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I have looked online and couldn’t find a good simple guide to moving iTunes from one compter to another - so here’s my version. Unfortunately you can’t use your iPod to do this (actually you can but it’s pretty fiddly and this method is far easier and less time consuming).

I’m going to assume that you let (and want) iTunes to manage your music files - I can’t see why you wouldn’t - or why you would particularly care - there are those that do, and this sort of information probably isn’t for them.

Summary - we need to copy all of the music files (MP3s, etc) and also make sure we copy the library information (ratings, listening info, etc). You can either copy these directly (over the network if you have one) or copy them to an intermediate device - external hard drive, USB key, etc.

First, we need to copy the files from the old computer

By default iTunes stores the music files in C:\Documents and Settings\<user>\My Documents\My Music\iTunes\iTunes Music (Windows XP) or C:\Users\<Username>\Music (Vista) - you need to copy the entire folder structure either to the new computer (easiest to copy to the desktop) or via the Hard Drive.

You now have two options - if you already have music (that you want to keep) on the new computer then we will add to the existing library. If the new computer doesn’t have any music on it then we will use the existing library (from the old computer.)

I have iTunes on the new computer and want to keep the music stored on it.

1. Assuming your music files are now on the desktop of the new computer we just need to copy the music files to iTunes.
2. First check that iTunes is managing the music files:
3. Launch iTunes - Menu - Edit - Preferences - Advanced
4. Make sure the following options are checked -

• ‘Keep iTunes Music folder organized’
• ‘Copy files to itunes Music folder when adding to library’

5. Keep iTunes open and move and resize the window to the right-hand side of your screen.
6. Make sure you have selected Music (top left hand corner).
7. In the left hand side open the Music folder on the desktop, and navigate to the ‘iTunes Music’ folder where you should see folders for each of the artists in your collection.
8. Select all folders and drag them onto the iTunes window.
9. You should now see the music being copied in the iTunes status window.

I don’t have any music on the new computer and just want to copy what I had on the old one.

1. Install iTunes on the new computer if you haven’t already
2. Close iTunes if it is running
3. Copy the ‘iTunes’ folder from the desktop to ‘C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\My Documents\My Music\iTunes’
4. Start iTunes

So, you have all your music on your PC, probably have an iPod, and now want to be able to listen to your music anywhere in your house - on your HiFi in the living room, in the kitchen, in the bathroom and in the bedroom, maybe even out in the garden.

As is usually the case you have a few options and it depends slightly on budget and also whether you might also want to watch movies/TV shows around the house. The following assumes you have a PC with your music on it and wireless networking in the house.

The first one we’re going to look at is the Sonos - the daddy - this is the most sophisticated and powerful of the systems here, and also by far the most expensive. You attach the ’server’ to your router and then you can place up to 24 ‘clients’ around your house creating zones. You also get a beautiful remote control which allows you to pick the music you’d like to listen to and where you’d like to listen to it. Each client needs to be attached to either an amp/TV or a set of speakers. Entry level pricing is £699 for one server and two clients - one with a built-in amp (just connect speakers) and one which needs to be attached to an amplifier or TV. For more information go to http://www.sonos.com

AppleTV - assuming you own an iPod and have iTunes running on either a Mac or PC then why not have iTunes running on your telly - this is essentially what AppleTV gives you - it has a really slick interface and is easiest described as an iPod in your living room. You can either stream music from your PC or sync it onto your AppleTV (40-160Gb) and play stuff locally - the advantage of this is that you don’t need to leave your PC on all the time. Apple’s selling point is that as well as music you can also download podcasts, movies, TV shows, watch YouTube and watch movie trailers, which is pretty cool. Costs £199 for 40Gb http://www.apple.com/appletv/tour

AirPort Express (£65 from Apple) - a wireless gizmo which you can attach speakers to and play music from iTunes - it couldn’t be simpler or easier to use - you can attach cheap portable speakers, such as the excellent T40’s from Creative (£65 from Amazon) or attach it to a proper hi-fi setup, or even (and this makes a lot of sense) a DAB radio so you have the best of both worlds - I really like the PURE Oasis (£80 from Amazon).

UPDATE The only downside with Airport Express used to be that you had no way of controlling the music, but now you can use your iPod Touch/iPhone as a remote control this solution is now pretty compelling.

Squeezebox - this is a wireless streaming client which can be used to play music and internet radio - it’s a great looking device, has a clear display and has received many favourable reviews. Its outputs can be attached to a HiFi or TV speakers. It costs £185 - for more information go to http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html