1st computer in 10 years - how best to set up my music collection?

Specifically, is it best to store your music on an external hard drive? Somewhere I heard that having a large iTunes library can slow your computer significantly. Is this true? Also, I'd love to have it so that
a) music is not clogging my computer
and
b) I could access it without being plugged into the ext drive...and maybe even get it to my stereo speakers somehow.
I more or less understand how to use Airport extreme or express or excelsior or whatever it's called to stream music from my MacBook to the stereo (or hope I will if I buy it anyway) but am not sure how to make this work with an ext drive. Would I have to carry it around with me or something?
Sorry for being hopelessly out of touch!

I have noticed no slowdown.
You need to have your music, in at least two different places for back up purposes.
a) I have had no issue with "clogging"
b) If your music is on the external drive you will have to have that drive connected and on in order to listen to the music.

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I'm looking for some inspiration here on how best to set up my TC

Copied from a post else where, any help greatly appreciated!!
I'm looking for some inspiration here on how best to set up my TC for my needs & wondering how others do for similar needs....
I have a 2TB TC that I have set up so that all of mine & my girlfriends photo's, music, movies & documents are on the one location so that we can access it wirelessly from both our MacBooks & also from a MacMini which I'm going to buy in a month or 2. Changing the location for where iTunes & iPhoto look wasn't a problem but browsing through iPhoto in particular is really slow due to the number of previews I presume, and also we are now unable to have any of the media with us when traveling about, synching phones on the move is a disaster as well!
Anyway,
is there an easy way of setting up iTunes / iPhoto so that we can have all the data on the TC managed on the MacMini but import small iTunes Playlists & iPhoto Albums to our MacBooks without having to change in preferences where the applications look for data each time we get home?
Any help anybody can offer would be grand!
Thanks in advance.........

You topic might be better suited for the iPhoto or iTunes forums, since your question seems to be with the application(s) functionality, not really the Time Capsules. However, if you start iPhoto or iTunes while holding down on the "option/alt" key, you can manually select a library to access. When you want one of your computers to access the library on the Time Capsule, make sure it's mounted as a shared volume on your Desktop and then open iTunes and point it towards the library on the Time Capsule. If you want to use a smaller library on your computer, open iTunes and point it to the library on your Mac. I've never switched back and forth multiple times between multiple libraries, so you might check in the iPhoto or iTunes forums to see if any issues may arise from doing this repeatedly.
-Doug

I bought my daughter an ipod. Can I have two seperate itunes libraries on one computer? If so, how do I set this up?

I bought my duaghter an ipod. Can I have two seperate itunes libraries on one computer? If so, how do I set this up?

I followed these instructions & have created a new library file. However, all my music now appears in the new library as well as my own. (I bought my daughter an ipod nano for christmas & want to separate itunes libraries on one computer). How can this be so difficult?

I downloaded itunes on a new computer and signed in, how can i get my existing music, etc onto my library without deleting it on my ipod, if I synch it will delete all my stuff and i will have nothing on my ipod

I downloaded itunes on a new computer and signed in, how can i get the existing music, etc from my ipod to my library without losing it? HELP!

Copy everything from your old computer, or your backup copy of your old computer, to your new one.
The ipod is not a backup/storage device.

Mountain Lion, Time Machine and How Best to set up an external HD?

Hello,
I'm just about to upgrade to Mountain Lion. (2011 MBP running Lion). Before I do that I would like to back up with Time Machine. My question is how best to set up the external HD before I back up and then upgrade.
The hard drive is brand new and I haven't formatted it for use yet. It is 1TB in size and the hard drive on my MBP is 500GB (currently using around 300GB).
Am I right in thinking that Time Machine will overwrite older back ups if there isn't sufficient space on an external hard drive?
How would you use the new set up the new, obviously larger, external drive. I was thinking of possibly partitioning it 750/250 and utilising the 750 for time machine back ups and the 250 for other stuff.
Any thoughts?
Cheers

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4055

How do I backup my iTunes music collection? I've read that you're meant to go File Library Back Up, but there's no option to back up under File Library! Confusing...

How do I backup my iTunes music collection? I've read that you're meant to go File > Library > Back Up, but there's no option to back up under File > Library! Confusing...

Copy your entire itunes folder to an external drive

How do I transfer my entire music collection to a new computer and sync my iphone with new mac without deleting existing music in iphone?

Hi All,
I will describe my current setup and the required setup below. Please help me with the steps to do this
Current setup:
OS: Windows 7
Total Music collection: 80GB of mp3 , which is NOT added to itunes library (I use foobar)
iTunes Music collection: around 500 songs, synced to my iphone (unchecked "manually manage" that meeans all these songs are in itunes library)
Now the required setup: (Since I am planning to get a macbook pro)
OS: Mac OS (This means the music file path will be different)
Total Music collection: 80GB which is to be added to itunes library
iPhone Music: The same 500 songs as before.
Is this possible? In Mac OS I want my entire 80GB to be added to itunes library, also keeping my existing iphone songs intact.
Any ideas?

Quick answer if you use iTunes' default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Open iTunes and immediately hold down the option (alt) key (shift on Windows) so you get a prompt to select a library, then guide it to the 'iTunes Library.itl' file in the moved iTunes folder.
If you put the copied iTunes folder in the default location of Macintosh HD > Users > *User Name* > Music then you don't even need to start with the option key held down, iTunes will automatically look for it there. (Make sure there isn't anything already in the iTunes folder there that you want to keep since you will be replacing it with the one you are moving.)
Longer answers if for any reason you do not think all library files are inside your iTunes folder (changed preferences settings at some point):
iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music [library] to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527 - a somewhat bewildering and not always easily understandable set of options.
For the record there's this reference for iTunes 11 but it really doesn't strike me as having the specifics you need. iTunes 11 for Mac: Move your library to another computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/PH12168
2011 ilounge article: Transferring your iTunes library - http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/moving-your-itunes-library-to -a-new-hard-drive/ - An article with good background information (similar to the links above), particularly if you are not sure your media files are all grouped for quick answer above. Unfortunately under the single term "transferring library" it describes two very different moves; relocating just your media (not really transferring your library and not recommended unless you really need this configuration), and relocating media+database (really your whole "library"). Make sure you understand the difference before electing to move only media.
Windows users see tip at: https://discussions.apple.com/message/18879381
Consider moving everything from your Windows PC to your Mac in a single move, including your iTunes library: About Windows Migration Assistant - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4796 - Learn about how to use Windows Migration Assistant to migrate your files from a Windows PC to a Mac.
Transferring the library as above will connect your i-device to the same library on the new computer even though it is stored on different hardware. You should not see the "erase & sync" prompt, and syncing will preserve game scores and other data on the device.
As for the 80GB of music in foobar, add that to the iTunes library at some stage by dragging those files to the Automatically Add To iTunes folder.

Since I downloaded the most recent version of iOS, my iPad and iPhone do not have all the music (from CD's) anymore that I have on our home computer iTunes Library. How can I get all our music onto the music libraries on the iPhone and iPad? Thanks!

Hi
Since we downloaded the latest version of iOS on our iPad and iPhone, and synchronized our music collection in the Cloud, we can no longer see on our iPad and iPhone the music from our CD's that we have on our home computer's iTunes library. We can only see music in the iPhone and iPad library that have been purchased on iTunes. How can we get all our music from our computer's iTunes librbary visible on the iPhone and iPad? Thanks, Nick

Resync from your computer.
iOS: Syncing with iTunes - Support - Apple
If your having trouble syncing, come back and let us (fellow users) know.

Airport Extreme to extend wireless – How best to set this up?

I added an Airport Extreme to my ISP Service provider box in order to extend my home / home office networking capabilities. Currently I have a MBP (May 2010 model) with ethernet & wireless; a PBG4 (Feb 2005 model) with ethernet & wireless; an eMac (Feb 2005 model) with JUST ethernet; and an iPad3 (March 2012) with of course just wireless. But I am not certain that I have set this up optimally. Here's what I have done and if anyone could comment on this it would be greatly appreciated!
I have my ISP's modem "B-box" (which has 2 ethernet ports OUT plus its own Wireless) which I have used the past year. The problem is range for wireless and extending ethernet (via cable) to the 3 levels of the house. So I added an Airport Extreme to solve that issue and believe I am almost there! The house has 3 levels and I will call them Level A (basement, underground); Level B (ground floor) and Level C (upstairs). Without Airport Extreme it is possible to get wireless on on 3 levels, but it drops-out often in my main, office (Level-A) location so that was the incentive to get good wireless everywhere using the Airport Extreme.
Here's my setup today:
ISP "B-box" (as it is called) located on Level B and emits a wireless signal and I have called that SteveBelWiFi     ---There is an ethernet cable that goes down to Level A.
On Level A I have my home office with a MacBook Pro-13" (May 2010) running Mountain Lion 10.8.2. The Ethernet cable from the B-box arrives in my office and is plugged into the WAN port of my new Airport Extreme.
From this Airport extreme I have the following setup: (there are 3 ethernet out ports on the Airport Extreme - 5th generation - most recent model)
Ethernet cable #1 plugged into my MBP
Ethernet cable #2 running to Level C where it is plugged into an eMac (Feb 2005)
A USB cable going from the USB Out port on the Apple Extreme to an unpowered USB hub
From the hub, one USB cable to my Canon MP640 Printer/Scanner*
From the hub, one USB cable to a 300 mb LaCie external Hard Drive
Ethernet cable #3 plugged into the ethernet port of my Canon MP630 Printer/Scanner *(Needed because when one attaches a printer/scanner to the Airport Extreme via USB it can only print, not scan, so I configured the scanner portion of the MP640 to run via ethernet…)
WIRELESS: I used Airport Utility to CREATE A WIRELESS NETWORK (not "extend a wireless network") and so I now have these 2 additional wireless network choices for my Macs or iPad: Steve Airport WiFi     and also via the Airport Extreme:   Steve Airport WiFi 5GHz
What I would prefer is to have ONE wireless choice instead of 3. So I am guessing that I could re-setup the Airport Extreme by choosing "Extend a wireless network" (instead of what I did "create a wireless network") so that the SteveBelWiFi is then simply the ONLY wireless choice. BUT how will this work? The B-box is still emitting a signal on level B -- correct? If I "extend" the wireless, I see that I get to choose an existing wireless so I would choose SteveBelWiFi
WELL NOW I'VE GONE AND MESSED-UP EVERYTHING!!!!!!   Before submitting this questions I decided to try to change to "extend a wireless connection" and I chose the      only to get a warning message that this couldn't be done and then a yellow triangle with an "!" inside next to my Airport Extreme. I did a "factory reset" like this:
To perform a factory default reset on the AirPort Extreme:
First remove power from the Extreme.
Using a paperclip or similar object, depress the reset button, and while still depressed plug the Extreme into power.
Keep the reset button depressed until the status light on the Extreme starts flashing rapidly, and then, release the reset button.
BUT NOTHING-- Airport Utility DOES NOT FIND my Airport Extreme - the only way I can now connect to the internet is to plug-in my B-Box ethernet cable directly to my MacBook Pro. Everything else-- gone.
WHY WON'T Airport Utility re-find my Airport Extreme when I do the reset? I let it glow with the amber button for over 10 minutes, - NOTHING.
Really lost, depressed and fully not understanding this now…
Truly need serious HELP here-- I'm almost shut-down…
Thanks anyone,
Best regards,
Steve Schulte
Thursday 10 January 2013

I left-out one thing: Prior to the factory when I was trying to choose "Extend a wireless Network" I of course chose SteveBelWiFi
Regards,
Steve

HT1206 I just purchased a second ipad, can I have more than one itune account on the same computer? If so how do I set that up?

I just purchased my second ipad and I want to have it under a different apple id. I want to keep it more streamlined for things that I really use and not filled up with a lot of games, pictures and so on. I don't know how to go about setting the itunes account up. So can anyone out there help me with this.
thanks,
kathy

I would advise that you not set up a second Apple ID. It's really not necessary - having two Apple IDs won't affect how iTunes works with your iPads - and will just complicate matters. Each iPad will be treated independently and can be set to sync only the items you want on that particular iPad. If you really want to keep the two iPads separate, set up different iTunes libraries and have only those items you want on the related iPad in that library, rather than a different Apple ID. If you plan not to use a computer and just download directly to the iPads, you can again choose what apps and content each iPad gets.
But answering your specific question, you can have content from up to five iTunes Store accounts on any one computer or iPad. To create a new iTunes Store account, you'll need a different email address, and from there you just create the account the same way you did the first one.
Regards.

Hi, I am wondering how best to set up the kids ipad minis on my account. I don't want their school work on my devices and they don't want my info on theirs. Do I set them up their own Apple ID?

Is anyone able to help me with how I have each ipad set up with only what that person wants on it. Currently we all get each other's apps etc and this is becoming a pain.

There's a few ways of managing multiple devices on a single computer (and keeping seperate content on each). The following document is worth checking through:
How to use multiple iPods, iPads, or iPhones with one computer

Computer Crashed...How do I get my purchased music back?

I purchased a ton of music on itunes...until my computer crashed. I got a new computer and was wondering if there was anyway I could get those songs I bought back on my new computer.
Thanks
Steve

If you have an iPod the transfer of purchased content from the iPod to authorised computers was introduced with iTunes 7. You'll find details in this article: Copying iTunes Store purchases from your iPod to a computer
If you have no iPod and the purchases weren't backed up I'm afraid the policy on lost purchases is that you have to pay to download them again:
"Once a Product is purchased and you receive the Product, it is your responsibility not to lose, destroy, or damage the Product, and Apple shall be without liability to you in the event of any loss, destruction, or damage." iTunes Store: Purchased content can be downloaded only once
You could try contacting the iTunes Music Store Customer Service and you might be able to persuade them to sanction a second free download. There have been occasional reports in the iTunes forum of this happening, however just be aware that they are not under any obligation to do so. If you click on any of the links on this page you'll find a space at the bottom to email your query: iTMS Customer Service
You might also want to check out this page for future reference: How to back up your media in iTunes

How best to set up multiple time capsules for multiple needs?

There is so much good information on these discussions about using TCs for extenders or external drives - I am hoping to do both so will ask my own question here. BTW, this is my very first post so please be patient with me if I do not include something important.
I have a 1/2 gen (2007) Airport extreme and a 5th gen (2011) 2 tb TC. I am buying a 6th gen (2013) 3 tb TC because I am getting the new Macbook Air and want to take advantage of the new ac wireless. I have 2 apple TVs and 1 iMac plugged directly into my home ethernet network (if I'm saying that right - they are plugged into the wall). We have iphones, ipads, and an old macbook as well that all plug in wirelessly. Below is what (I think) I would like to do in the order I think I would have to do it. Could you help me understand if (a) this makes sense, and (b) if so, how do I accomplish these steps?
1. I unplug the 2 old units (2007 and 2011) and set them aside for the moment.
2. I plug in the new 6th gen TC to my modem and follow set up instructions to make it my backup area for iMac, Air, and old Macbook. I assume I need to do this because I want it to be the primary right?
3. I want to use the 2011 TC as a hard drive - I will be transferring all photos and 2 iTunes libraries (mine and my husband's) to it. We watch lots of movies so that is the main use. I think I would want this plugged directly into an ethernet port in the wall so it will be quickest for Apple TVs to access right? Or would it be better (fastest access) to connect it directly to the new TC or even the iMac? Is there something I need to do to make it an external drive rather than TC?
4. I would also, if possible, like to use the 2011 TC as an extender into a far room in the house. Could I simply plug it into an ethernet port in that room and it magically becomes an extender too? Would this not be ideal for some reason, like it is slower to access? Note that this is not terribly necessary but would be nice if easy.
6. Would it make sense for me to plug in the 2007 unit in a far room upstairs to serve as an extender up there?
Thank you so very much in advance.

There are a few things to get straight..
This is pedantic but heck I post too much..
The Gen of the TC is one behind the Extreme.. so a Gen6 AE = Gen5 TC.
Totally pedantic.. but it keeps me happy.
3. I want to use the 2011 TC as a hard drive - I will be transferring all photos and 2 iTunes libraries (mine and my husband's) to it. We watch lots of movies so that is the main use.
I would like you to rethink this.
You can do it.. but I think you are misunderstanding how iphoto and itunes work.
Your Apple TV never connects to the library of itunes..
And
Your TC is not a media player.
So all files stored on a TC are going to flow like this..
TC(ituneslibrary)---Computer (itunes)---stream---TC(network)----ATV.
If you remove the computer.. then you have nothing.
The TC is not a great place to store the itunes library for the following reasons.
It is slow.. much slower than local hard disk.
It is slow to spin up .. causing itunes issues with losing the library.
It is fast to spin down.. so streams get lost.
It has no backup.. and Time Machine cannot backup network drives. That means one day you will wake up.. TC will be dead.. (they do not last forever so this is 100% certain to happen).. And your library is gone. Apple offer no recovery service.. and it costs a small fortune to recover files.. without any guarantee of success.
iphoto is even worse.. it is strongly recommended NOT TO USE NETWORK to locate the iphoto library. It corrupts easily and a small corruption makes the entire library unreadible.
Since you have imac it is better to use an external drive for libraries.. use the fastest port available and you can afford.. ie Thunderbolt>USB3>FW800>USB2
Only the very latest Macs have USB3 but it kills the earlier USB2 and Firewire. And for many people will be as fast as Thunderbolt which is the tops but uber expensive.
Then the TC serves its correct function as TM backup.
You can share this hard disk to the network if you want other computers to access it.
You can store multiple iphoto or itunes libraries on it.
Follow the specific instructions about sharing your itunes library.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2688
http://www.apple.com/au/support/itunes/library/
And your iphoto
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1198
Most of the rest is fine..
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
4. Yes you can extend with the old TC. Ethernet would be better. You might be mixing up wireless extend with Roaming.. you can use roaming if you have ethernet already available.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4260
6. Yes.. you can use a number of units via ethernet as AP points.
5. For another life??

HT4557 I don't have my old computer, or any other. I only have an ipad4 and iPhone5 so how do I sync my cd music collection that is on my ipad?

How do I either set up home sharing to sync my music between my ipad and iphone or set up iTunes Match when I don't have the old computer I originally used to save all of my CDs?

You can't use home sharing to copy content from one iOS device to another (home sharing can only be set up from a computer's iTunes and it can only stream to iOS devices, it can only copy content between computers). You also can't set up iTunes Match from an iOS device, it can only be set up and upload content from a computer's iTunes.
You might be able to re-download iTunes purchased music on your iPhone via the Purchased tab in its iTunes store app, but you will only be able to get your other music onto it via a computer's iTunes.

Can files and folders be shared between 2 or more user accounts on the same computer? If yes, how is this set up?

I want to have a second user account on my imac (OS 10.6) that can access folders and files in the first user's account and the reverse. I also want both users to have access to the same Safari and Firefox bookmarks.
Can this be done?

Sure, you just have to set the permissions to do so.

1st computer in 10 years - how best to set up my music collection?

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