How to Update a Third Generation iPod

By Mario Calhoun

i Earphones on Pink image by JJAVA from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

The third-generation iPod was released in 2004 and was an upgrade to the previous generation iPods, as the click wheel was replaced with a touch wheel. Firmware updates for the iPod are downloaded from the iTunes application, and require an active Internet connection to download the software update. In order to prevent data loss, do not disconnect the iPod's docking cable from the iPod during the upgrade process, according to Apple.

Run the iTunes program on your computer, and insert the docking cable into the iPod and into your computer's FireWire or USB port.

Click the name of the iPod located in the iTunes' source list on the left side of the iTunes window.

Click the "Check for Update" button, and click the "Download and Install" button to download the iPod software. According to J.D. Biersdorfer, author of "iPod: The Missing Manual," the software update will download in the "Downloads" tab underneath the "Store" tab in the iTunes' source list, and will automatically run once the download is complete.

Click the "Next" button in the iPod Software Update window to begin the installation process, and click "Finish" or "Complete" once the installation finishes.

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