The first thought on many new iPad owner's minds is how to connect my iPad to my PC. The iPad is a revolutionary technology which allows users to connect to the internet wherever they are and do many of the things that had previously been designated to laptops or desktop PCs. One of the key features of the iPad is its ability to connect to your home computer and sync the your data so that you are ready to work and play anywhere in the world at any given moment. The first step to this synchronization is connecting the iPad to the PC.

Anyone who owns a home computer or laptop with internet access can connect their iPad and begin syncing their files. The iPad comes with everything needed for connection and the user interface is easy enough that all iPad users can be connected within a matter of minutes. The iPad is essentially plug and play, meaning that you simply need to plug in your iPad using the cord it was packaged with and you are ready to start setting up your iPad. Once connected the iPad can be synced with the computer and the user can bring their files, music, email, and even calendar dates along with them wherever they go.http://www.apple.com/ipad/

The only things that you need to connect your iPad to your PC are your iPad, the USB connector cable which came with your iPad, a PC with internet access, iTunes software, and an iTunes Store account. The iPad uses iTunes whenever you are connecting your iPad to your computer. Your PC must have a USB 2.0 port and be operating under Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP Home or Professional addition with Service Pack 3 or later. You should also have version 9.1 or later of the iTunes software.http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_User_Guide.pdf

The first step in connecting your iPad to your PC is to plug the iPad into your computer's USB port. You will need to use the USB cable which came with your iPad. If you are missing your USB cable you can purchase replacement cables at the official Apple website. These cables work for the iPod, iPhone, and, of course, the iPad.http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA591G/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

Simply plug the larger end of the USB cable into the bottom of your iPad. Then plug the USB end of your cable, the smaller end with a USB symbol on it, into any free USB port on your PC. Once your computer and iPad are connected your PC will automatically recognize your iPad. On connection iTunes should open and you can begin setting up and syncing your iPad.

Once you have connected your iPad to your PC your iTunes software will automatically open. If iTunes does not open on its own when you connect the iPad simply launch the software yourself. You will use iTunes for all of your connection and syncing purposes. Through iTunes you can sync just about anything on your computer with your iPad. Once you have set up syncing you will be able to simply plug in your iPad and sync your files within a matter of minutes.

The types of files that you can sync between your PC and your iPad include music, audiobooks, photos, podcasts, movies, TV shows, books, and more. You can also sync your contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses, your web bookmarks, your applications, and your iTunes U content. You can even sync documents via File Sharing with certain iPad apps.http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386

Now that you are connected it is time to set up syncing between your iPad and your PC. In iTunes select your iPad device under Devices on the left-hand side. Here you will find all of the tabs on which you can change your iPad settings. On the main tab, Summary, you can check for updates to the iPad software or restore to your original settings if you are having trouble with your iPad.http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_User_Guide.pdf To begin setting up syncing click the Info tab.http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386 Check all of the things that you want your iPad to sync when you connect it. You can tell it to sync MobileMe, Contacts, Calendars, Mail Accounts, and Other. There are also Advanced options. From here go to each additional tab, such as Apps or Music, and tell iTunes what files you would like to sync.http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_User_Guide.pdf Once you have finished here you can accept your changes by clicking Apply. From here on your iPad will sync whenever you connect it to your PC.

Clicking Apply will being the syncing process for the first time. On this first time you will be asked whether you want to merge data, replace data on your iPad, or replace data on your computer. Merging data simply mingles any differing data between the iPad and the computer. If you choose to replace data all of your data will replace the information on the PC or on the iPad, depending on which option you choose. Keep in mind that replacing data cannot be undone so be sure to only replace data if you are sure that's what you want. Whatever option you pick will be the setting used each time you connect your iPad unless you manually change the settings at a later date.http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1386

Your iPad is set up to automatically sync with your computer whenever it is connected. However you can change the settings so that you control when and if your iPad syncs. This is especially useful if you are going to connect your iPad to a different PC than you normally would, such as if you are using a friend's computer.

There are two ways to prevent automatic syncing. One changes the settings for your iPad and the other only prevents syncing on a one time basis. To change the settings simply choose Devices from Preferences menu under Edit in iTunes. Click “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically.” This should be done before you plug in your iPad. You can change this back at any time. To prevent syncing just once, without changing settings, open iTunes and connect your iPad to the computer. Then press and hold Shift-Control until the iPad appears in the sidebar. You can then sync it manually by clicking on the iPad device and clicking the Sync button located in the bottom-right corner.http://manuals.info.apple.com/en_US/iPad_User_Guide.pdf