What does it mean to sync your ipod and is it best to do it automatically or not do it? Thanks?

Answer 1

When you sync your iPod, iTunes will go through all of your automatic sync settings and adjust the contents of your iPod accordingly. If you have iTunes set to automatically sync all music/playlists, it will do that. If you have it set to sync specific playlists only, it will only make sure that those playlists and any songs included in them are uploaded to your iPod and remove any songs that are not. Photos in your designated photo folder will be uploaded, podcasts that meet your podcast settings will be uploaded, etc. Music loads first, and then it will progress through the different file types until it either runs out of stuff to upload, or runs out of capacity to fit all the files you've got it set to sync.

Now, if you've got it set to automatically sync, it will do so every time that you plug that iPod into that computer (the default setting should be to automatically open iTunes and sync your iPod whenever you plug it in). If you want to manually sync everything, check the "Manually manage music and videos" checkbox, but you'll have to manage every single file that goes onto or comes off of your iPod. Now, if you want to be able to charge it from your computer without syncing, but you don't want to mess with the hassle of manual syncing, you can deselect the "Open iTunes when this iPod is connected" check box, and if iTunes is not open when you plug in your iPod, all it will do is charge the battery (though you will need to undock your iPod from the taskbar before unplugging it). If you plug it in when iTunes is already open, it will go through an automatic sync as normal (and newer firmware should automatically undock when finished syncing, though they will still draw current to charge the battery).

Answer 2

What Does Sync Mean

Answer 3

Sync automatically puts everything in iTunes onto your iPod (if it fits) everytime you hook it up to your computer. (not duplicates) and new stuff as you add it to iTunes.

Manual allows you to drag only the song you want onto your iPod.

I use manual cause I have way more song's in iTunes that will fit on my iPod, plus I like to make new playlists and then drag those on when I'm feeling hip hop, 80's or disco.