You can download a full version of iTunes from iTunes.com for FREE. It is the full version of the software...no tricks (they want you to purchase music from their store, so they give you the software for free). A version of iTunes comes with your iPod that you can load onto your computer, but the computer MUST be running either Windows 2000 or Windows XP. Anything other than that...no dice. Now...there are other programs out there that you can buy to "hack" your iPod and allow it to work on other systems, but I don't know anything about that and I think iTunes is the BEST player out there...period. And, yes...you cannot use your iPod unless you have a computer to get the music onto it. Also, the computer that you use must have at least a USB 2.0 port and or a firewire (IIEE) port. You can use any USB port, but if it's not at least a 2.0...the transfer time is like a dial-up connection. You will also need a high-speed internet connection for music purchases (downloads), otherwise you'll be waiting about 10 minutes per song for the download. I know it's a lot of information, but I think it's totally worth it. I LOVE my iPod and have had it about 2 years now...no problems...not even battery issues ('course I use it mostly hooked up to a charger in my car with a FM radio connection to my car stereo). GO FOR IT! BTW, if you have any questions, just PM me...I'll do my best to answer them.
