How to Use an iPod on a Computer Without iTunes
By Chris Brower
You can easily use an iPod on a computer without iTunes. While iTunes is the program typically associated with the iPod, there are others that can work with your iPod to do whatever it is you want to do. One such program is Winamp, which can be downloaded for free online (see Resources). You can also access your iPod's files without any software at all.
Step 1
Connect your iPod to your computer using a USB cord.
Step 2
Click the "Start" menu, and select "My Computer."
Step 3
Double-click the drive that contains your iPod. It typically has iPod in the drive name, such as "WILLIE'S IPOD."
Step 4
Click the "Tools" menu, and select "Folder Options," then choose the "View" tab. Click the circle next to "Show hidden files and folders," and click "Apply," then "OK." A folder called "iPod_Control" will now appear.
Step 5
Double-click the "iPod_Control" folder. You are now looking at your iPod's hard drive. From here you can click the "Music" folder, which will contain several folders with names such as "F00" and so on. These hold the music files from your iPod. You can copy and paste them onto your hard drive and open them in other music programs. If you'd like to control your iPod in another digital music player, continue on with the following step.
Step 6
Open Winamp. Your iPod will show up in the "Portables" list, which is located in the menu on the left side of the player. From here you can control your iPod just like you can in iTunes. You can sync, add, delete, rename files and more.
Writer Bio
Chris Brower is a writer with a B.A. in English. He also spent time studying journalism and utilizes both to deliver well-written content, paying close attention to audience, and knowing one word could determine whether a product is a success or a failure. He has experience writing articles, press releases, radio scripts, novels, short stories, poems and more.