Unpack your hardware. The iPod touch comes packaged with a USB cable, earphones, a small instruction booklet, and Apple logo stickers.
Prepare the USB cable for use in a later step. The larger part of the USB cable (30-pin connector) plugs into the bottom of the iPod (the side with the gray icon facing forward) and the thinner end goes into a USB port on your computer. You will use the USB cable to sync your iPod with iTunes, or to . In the case of the new 5th generation iPod Touch you will use a lightning to USB connector for syncing and charging instead of a 30-pin. Just plug the reversible lightning connector into your iPod anyway you like and the other USB end into a USB port on your computer.
Prepare the earphones for your device. The earphones plug into the jack at the top. (For new 5th generation iPod Touch users the jack is at the bottom of the device) You'll notice a small white bar on the cord connecting to the right earbud, with a grey plus sign at the top and a minus sign at the bottom. You can use these buttons to control the volume of the earphones. Additionally, there's a small, metal mesh circle on the o this is a microphone.(Older models never had a microphone at the bottom, but as of the 4th generation, one has become available too.)
Get familiar with the buttons. There are only three buttons on an iPod Touch. They're easy to use once you know what they do, and can perform a variety of functions.
The sleep/wake button at the top. When you first open the iPod, hold this button down to turn it on. Do the same thing later to turn it off. Tap it once to lock the screen and or put the iPod into sleep mode. (Note: the iPod will still use battery power in sleep mode.)
The volume buttons on the left side can be used to turn the sound up or down.
The home button, located on the bottom of the screen with the grey box in a circle. The home button has two functions. Tapping it once will bring up the main screen. Two quick taps will bring up a task bar at the bottom of the screen. Tap an app once to switch to that app from the one you are currently in. Hold down your finger on an app until they all begin to wiggle and have red minus icons in their top left corners. Tap the minus icons to close the apps. Doing this periodically will help preserve battery power.
Follow the onscreen set-up guide to fully activate your new iPod Touch.
Select a language. English is already preset, but Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese and other languages are available from the drop-down menu.
Choose your country or region. Your country (e.g., United States) should be already preset, but other countries are available to select.
Enable Location Services. This will allow the iPod to use your current location for apps requiring that information, as well as for geotagging photos and videos. Choosing to enable or disable the functionality is your choice.
. You may need to enter a password.
Choose how to set up the iPod. You can set it up as a brand new device, or sync your apps, music, photos, and other information from a previous iTunes or iCloud backup.
If you select "Restore from iCloud Backup" or "Restore from iTunes Backup", your iPod should begin to sync the information. This article assumes you are setting up the device as new.
Sign in with your Apple ID. If you don't have one, select "".
Determine if you want to use iCloud. Launched in October 2011, iCloud allows users to wirelessly sync any downloaded apps, books, photos or videos to all their Apple devices. It's a free service, but purchasing more storage space "in the cloud" requires a fee. Again, choosing to use the service or not is up to you. If you'd like to use it, select "Use iCloud".
Choose between backing up the iPod to iCloud or to your computer. Backing up to iCloud is wireless but uses your free "cloud" backing up to your computer requires connecting the device to a Mac or PC via USB cable (but is free).
Decide if you want to use Find My iPod. If your iPod is stolen or you happen to lose it somewhere, the Find My iPod feature can help locate it, remotely set a passcode, wipe all of its data, and more. Using the service is optional as well.
Select between sending diagnostic data to Apple automatically, or not at all. If your iPod crashes, it will send a report of the crash to Apple for analysis. If you'd rather not have your device do this, tap "Don't Send".
Tap "Register with Apple" to officially activate the device.
Select "Start Using iPod". You're good to go!
Learn how to manage the touch screen. "Buttons" on the screen can be activated by a short tap with one finger.
To move up or down a list, swipe your finger up or down the screen in one movement.
To zoom in on a web page or photo, put two fingers in the middle and move them apart diagonally, keeping your fingertips on the screen.
To zoom out, place two fingers two inches apart and "pinch" them together, keeping your fingertips on the screen.
Read and follow the direction in the
article, as the iPod touch uses the same operating system as an iPhone.
Using the USB cable, connect the iPod to your computer. If you already have iTunes, it should open automatically. If not, you can .
When iTunes opens, it will prompt you to register your iPod. You can do this now or put it off until later. It will also ask you to name your device, e.g. "Steve's iPod."
Sync your content with iTunes with your (also included) cord. "Syncing" is simply the act of matching the content in iTunes to your iPod, whether it's one song or your whole library. There are a few different ways to .
You can choose to add everything you have in iTunes to your iPod by checking the box next to "Automatically sync songs to my iPod" after you first connect your iPod to iTunes. You have the same option for apps and photos. If you want to add some items from your library but not others, leave this box unchecked and click "Done."
To add individual items, find them in your iTunes library, then hold and drag your selection to your iPod icon on the left bar. #*Alternatively, you can click on your iPod icon, then click the "Music" (or whatever it is you want) button near the top of the screen. From here, you can select certain artists, genres, playlists or albums to add by checking the box next to the category you want. (For instance, if you want every Rolling Stones song in your library added to your iPod, locate the Rolling Stones under Artists, then just check the box next to it.) When you've chosen everything you want, click Sync in the lower right corner.
Understand the process to deleting a song from your device. To delete songs, you can stay in the above and uncheck what you no longer want, then click Sync. Or, you can click "Music" under the iPod menu on the left-hand side, highlight the songs you don't want, and just press the delete button on your keyboard.
Understand how you can add apps to your iPod, or how to Remove an app from the same iPod touch. If you have already purchased apps on iTunes, click the "Apps" button near the top of the screen when you have your iPod menu open. Here, you can add apps to the iPod or remove them. This is also where you can sync up your email, Facebook, Twitter and other accounts via those apps.
Tap the Music icon on your iPod. You'll see icons along the bottom for Playlists, Artists, Songs, Albums and More. These are just different ways of sorting the music on your iPod.
The More tab is where you can find podcasts, audiobooks, and iTunesU lectures. You can also search by Composer or Genre through the More tab.
Open the Songs tab and tap a song to play it. This will move you to the Now Playing screen.
At the top of the screen, you'll see the artist, song title, and album title. Beneath that is a progress bar showing where you are in the song. You can drag the circle in the progress bar to skip ahead or behind in the song.
Beneath the progress bar are two arrow icons. Tapping the circular arrow icon on the left will pu tapping the crossed arrows will shuffle all the songs on your iPod and play them after the one you selected.
At the bottom are the skip buttons on the right and left, and the pause/play button in the middle. Beneath that is the volume bar. You can drag this to the right or left with your finger to increase or decrease the volume.
If the song came bundled with album art, this will be displayed in the background.
Tap the bulleted list icon in the upper right corner to rate the song. Once you've done this for several songs, you can then sort them by rating.
Tapping the arrow in the upper left corner will take you back to the different lists of your music. To get back to the Now Playing screen, tap the Now Playing button in the upper right corner.
Jump to different parts of your lists using the alphabet bar running down the right side of the screen. Say you want a song that starts with T; tap the T part of the bar to jump to that section of the list.
Open up the search feature by tapping the small magnifying glass at the top of the alphabet bar. Tapping inside the Search box will open a QWERTY keyboard at the bottom of the screen.
Make a playlist on-the-go. An on-the-go playlist is one you put together on your iPod, instead of doing it on iTunes. Tap the Playlist tab at the bottom of the lists screen.
Tap Add Playlist. This will prompt you to name your new playlist. Tap Save to move on.
A list showing all your songs will open up. To add a song to the playlist, tap the blue plus sign to the right of the song. This will grey out the option, because it is already on your playlist. When you've added all the songs you want, tap the Done button in the upper right corner.
You'll return to the Playlists tab, where you should see your new playlist title. Tap on it to open. At the top, you'll see buttons to Edit, Clear, or Delete the playlist.
Push the home button at the bottom of the iPod to return to the main screen and open other apps. You don't have to have your lists or the Now Playing screens open to listen to music. The music will keep playing.
Know how to control your music, when the iPod screen is locked. Don't unlock the screen by swiping the button on the botto simply tap the home button twice. This should cause the skip buttons, the pause/play button, a volume bar, and the song info to pop up on the top of the screen.
Know other ways you can listen to your music, if you don't have earphones ready for use on your device. You don't have to use earphones to listen to your music. If you unplug the headphones, the music will play from little speakers on the device directly(on the back of the device).
Read and follow the directions located in , since the same operating system is provided there, as is provided on an iPod touch.
Open the Safari app, located in the dock at the bottom of the screen. Safari is Apple's default web browser, similar to Internet Explorer, Firefox and Google Chrome. A menu with available WiFi networks will pop up, if you haven't already enabled one through the Settings button.
Select the appropriate WiFi network you'd like to use.
Use the Google bar at the top right use the longer browser bar at the top left to type in a Web address you already know. Once you tap in these boxes, a QWERTY keyboard will pop up from the bottom of the screen, allowing you to enter letters.
Understand the uses of the buttons at the bottom of the Safari screen. There are five buttons at the bottom of the screen. You'll use these to navigate around the browser, as you would on a regular computer.
The arrows are to move backward or forward to pages you've already visited. The left-po the right-pointing arrow is forward.
The arrow coming out of the square opens an options menu. From here, you can add bookmarks, mail links, tweet, or print.
The open book provides access to your bookmarks. Bookmark your favorite pages using the options menu.
The layered squares on the far right allow you to open multiple windows. If you want to look up another site without losing the page you already have open, tap this button and hit New Page in the lower left corner. You can scroll between pages by swiping your finger left or right. Close unwanted pages by tapping the red X in the upper left corner. Tap Done when you are finished.
Know what an app is. An app is an application or a program that runs on your iPod, similar to a running program on your computer. The iPod Touch will arrive with some apps already loaded on it. These include Music + iTunes, Safari, Mail, GameCenter, Photos, iMessage, and more. There will be four apps "docked" at the
these are usually the most-used apps, such as Music or Safari.
You can purchase media directly from your iPod using the iTunes app. You can purchase apps from the App Store. Several popular apps are available for free.
Know the status of an app, and whether or not it needs WiFi to be used or not. Some apps will require access to the Internet via WiFi. To manually select a Wi-Fi network or hotspot, click the Settings icon, then select WiFi to see a list. This only works where there is a trus the iPod won't connect to untrusted networks. Settings is also where you can adjust screen brightness, wallpaper, security, and app settings.
Know how to text/send a message to your other iPod touch/iPhone/iPad/iDevice friends/contacts with iMessage. iMessage allows you to send
other iPods, iPads or iPhones using a Wi-Fi connection.
Know how to take pictures from a new iPod touch. To
with your iPod, open the . To view your photos, tap the Photos icon.
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Think about purchasing Apple Care for your iPod. It comes with a one-year limited warranty, but Apple Care extends your coverage to two years and provides global repair coverage. Remember, the limited warranty doesn't cover accidental damage, but Apple Care does.
if you're frozen in an app.
Taking advantage of the free engraving (if you purchase your iPod online) is a handy way to put your name on your iPod and personalize it. However, understand that engraving your iPod with your name or a personal message will considerably reduce its resale value should you decide to sell it.
The iPod Touch has a lot of features. If you're unsure whether it's right for you, visit an Apple Store and try out one of their demo units. Ask an Apple Store employee to explain the features to you if you'd like.
If your battery is running low, try closing out unnecessary apps via the
in Settings.
You may have problems downloading apps if you run out of free space. Try deleting unused large apps, photos, movies, or music. If you really want to err on the safe side, purchase a 64-gigabyte iPod Touch (the largest available storage capacity).
Consider buying a case for your iPod because the screen cracks easily. They are relatively inexpensive, and helpful in keeping the back of the iPod clean and scratch-free. You can also purchase
to keep the display free of smudges and fingerprints.
using a lint-free .
The iPod Touch seems durable, but it can be broken. Be careful and avoid dropping it.
The shiny chrome backing of the iPod Touch is extremely prone to scratches. Consider putting the device in a case as soon as you set it up.
Exercise caution when .
will void your warranty.
they aren't always secure.
iPod Touch (with headphones and 30-pin/lightning to USB cable for charging)
Mac or PC with latest version of iTunes
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Becomean Author!Determine your area of interest. You can start learning with any programming language (though some are definitely "easier" than others), so you'll want to start by asking yourself what it is you want to accomplish by learning a programming language. This will help you determine what type of programming you should pursue, and provide you a good starting point.
If you want to get into web development, you'll have a whole different set of languages that you'll need to learn as opposed to developing computer programs. Mobile app developing requires a different skillset than machine programming. All of these decisions will influence your direction.
Consider starting with a "simpler" language. Regardless of your decision, you may want to consider starting with one of the high-level, simpler languages. These languages are especially useful for beginners, as they teach basic concepts and thought processes that can apply to virtually any language.
The two most popular languages in this category are
and . These are both object-oriented web application languages that use a very readable syntax.
"Object-oriented" means that the language is built around the concepts of "objects", or collections of data, and their manipulation. This is a concept that is used in many advanced programming languages such as C++, Java, Objective-C, and PHP.
Read through some basic tutorials for a variety of languages. If you're still not sure which language you should start learning, read through some tutorials for a few different languages. If one language makes a bit more sense than the others, try it out for a bit to see if it clicks. There are countless tutorials for every programming available online, including many on wikiHow:
- A great starter language that is also quite powerful when you get familiar with it. Used for many web applications and even some games.
- Used in countless types of programs, from games to web applications to ATM software.
- An essential starting place for any web developer. Having a handle on HTML is vital before moving on to any other sort of web development.
- One of the older languages, C is still a powerful tool, and is the basis for the more modern C++, C#, and Objective-C.
Learn the core concepts of the language. While the parts of this step that apply will vary depending on the language you choose, all programming languages have fundamental concepts that are essential to building useful programs. Learning and mastering these concepts early will make it easier to solve problems and create powerful and efficient code. Below are just some of the core concepts found in many different languages:
Variables - A variable is a way to store and refer to changing pieces of data. Variables can be manipulated, and often have defined types such as "integers", "characters", and others, which determine the type of data that can be stored. When coding, variables typically have names that make them somewhat identifiable to a human reader. This makes it easier to understand how the variable interacts with the rest of the code.
Conditional Statements - A conditional statement is an action that is performed based on whether the statement is true or not. The most common form of a conditional statement is the "If-Then" statement. If the statement is true (e.g. x = 5) then one thing happens. If the statement is false (e.g. x != 5), then something else happens.
Functions or Subroutines - The actual name for this concept may be called something different depending on the language. It could also be "Procedure", a "Method", or a "Callable Unit". This is essentially a smaller program within a larger program. A function can be "called" by the program multiple times, allowing the programmer to efficiently create complex programs.
Data input - This is a broad concept that is used in nearly every language. it involves handling a user's input as well as storing that data. How that data is gathered depend on the type of program and the inputs available to the user (keyboard, file, etc.). This is closely linked to Output, which is how the result is returned to the user, be it displayed on the screen or delivered in a file.
Install any necessary software. Many programming languages require compilers, which are programs designed to translate the code into a language that the machine can understand. Other languages, such as Python, use an interpreter which can execute the programs instantly without compiling.
Some languages have IDEs (Integrated Development Environment) which usually contain a code editor, a compiler and/or interpreter, and a debugger. This allows the programmer to perform any necessary function in one place. IDEs may also contain visual representations of object hierarchies and directories.
There are a variety of code editors available online. These programs offer different ways of highlighting syntax and provide other developer-friendly tools.
Focus on one concept at a time. One of the first programs taught for any language is the "Hello World" program. This is a very simple program that displays the text "Hello, World" (or some variation), on the screen. This program teaches first-time programmers the syntax to create a basic, functioning program, as well as how to handle displaying output. By changing the text, you can learn how basic data is handled by the program. Below are some wikiHow guides on creating a "Hello World" program in various languages:
Learn through deconstruction of online examples. There are thousands of code examples online for virtually every programming languages. Use these examples to examine how various aspects of the language work and how different parts interact. Take bits and pieces from various examples to create your own programs.
Examine the syntax. The syntax is the way the language is written so that the compiler or interpreter can understand it. Each language has a unique syntax, though some elements may be shared across multiple languages. Learning the syntax is essential for learning how to program in the language, and is often what people think of when they think about computer programming. In reality, it is simply the foundation upon which more advanced concepts are built.
Experiment with changes. Make changes to your example programs and then test the result. By experimenting, you can learn what works and what doesn't much quicker than by reading a book or guide. Don't be afraid t learning to fix errors is a major part of any development process, and new things almost never work right the first time.
Start practicing debugging. When you're programming, you're invariably going to come across bugs. These are errors in the program, and can manifest virtually anywhere. Bugs can be harmless quirks in the program, or they can be major errors that keep the program from compiling or running. Hunting down and fixing these errors is a major process in the software development cycle, so get used to doing this early.
As you experiment with changing basic programs, you're going to come across things that don't work. Figuring out how to take a different approach is one of the most valuable skills you can have as a programmer.
Comment all of your code. Nearly all programming languages have a "comment" function that allows you to include text that is not processed by the interpreter or compiler. This allows you to leave short, but clear, human-language explanations of what the code does. This will not only help you remember what your code does in a large program, it is an essential practice in a collaborative environment, as it allows others to understand what your code is doing.
Code daily. Mastering a programming language takes time above all else. Even a simpler language like Python, which may only take a day or two to understand the basic syntax, takes lots of time to become truly proficient at. Like any other skill, practice is the key to becoming more proficient. Try to spend at least some time each day coding, even if it's only for an hour between work and dinner.
Set goals for your programs. By setting , you will be able to start solving problems and coming up with solutions. Try to think of a basic application, such as a calculator, and develop a way to make it. Use the syntax and concepts you've been learning and apply them to practical uses.
Talk with others and read other programs. There are lots of programming communities dedicated to specific languages or disciplines. Finding and participating in a community can do wonders for your learning. You will gain access to a variety of samples and tools that can aid you in your learning process. Reading other programmers' code can inspire you and help you grasp concepts that you haven't mastered yet.
Check out programming forums and online communities for your language of choice. Make sure to participate and not just constantly ask questions. These communities are usually viewed as a place of collaboration and discussion and not simply Q&A. Feel free to ask for help, but be prepared to show your work and be open to trying different approaches.
Once you have some experience under your belt, consider attending a hack-a-thon or programming jam. these are events where individuals or teams compete against the clock to develop a functional program, usually based around a specific theme. These events can be a lot of fun and are a great way to meet other programmers.
Challenge yourself to keep it fun. Try to do things that you don't know how to do yet. Research ways to accomplish the task (or a similar one), and then try to implement that in your own program. Try to avoid being content with a program that "basically" do everything you can to make sure every aspect works flawlessly.
Take a few training courses. Many universities, community colleges, and community centers offer programming classes and workshops that you can attend without having to enroll in the school. These can be great for new programmers, as you can get hands-on help from an experienced programmer, as well as network with other local programmers.
Buy or borrow a book. There are thousands of instructional books available for every conceivable programming language. While your knowledge should not come strictly from a book, they make great references and often contain a lot of good examples.
Study math and logic. Most programming involves basic arithmetic, but you may want to study more advanced concepts. This is especially important if you are developing complex simulations or other algorithm-heavy programs. For most day-to-day programming, you don't need much advanced math. Studying logic, especially computer logic, can help you understand how best to approach complex problem solving for more advanced programs.
Never stop programming. There is a popular theory that becoming an expert takes at least 10,000 hours of practice. While this is up for debate, the general principle remains true: mastery takes time and dedication. Don't expect to know everything overnight, but if you stay focused and continue to learn, you may very well end up an expert in your field.
Learn another programming language. While you can certainly get by with mastering one language, many programmers help their chances of success in the field by learning multiple languages. Their second or third languages are usually complementary to their first one, allowing them to develop more complex and interesting programs. Once you have a good grasp on your first program, it may be time to start learning a new one.
You will likely find that learning your second language goes much quicker than the first. Many core concepts of programming carry over across languages, especially if the languages are closely related.
Enroll in a four year program. While not strictly necessary, a four year program at a college or university can expose you to a variety of different languages, as well as help you network with professionals and other students. This method certainly isn't for everyone, and plenty of successful programmers never attended a four-year institution.
Create a portfolio. As you create programs and expand your knowledge, make sure that all of your best work is . You can show this portfolio to recruiters and interviewers as an example of the work you do. Make sure to include any work done on your own time, and ensure that you are allowed to include any work done with another company.
Do some freelance work. There is a , especially mobile app developers. Take on a few small freelance jobs to get a feel for how commercial programming works. Oftentimes you can use the freelance jobs to help build your portfolio and point to published work.
Develop your own freeware or commercial programs. You don't have to work for a company to make money programming. If you have the skills, you can develop software yourself and , either through your own website or through another marketplace. be prepared to be able to provide support for any software you release for commercial sale, as customers will expect their purchase to work.
Freeware is a popular way to distribute small programs and utilities. The developer doesn't receive any money, but it's a great way to build name recognition and make yourself visible in the community.
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Please be as detailed as possible in your explanation. We will take your detailed information, edit it for clarity and accuracy, and incorporate it into an article that will help thousands of people.Don't say: Eat more fats.
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If you are interested in game programming, investigate Python, C++, and Java. Of the three, C++ is probably the best performer, Python by far the easiest to learn, and Java best able to run on Windows, Mac OS, and Linux without change.
Learn about . Study the source code of the programs available at the . Why re-invent the wheel when you can make it better? Just make sure you understand what you're programming.
For most people, programming something that interests them or that they can use is more interesting than textbook examples. Use a search engine to find out about projects that interest you.
When you learn something new, it is often helpful to implement it yourself and then tweak the design, predicting the results, to make sure you understand the concept.
Make use of up-to-date application programming interfaces and official reference materials available from the software publisher.
References are there to help you. Don't be ashamed if you don't remember that comes with time. The important thing is knowing where to find reference material.
For practice, try to teach others. It will not only make you more competent but let you think more deeply from different perspectives.
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