Newbie user - ipod firmware software updating

[Mykael]

Hey everyone, i had a quick question about the ipod software itself. Forgive me and my ultra newbie question, but I seem to be confused about what's what.

I have a 30gig iPod that i just got. I'm running win98 SE and also using Media Center 9.

But i see people referring to "firmware." What is firmware? It's the software of the ipod itself that i'm confused about. I've been reading the apple site and some of these threads and i can't seem to understand this.

My question is and what i'm confused about is; Is there two pieces of software that i need to update the ipod? Meaning, one piece of software that will update the bios and has to be flashed (i was assuming this was "firmware") and second, the "updater" itself that installs and updates the OS thingy on the ipod.

Or, is there just one piece of software that i need to be concerned with? ie; the updater.

So far i have downloaded and ran the 2.0.1 updater, but what am i actually "updating" with this? And is this considered firmware? Is this all i need? Or do i do infact need to update the hardware on the ipod as well?

[ashawley]

Welcome to the 'lounge MyKael, good question actually as it is somewhat confusing.

You're right, the "firmware" that we're referring to is really the what makes the iPod work. Now, to get the firmware onto the iPod, you need a program that transfers it from your PC to the iPod. That's what the Updater is.

So, you install the Updater program on your PC. When you run it (with your iPod connected of course), basically all it does is first format the iPod's hard drive and then copy over the firmware to the iPod.

There is another program that is unstalled as well that you don't need. "iPod Manager" is installed on your PC when you install the Updater program. This little ditty is a nasty bugger that is used to make the iPod work in conjunction w/MMJB and basically auto-run MMJB.

Since you're using MC9, you don't need it and I recommend you uninstall it if you haven't already. I've seen it interfere w/the iPod/PC connection before.

Adam

[testcard]

I'd assumed that the "Updater" button in iPod Manger would highlight when there was a new version of the software to download (in the same way that MMJB goes online to check for updates). Am I wrong? Does Apple notify registered users of software updates?

[ashawley]

Actually, no it won't. The updater contains the newest firmware. So, whenever there is a new firmware you have to first download the new version of the updater and then install it and then the Update button will be enabled.

It will only be enabled if your firmware on the iPod is a version lower than the updater itself.

Kinda strange, but it's the way it works.

They don't notify you of new updates. You'll need to check their site, or hang out here. You'll know for sure.

Historically, they've released updates every 9-12 months or so.

Adam

[testcard]

As you say, kinda strange. I'll just have to revise my definition of "update" in the software sense

But thanks for the info.

[mdm]

To join this disc. my updater dont update, it states that the ipod is used by another program.

i just hooked it up, then run updater .. same error everytime

[ashawley]

Make sure your anti-virus program isn't running. Also, try it w/the MMJB iPod Plugin and iPod Manager uninstalled.

Adam

[Mykael]

Originally posted by ashawley
Welcome to the 'lounge MyKael, good question actually as it is somewhat confusing.

You're right, the "firmware" that we're referring to is really the what makes the iPod work. Now, to get the firmware onto the iPod, you need a program that transfers it from your PC to the iPod. That's what the Updater is.

So, you install the Updater program on your PC. When you run it (with your iPod connected of course), basically all it does is first format the iPod's hard drive and then copy over the firmware to the iPod.

Awesome...i figured the updater itself contained the firmware but wasn't truly sure. Thanks for the explantion.

There is another program that is unstalled as well that you don't need. "iPod Manager" is installed on your PC when you install the Updater program. This little ditty is a nasty bugger that is used to make the iPod work in conjunction w/MMJB and basically auto-run MMJB.

Since you're using MC9, you don't need it and I recommend you uninstall it if you haven't already. I've seen it interfere w/the iPod/PC connection before.

Ipod Manager....You lost me on this one. This is what i did when i first got it in order.

- I did not install the CD the came with the ipod.
- I attached the ipod to my computer via firewire
- Downloaded and ran the updater 2.0.1
- Installed MC9
- Downloaded the ipod plugin for MC9
- Formated ipod through MC9
- Transfered music to ipod.

This might sound like a silly question, but how does this ipod manager get onto the ipod to begin with...meaning, is it already "pre-installed" on there when you buy it? Or, is it installed through the CD that came with the ipod?

Since I did NOT install the CD that came with the ipod, do i need to worry about this ipod manager program still? And last, how would i even know if the ipod manager is on there or not?

On a lighter note, I absolutely love this thing! I originally bought the ipod because i've been trying to find a music solution while driving in my car because i absolutely hate todays crap radio stations. Anyway, I just got back from vacation and had the ipod running through my car speakers the whole way. This thing is surely the best investment i made in a long time. Now i kick myself for not picking one up sooner!

Thanks for the help!

[ashawley]

You probably don't have it installed since you didn't install the CD software. You can easily check though. Just open Add/Remove Programs under Control Panel. It'll show up there as "iPod Manager". If it's there, uninstall it.

Adam