How do I use iCloud if I have multiple devices using one computer/library, but I don't want contacts, calender, etc. to be shared? Can each device have it's own Apple ID and still pull music, apps, etc. from one library?

Question

Both my mother, father, and I recently got iPhones. We've all had iPods in the past and been able to survive under a single Apple ID/iCloud account. Now that we all have iPhones, we've heard a couple horror stories about parents and kids contacts and calenders merging when they are registered under the same Apple ID. What steps should we take to avoid this problem? We would still like to be able to share the same music, apps, videos, etc. If we all get individual Apple IDs, can we still all use the same iTunes library we have on our computer without any pitfalls?
Thank you! A response would be much appreciated(:

Answer 1

You can share the same Apple ID for purchasng form the iTunes and app stores without any problems, but you should all used separate iCloud accounts with separate Apple IDs.  (You are not required to use the same ID for iCloud and other services as you do for the iTunes store.)  This will prevent you from ending up with merged data.  You should also use separate Apple IDs for iMessage and FaceTime or you will end up getting each other's text messages and FaceTime calls.
This article may be of interest: http://www.macstories.net/stories/ios-5-icloud-tips-sharing-an-apple-id-with-you r-family/, as well as this video: http://macmost.com/setting-up-multiple-ios-devices-for-messages-and-facetime.htm l.