iTunes is a FREE program from Apple to manage music and video on your computer.

You can get it for Windows or Mac. Click here. Mac users should already have it as it comes on every Mac.

iTunes allows you to copy your CD collection onto your computer (“rip”) and play back songs either on the computer or on an iPod. You can use it happily without an iPod, but it won’t work with other mp3 players. Contrary to popular opinion, iTunes does NOT add copy protection to music you already own (from CD’s, etc).

There is the iTunes store where you can legally buy songs, videos, TV shows etc and download them. It is the biggest music store on the Internet. And the largest retailer of music (in the USA) hands down.

It has the biggest directory of podcasts available. So you can search, browse and subscribe to podcasts using RSS.

iTunes lets you burn cds with compilations of songs etc.

Apple recently removed copy protection from the iTunes store (iTunes Plus) and improved the quality of files. They also added album artwork and extras. Audio Books, ring tones, Movie rentals, TV shows, applications for the iPhone, the list goes on.

Even if you don’t own and don’t want to own an Apple music player (iPod, iPhone) ever, iTunes is still a brilliant manager of media (music and video). If just for the free podcast downloader/manager, still worth it. Windows version includes Quicktime which is one of those plug-ins you just need.