate songs 128 kbps AAC
• Manually manage music and videos
• Encrypt iPhone backup (again, ignore the iPhone part)

The settings in the below screenshot are my personal preferences, and I find that my music is just easier to manage manually. If you leave the "Manually Manage Music and Videos" box unchecked itunes would immediately start syncing your iPod as soon as you connected (annoying!) without giving you a chance to make some last minute changes.

If you take a look at the options under the "Music" tab you'll find the following:

Take a minute to look at the above screenshots.

If you want to sync your whole music library make sure that the "Entire Music Library" option is checked. If this is your preference you're basically done. All you need to do is apply your changes and click "Sync" – provided iTunes didn't automatically start (it can be sneaky that way).

If you want to sync your playlists to your iPod you need to have the "Selected Playlists, Artists and Genres" option checked. Then move on to the "Playlists" subcategory and select the playlists you want added to your iPod.

(I've never come across someone that synced their iPod according to Artist or Genre but if you think that this will be a suitable option for you then you can go ahead and check the boxes next to the ones you want added to your iPod.)

Once you're done, click "Sync" and there you go! iTunes will add your music to your iPod, the duration of this will depend on how big your playlists are.

Side notes and a tip:

If at a later stage you want to add or remove music from your playlist/playlists, iTunes does not remove the playlist and then add it back once you've synced your iPod. It will only remove the songs you deleted off your playlist and add the ones you dragged over into the playlist. And my tip to you is to always double check that your prefered playlists are checked and always click "apply changes" before you sync your iPod. It's frustrating when you compile updated playlists only to later find that your changes weren't applied and added to your iPod.

And lastly, please remember to always eject your iPod first before disconnecting. If you have any questions or if I've left anything out, please drop me a comment and I'll do my best to help!