Software installation

iTunes doesnt run well with Ubuntu

You need to use a software with equivalent functionality

This will fill you in:

http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/9266

sudo apt-get install gtkpod

Will help you manage the ipod. I don't use Apple's overpriced products so can't vouch for its effectivity first hand but it seems to be one way to go, other apps like Amarok & Banshee are also able to tranfer data to the device.

iTunes does not run at all in Ubuntu as Apple have not written a version of iTunes for Linux - they have for the Mac of-course & for Microsoft Windows.

To get around this I run Window XP in VirtualBox & run iTunes within XP very successfully there - including syncing with the ipod via the usb port etc - however this can be quite a challenge to set up unless you are fairly computer literate. Add a comment here if you want to know more.

I have used the alternatives referred to here - essentially you can use them to manually update your ipod - but I prefer the plug in and automatically sync arrangement in iTunes, unfortunately none of the Linux alternatives provide anything close to this level of functionality.

You may ask if I have windows XP why do I use Ubuntu - well I much prefer the operating system Linux & in particular the Ubuntu distribution of Linux to anything Microsoft have ever produced - basically I can do a lot more (+ at a lot less long term cost) using Ubuntu that I can if I allow myself to be locked into any of the proprietary operating systems that Microsoft offer.

Besides Linux is a much more flexible operating system than anything Microsoft provide ...hmm I could go on & on - but I'm getting off message.

Bit of a bloat but is a solution.

It will require an XP license and installation media